Investment in EX drainage cameras enhances safe working

Lanes Group can offer clients a full CCTV drainage survey service with enhanced standards of safe working in potentially hazardous environments after investing in EX-rated camera technology.

The drainage survey camera systems are designed to be ‘intrinsically safe’ when operated in confined spaces where there is a risk that they could come into contact with potentially-explosive gases.

Industry-standard CCTV drainage camera systems, including crawler cameras and push rod systems, have been proved to have an excellent safety record in confined spaces, including drains, sewer pipes, culverts and chambers.

However, some utility and industrial clients prefer a higher standard of safety, in relation to potentially explosive gases. Some industrial applications have specific risks associated with volatile gases.

The new Proteus EX camera equipment, which include crawler camera and push rod camera systems, are based at the Lanes depots in Preston and Manchester, but can be deployed anywhere in the UK.

Lanes Group CCTV Systems Manager Chris Wilde said: “United Utilities stipulates that all drainage cameras deployed in its underground assets must be EX-rated, so it made sense to base this new equipment in the North West.

“However, their enhanced capabilities mean they have applications in a range of other industries, including power generation, oil and gas rig maintenance, gas pipe maintenance and landfill site management.

“Lanes Group seeks to be a leader in supporting the development and use of the best and safest technology within the drainage industry, which is why we’re pleased to be deploying EX-rated CCTV drainage cameras like this.”

Frank Hamlin, Area Development Manager for the Lanes Preston depot, said: “Having EX-rated CCTV drainage camera systems available shows we’re determined to meet our customers’ precise requirements.

“It also demonstrates we’re serious about responding to concerns about safe working in all environments. We’re expecting to get a lot of interest in the technology from a wide range of customers in the coming months.”

The ‘Zone 2 EX-rated’ drainage camera systems are designed so there is less chance of them generating a spark that could ignite hazardous gases which can gather in underground pipes and chambers.