QUESTION 1:
What is the difference between an EX-rated and an EE-rated truck?
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ANSWER: By definition, an EX-rated truck must use construction technique's that reduce
the risk of fire or explosion. In laymen's terms, these construction techniques typically
involve rigid metal conduit or mineral insulated cable for all wiring; intrinsically safe
electrical circuits; static conductive tires; brass or aluminum around the chassis and forks
to protect against mechanical sparks; and explosion proof boxes for all electrical components.
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QUESTION 2:
What is a hazardous location?
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ANSWER: Classifications of hazardous location are based on the following criteria: The possible
presence of an explosive atmosphere such as flammable gases, vapors, or liquids (Class I), combustible
dust (Class II) or ignitable fibers & flyings (Class III) The likelihood that the explosive atmosphere
is present when equipment is operating. The ignition-related properties of the explosive atmosphere that
is present.
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QUESTION 3:
Can a lift truck manufacture classify a hazardous area?
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ANSWER: NO. According to the NFPA 505 paragraph 1-5.1, "The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall determine
the hazard classification for any specific location as defined in NFPA 70, National Electric Code. The
location shall be classified prior to considering the use of industrial trucks therein.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction is used in NFPA documents in a broad manner, since jurisdictions and
approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities. The AHJ may be a federal, state, local or other
regional department or individual such as a fire chief, fire marshal, labor department, building official,
electrical inspector or others having statutory authority. In many circumstances, the property owner or his
designated agent assumes the role of the authority having jurisdiction.
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QUESTION 4:
Can powered industrial trucks be used in Class I, Group C, Division 1 hazardous areas?
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ANSWER: No. The NFPA-505 (1999 Edition) titled "Fire Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks", specifically
prohibits the use of any powered industrial trucks in Class I, Group C areas as detailed in paragraph 1-6.1
1-6.1 Class I, Division 1, Groups A,B,C. Powered-operated industrial trucks shall not be permitted to be used in
such locations. For examples of chemicals whose vapors, if mixed in air, are classified as Class I, Groups A, B,
or C, see Section 500-5 of NFPA 70, National Electric Code, and A-1-6.1 of this standard.
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QUESTION 5:
What is a NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory)?
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ANSWER: An NRTL is an organization that OSHA has "recognized" as meeting the legal requirements in OSHA 1910.7.
A "NRTL" determines that specific equipment and materials ("products") meet consensus-based standards of safety
to provide the assurance, required by OSHA, and that these products are safe for use in the U.S. workplace.
As a result, OSHA can accept products "properly certified" by the NRTL. "Properly certified" generally means:
The product is labeled or marked with the registered certification mark of the NRTL. The NRTL issues the
certification for a product covered within the scope of a test standard for which OSHA has recognized it,
and the NRTL issues the certification from one of its locations.
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QUESTION 6:
Who does OSHA recognize as a NRTL for explosion proof equipment?
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ANSWER: Under OSHA Subpart S of 29 CFR Part 1910, the following NRTL are the only ones OSHA recognizes as being
able to approve lift trucks:
Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC)
1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike
Norwood, Massachusetts 02062
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. (Formerly ETL)
3933 U.S. Route 11
Cortland, New York 13045
TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc.
12 Commerce Road
Newtown, Connecticut 06470
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
See the OSHA web pages for information on each NRTL's scope of recognition, or contact OSHA at
http://www.osha-slc.gov/dts/otpca/nrtl/index.html
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QUESTION 7:
Can standard electrical switches be used on explosion proof trucks?
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ANSWER: Yes. Through the use of intrinsically safe circuits standard off the shelve electrical switches can be
used in hazardous areas.
By definition, intrinsic safety is an explosion protection technique applied to electrical equipment and wiring
intended for installation in hazardous locations. The technique is based upon limiting both electrical and thermal
energy to levels which are incapable of igniting a hazardous mixture which is present in its' most easily ignitable
concentration.
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