A-Belco Group, Hadar range of ATEX Lighting products

Health and Safety Executive - Safety alert

Issue

This alert is aimed at those using the HDL100, HDL106, HDL 206 or HDL109 series of luminaires, part of the Hadar ATEX range of lighting products.

These products were manufactured by the Hadar Division of the A-Belco Group during the period 2006 - 2016 and are intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Testing of sample products by a Notified Body has identified that they do not meet the required standards for impact resistance and ingress protection or the Essential Health and Safety Requirements of the ATEX Directives (94/9/EC and its replacement 2014/34/EU) based upon the temperature ranges communicated for this range of light fittings. As such they are not considered to comply with the Directive (or the UK implementing Regulations "The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996" (SI 1996-192)).

Consequently, these luminaires may present a source of ignition that could result in a fire or explosion when used in potentially flammable atmospheres identified under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). They may also fail to operate safely or effectively when used in wet or dirty environments.  

Action required

Where HDL100, HDL106, HDL206 and HDL109 luminaires are installed in accordance with hazardous zones identified by a DSEAR risk assessment, it is recommended that an inspection in accordance with BS EN 60079-17 is completed. Particular attention should be paid to the following:

1. Signs of moisture or condensation within the housing beyond allowable limits of the standard.
2. Defects in the outer cover, for example; deformation, cracking, crazing or degradation.

It is recommended that any defective luminaires be replaced with products conforming to the requirements of the ATEX Directive and with the required level of protection for the hazardous zone identified under DSEAR.  Non-defective luminaires should continue to be regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with BS EN 60079-17 to ensure they are safe for continued use.

For areas not classified as hazardous by a DSEAR risk assessment, where luminaires have been selected as a result of their ingress protection rating and/or provide a safety function, they should be inspected, paying particular attention to points a. and b. above and an assessment made as to whether they are safe for continued use.

Relevant legal documents

The relevant legal requirements are:

1. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
2. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
3. Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
4. The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996
5. (Note: the 1996 Regulations have been replaced by The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016, which implement the 2014 ATEX Directive; these Regulations apply to products supplied on or after 8 December 2016)

Further information

Any queries relating to this safety alert should be addressed to:

Health and Safety Executive
Operational Strategy Team
Local Authority and Safety Unit
Redgrave Court
Merton Road
Bootle
Merseyside
L20 7HS