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Frequently Asked Questions

Is an explosion proof / dust ignition proof vacuum cleaner, electrically operated or pneumatically (air) operated, used in explosive atmospheres meant to be "intrinsically safe"?

NO OF COURSE NOT.

"intrinsically safe" and "instrinsic safety" are terms used for electronic equipment operating in explosive atmospheres.

This concept was developed for safe operation of process control instrumentation in hazardous areas, particularly in the petrochemical industry.

Does an explosion proof vacuum cleaner need to be certified by OSHA?

OSHA does not certify, or approve, any vacuum cleaner.  Only a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) has the authority to certify vacuum cleaners as per NFPA, UL and CSA standards in conformance with national electrical codes (NEC and CEC).

Does a vacuum cleaner need to be explosion proof in order to recover asbestos, lead, silica or any other designated substances?

NO.  You would only need to use an explosion proof vacuum cleaner if the asbestos, lead, silica or any other designated substances are located inside of a classified hazardous location.  The material itself is not explosive, however, the atmosphere is.

Why can a pneumatic (air) operated vacuum cleaner not be intrinsically safe?

I already answered this question. Please see the definition of intrinsically safe below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrinsic_safety

It is clear that pneumatic (air) operated vacuum cleaners are not concerned by this definition. It concerns only electronic equipment.

 

 

If you would like to submit a question, please send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Website FAQ”.  No names will be referenced and all questions will remain anonymous.

If you would like to submit a question, please send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Website FAQ”.  No names will be referenced and all questions will remain anonymous.

Welcome to Tiger-Vac's ATEX Zone 22 Resource Center

This page has been set up on Tiger-Vac's web site to provide information to existing and prospective customers, engineers and so forth, about the use of vacuum cleaners in potentially explosive or hazardous atmospheres.

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