Investigation of explosions in a number of Ex-certified handlamps and an examination of relevant safety standards

Over a period of less than two years five handlamps of the same type have exploded. In each case the front end of the lamp blew off, fortunately injuring no one and causing little damage. The handlamps were properly manufactured and correctly certified to UK and European Standards that indicated that they were safe for use in flammable atmospheres (including hydrogen). The authors describe the incidents and their investigation. They also discuss some of the constructional requirements of the standards and how they relate to these incidents.<>