PYROBAN, a global leader in explosion protection solutions has processed and analyzed the 2003-2007 US National Fire Incident Reporting System data concerning fires in which powered industrial equipment was pinpointed as the heat source responsible for igniting the fire.

Based on a NFPA report called “Industrial Loader and Forklift Fires” by Marty Ahrens, Pyroban Corporation decided to map and make accessible in Google earth all fires in which powered industrial equipment was pinpointed and the heat source responsible for igniting a total of 12,476 fires between 2003 and 2007.

Data can be downloaded per state and equipment type at: http://www.pyroban.us/NFIRS-data.htm

The majority of these fires were caused by hot surfaces found on the powered equipment (56.4%). A distant second heat source was arcing and sparking electrical components (26.3%) followed by, friction (4.6%), backfiring/over speeding (3.6%), static buildup (0.2%) and misc none equipment related sources (10%). Heat sources were specified for 58.9% of the powered industrial equipment related fires listed in the 2003-2007 NFIRS databases.

More detailed information about ignition sources can be found on our website at: http://www.pyroban.us/NFIRS-heatsources.htm

Taking into consideration the results of this analysis and then comparing them to Equipment Protection Levels requirement as specified in UL 583 and UL558 (http://www.pyroban.us/INformation_EPL.htm) make it blatantly obvious that the NFPA 505 and OSHA 1910.178 allowance to use certain UL approved powered industrial equipment type for handling Gas, Vapors, Liquids or operating in Dusty applications needs some reconsideration.

PYROBAN Corp.

590 Bloomfield Ave., #372

Bloomfield, NJ  07003

ph. 973-748-0760

fx. 973-842-0508

e-mail: salesusa@pyroban.com

web: www.pyroban.US

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About Pyroban:

Pyroban is a group of companies providing safety and environmental solutions for electric and internal combustion powered industrial equipment and vehicles to the international market with our principal offices in the UK, France, Holland, China and the United States.

Since 1972, PYROBAN has provided explosion protection safety and environmental solutions to the industry. With continued investment in technology, people and product development, we provide solutions that exceed customer’s expectations. Pyroban’s explosion protection services are divided into three Divisions; Solutions & Consulting, EX - Safe handling and EX - Oil and Gas. Environmental solutions are provided by Pyroban Envirosafe, which offers exhaust emission control solutions and products.

Our teams of highly skilled and experienced people are committed to getting closer to customers to match our products and services with their real needs and expectations. We run our business with strong values and clear policies and objectives to ensure continued growth from customer satisfaction, loyalty and new business.

Today the Pyroban brand is trusted in many different industries, from oil rigs and construction sites to mines and distribution warehouses.