Back to News >

The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued a product recall for a pneumatic fan that has been incorrectly and unsafely sold as “explosion proof”.

The product may not be safe for use in potentially explosive or flammable atmospheres as there is no evidence it has been subject to the appropriate conformity assessment, the Trading Standards website says.

SERIOUS RISK
The ‘Powerstar Electricals BTF Series Explosion Proof Axial Flow Fan’ originates from China and was sold in the UK as suitable for use in hazardous areas and explosive atmosphere environments – the fan was available in 10″, 12″, 14″, 16″, 18″ and 20″ diameters. This product poses a “Serious” level of risk if used in potentially explosive or flammable atmospheres.

The fan has been assessed as presenting a serious risk of harm as it has the potential to act as an ignition source in a flammable atmosphere, which could lead to fire and explosion.

The range of fans have not been subject to an appropriate conformity assessment and do not bear any of the required markings from an ATEX Notified Body. The products do not meet the requirements of the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016 (ATEX), the Office for Product Safety and Standards website says.

The products have been withdrawn from sale and recalled from all known end-users and customers. Any customers who bought one of the products is being recommended to stop using these products in environments where a flammable or explosive atmosphere could form. The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards advise customers should contact their distributor to request redress.

Here is a copy of the Safety Report – this Product Safety Report 46 was published on 19th November 2021 and the original version is available to download here – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1036212/Product_Safety_Report_19_11_2021_-_Week_46.pdf

Product Powerstar Electricals BTF Series Explosion Proof Axial Flow Fan
Alert Number 2111-0107
Product Type Pneumatic fan intended for use in explosive atmospheres
Product Identifiers Powerstar Electricals BTF Series Explosion Proof Axial Flow Fan
Product Description Pneumatic portable axial flow fan with AC electric motor – was sold as suitable for use in high-hazard environments
Country Of Origin China
Counterfeit Not Counterfeit
Risk Level SERIOUS
Risk Type The product may not be safe for use in potentially explosive or flammable atmospheres as there is no evidence it has been subject to the appropriate conformity assessment
Risk Description This product has been assessed as presenting a serious risk of harm as it has the potential to act as an ignition source in a flammable atmosphere, which could lead to fire and explosion. The product has not been subject to an appropriate conformity assessment and does not bear any of the required markings. The products do not meet the requirements of The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016 (ATEX).
Corrective Measures The products have been withdrawn from sale and recalled from all known customers. We recommend customers stop using these products in environments where a flammable or explosive atmosphere could form. Customers should contact their distributor to request redress.
Notifier HSE

Powerstar Electricals BTF | Withdrawn and Recalled – should you require impartial technical support regarding ATEX Certification requirements for products on your project, process or facility please do not hesitate to contact us.

THORNE & DERRICK
COMPLIANCE COMMITMENT
EXPERTS IN EQUIPMENT FOR EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES
Thorne & Derrick and their world-class supply chain of manufacturers are committed to providing compliant explosion proof products to provide safe Power, Lighting, Heating & Ventilation to the hazardous area industries – additionally our team of Sales Engineers are CompEx Foundation course certified and attend regular product training with manufacturers.

We are leaders in the development and distribution of Product Innovations with ATEX-UKCA & IECEx Compliance that deliver significant improvements to clients plant, people and operational safety in the explosive atmosphere industries. Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas.

External URL: https://www.heatingandprocess.com/explosionproof-fans/