Explosion-Proof Aerial Lifts: Features and Applications

Explosion-proof aerial lifts are specialized machinery developed to help workers perform tasks in hazardous workspaces where flammable gases or dust could be present. These lifts are used on job sites with multiple environmental threats that need to be carefully dealt with to ensure the safety of the workers.

Unlike regular lifts, ladders, or cranes, explosion-proof lifts are made with safety features that prevent sparks from forming, which could cause explosions. They are used in many industries, such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and mining. These industries need their workers to perform tasks at elevated heights without compromising on safety in a highly sensitive environment. 

Explosion-proof lifts are a crucial piece of industrial equipment because of their ability to offer the same standard functionality as normal lifting solutions and meet strict safety rules and regulations. This makes them a vital tool in dangerous work environments. 

Applications of Explosion-Proof Aerial Lifts

Explosion-proof aerial lifts are commonly used in industries where the prevention of work-related calamities is the top priority. These include the oil and gas sector, chemical plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, mining operations, and even some food processing facilities that use heat for tasks like sterilization.

Bailey Cranes is an industrial components manufacturing business based in Muskego, Wisconsin. They specialize in developing next-generation explosion-proof lifts and several other variants of lifts. Bailey Cranes is credited with developing the original EX series explosion-proof lifts back in 2002.

They have a long history of building custom Aerial Work Platforms for a variety of industries. The backbone of their expertise is extensive standards involvement, including past committee memberships such as ANSI A92.5, ANSI A92.6, NFPA 505, and UL 583.

The Ex-lifts made by Bailey Cranes consist of several features and applications:

• In workspaces with potentially fatal risks, workers are often required to do maintenance work, inspections of components, equipment installation, or even repairs of faulty equipment at an elevated platform. Making use of explosion-proof lifts ensures that these tasks can be carried out safely without the risk of fire or explosion. 
• Besides offering better protection, these lifts also provide better access and work stability, in comparison to traditional scaffolding and lifting equipment.
• They also help reduce downtime by allowing quick and secure movement in restricted or high-risk zones.

Different Variants of Explosion-Proof Aerial Lifts

There are several types of explosion-proof aerial lifts, each designed for specific tasks and work environments. 

1. Explosion-Proof Boom Lifts

There are three primary variants of Ex-lifts: articulating booms, telescopic booms, and vertical booms. Each type has been specially designed by Bailey Cranes to fit the needs of a harsh work environment while maintaining speed and efficiency of work. 

 Ex boom lifts created by Bailey Cranes are far more advanced than any of their competitors, due to the modern and low-maintenance design.

• In comparison to competitors who still rely on outdated hydraulic joysticks that work using dozens of hoses and fittings, potentially creating a high risk of leaks, Bailey Cranes uses an advanced electric system that has proven more efficient and reliable.
• The lifts also have a clear battery condition indicator on the platform itself, like green for high, yellow for medium, and red for low-charge batteries, which makes it easy to read the battery condition. Other company designs indicate a location where it’s only visible at the ground level. This could cause major problems during critical tasks like painting. 
• Additionally, Bailey Cranes meets the latest safety standards, including upgraded shielded cabling and anti-spark wheel covers. 
• Their enhanced motor system ensures smoother operation and longer machine life, while competitors continue using older systems that can lead to uneven battery usage and performance issues. 

Features and variants of Ex-boom lifts:

1. Ex Articulating Booms:

These lifts offer flexible reach and are ideal for working around obstacles. They include the Soft Touch System, designed to protect nearby surfaces and increase the machine’s adaptability. A Bump Halo safety feature surrounds the platform, helping prevent accidental contact. Additional accessories like portable explosion-proof LED lights with clamps are available, providing safe lighting in hazardous spaces. These lights are built for durability and high visibility, making them suitable for various industrial uses.

2. Ex Telescopic Booms:

They are built for extended vertical and horizontal reach, and this variant comes equipped with an advanced motor management system for smooth operation and longer equipment life. They meet the latest electrical and safety standards, including shielded cables and anti-spark wheel covers. The optional Fall Arrest System enhances worker safety by allowing safe movement between the lift and nearby structures while maintaining secure tie-off points.

3. Ex Vertical Booms:

These compact lifts are ideal for tight spaces and offer full compliance with the latest safety certifications. Like the articulating models, they can be equipped with the Soft Touch System and Bump Halo for added protection. They also support portable explosion-proof lights and protective covers to guard against paint overspray, making them highly suitable for sensitive and confined work areas.

Each variant is thoughtfully designed to combine safety, performance, and adaptability, making them a reliable choice for work in hazardous environments.

3. Explosion-Proof Scissor Lifts:

Explosion-proof scissor lifts are lifting platforms created to operate in harmful and risky environments where flammable gases or combustible vapours may be present. The scissor lift has a surface that moves straight up and down and is supported by crisscrossing metal bands. This mechanism makes up for a stable base that’s ideal for tasks that require workers to stay at elevated heights for a long period. 

Ex-scissor lifts designed and manufactured by Bailey Cranes comply with strict safety regulations and offer several advanced features that cater to many different industries. 

Features of the EX scissor lifts: 

• These explosion-proof scissor lifts comply with the NFPA/NEC 70 electrical safety standards and include updated requirements for special shielded cabling.
• Unlike competitor models that still use non-compliant SOOW rubber-shielded cables, Bailey’s lifts ensure full regulatory compliance, reducing liability in the event of an incident. 
• These lifts feature an operator-friendly battery condition indicator placed on the platform itself, ensuring the operator is aware of battery status at all times. 
• The enhanced motor management system offers better control, longer component life, and smoother operation, especially under low battery conditions. This is an area where competitor models struggle. 
• In case of a control issue, Bailey’s system can be repaired in minutes, unlike other brands that require crane-assisted removal and bench disassembly. 

Overall, there are multiple ways in which Ex lifts can be put to use. These lifts are guarded and well-made machines that will offer users ease of use. Using these lifts could prevent mishaps in a risky work environment.

Conclusion

Explosion proof aerial lifts play an essential role in maintaining a safe working environment to optimize operations in varied industries such as chemical plants, paint industries, and oil refineries. 

Whether it’s a scissor lift that provides a stable vertical reach or a boom lift designed for more flexible access, these lifting solutions must meet the highest safety standards. Features like platform-mounted battery indicators and enhanced motor management systems help operators stay informed and maintain full control during critical tasks. 

Bailey Cranes’ explosion-proof models stand out from its competitors due to our strict compliance with updated safety regulations and the ease of use and maintenance. The lifts are specially built with an operator-focused design. Choosing Bailey Cranes means investing in equipment that prioritizes both worker safety and operational efficiency, which is essential in any high-risk industrial setting.

Each of these lifts is specially built with safety features to prevent any risk of sparks or heat that could cause an explosion. Depending on the job and the layout of the workspace, companies can choose the type of lift that offers the best combination of reach, stability, and safety.

Contact Bailey Cranes for help choosing the ideal explosion-proof lift that will meet the safety standards of various industries. We will ensure that any variant of ex-lift you choose complies with the highest safety standards. 

To learn more about our lifting solutions, contact Bailey Cranes at 262-710-4028 or email us at sales@baileycranes.com. We have an experienced team of professionals who will guide you to make the appropriate choice of an explosion-proof lift.