Explosion-proof lifts and regular cranes are essential equipment used across various industries to safely handle and lift workers and heavy materials. Explosion-proof lifts are specifically built to operate in environments where there is a risk of fire or explosion due to the presence of flammable chemicals or dust.

These lifts are commonly used in sectors such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and construction, where safety and precision are critical. On the other hand, regular cranes are widely used for lifting and moving heavy loads in construction sites, manufacturing plants, and infrastructure projects.

Several variants of explosion-proof cranes are available based on their specifications and the type of work they’ll be used for. Although both types of equipment play a vital role in maintaining operations in work environments, explosion-proof aerial lifts are built with advanced technical features that help workers across various industries safely perform tasks at elevated heights.

Bailey Cranes, a veteran-owned small business based in Muskego, Wisconsin, specialises in manufacturing several different types of lifts and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) for a variety of industrial purposes. The company has earned the trust of notable organisations, including NASA and Lockheed Martin, due to its high-quality cranes and lifts, such as explosion-proof aerial lifts, that are used to enhance industrial operations.

Key Differences between Explosion-Proof Lifts and Regular Cranes

There are several key differences between explosion-proof lifts and regular cranes in terms of their structure, types, and use.

1. Explosion-Proof Lifts

a). Basic Structure:

Explosion-proof aerial lifts by Bailey Cranes are carefully designed with an advanced structure that focuses on both safety and functionality. Its core components include a stable platform for workers or materials, a lifting mechanism that allows vertical or angled movement, and a secure base that ensures balance during operation. Safety features such as battery condition indicators, anti-spark components, and durable wheel covers are integrated into the design to ensure secure operation at all times. This structure ensures that the lift remains reliable, even in high-risk industrial settings.

b). Types:

Bailey Cranes offers two main variants of explosion-proof aerial lifts, scissor lifts and boom lifts. EX boom lifts include articulating booms, telescopic booms, and vertical booms.  Each of these lifts is built for specific needs in hazardous work environments. The articulating boom lifts feature a flexible design for operating around obstacles and include safety elements like the bump halo and soft touch system. The telescopic boom lifts provide extended vertical and horizontal reach and are equipped with a fall arrest system. The vertical boom lifts are compact and are ideal for tight spaces. Vertical boom lifts also include protective features such as anti-spark components.

The other variant, scissor lifts, 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. These lifts also feature an operator-friendly battery condition indicator placed on the platform.

c). Use and Applications:

Explosion-proof aerial lifts by Bailey Cranes are designed for use in high-risk areas where standard equipment like traditional cranes cannot be safely operated, such as in oil refineries, chemical plants, and construction sites handling flammable materials. These lifts allow workers to carry out essential tasks like maintenance, inspections, and equipment installations at elevated heights without the risk of sparks leading to explosions. Their advanced safety features, such as anti-spark components and platform-mounted battery indicators, make them suitable for environments where worker protection is critical.

ModelPlatform heightPlatform capacityTechnical featuresEX Articulating Booms86 ft  or 26.21m
500 lbs or  227 kgBump Halo safety featureEX Telescopic Booms86 ft or 26.21 m
1,000 lbs or 454 kgFall Arrest SystemEX Vertical Booms25 ft or 7.62 m350 lbs or 160 kgSoft Touch SystemEX- Scissor Lifts59 ft or 17.98 m1,500 lbs or 680 kgPlatform Battery Condition Indicator

2. Regular Cranes

Regular industrial cranes have a basic structure that includes a platform for lifting and a motor to move loads. These cranes are mainly used for simple tasks like lifting heavy equipment or moving materials from one spot to another in a controlled environment. While they are useful for general work, they lack the advanced safety features needed for high-risk areas. Regular cranes are not built to prevent sparks or handle flammable surroundings, which makes them unsuitable for industries like chemical plants or oil refineries.

Replace your outdated traditional cranes with advanced explosion-proof cranes that can help workers complete tasks with precision and safety, in a wide range of hazardous environments.

How to Choose The Right Explosion-Proof or Regular Crane Catering to Your Needs?

Although choosing a traditional crane can help in moving and handling equipment, the right type of ex-proof cranes can help avoid equipment failure, ensure worker safety and help comply with industry safety standards.

• The most important factor to consider while selecting regular cranes or explosion-proof lifts is the environment in which the equipment will be used. Explosion-proof cranes or flame-proof cranes are designed for hazardous areas where there is a risk of fire or explosion due to flammable gases or chemicals. In such settings, using regular cranes could lead to serious accidents.
• On the other hand, regular cranes are suitable for standard industrial or construction environments where such risks are not present.
• Other factors to consider include the weight and size of the materials to be moved, the height and reach required, and the frequency of use.

Choosing the right type of explosion-proof or regular crane is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and smooth operations.

Conclusion

Explosion-proof aerial lifts are therefore used across a wide range of industries that deal with flammable gases or chemicals, such as construction sites and chemical manufacturing plants. These types of lifts offer safe and dependable performance where regular cranes cannot be trusted. While regular cranes are commonly used for lifting and moving materials, they are not designed to offer the same level of protection or reliability in high-risk environments.

With cutting-edge features like anti-spark components and enhanced motor systems, choosing Bailey Cranes’ explosion-proof lifts is clearly the smarter choice in terms of selecting from the most advanced explosion-proof crane manufacturers.

Bailey Cranes offers a wide range of premium-quality explosion-proof aerial lifts across many categories like explosion-proof boom lifts and EX scissor lifts, that are built with precision, performance and protection in mind.

Contact Bailey Cranes today to choose the best type of explosion-proof cranes that will reduce hazards, improve operational efficiency, and ensure worker safety.

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