Safeguarding Cold Storage Facility in Grimsby
A cold storage facility in Grimsby required Ex-rated emergency lighting for its ammonia plant room. Ben Wood Group was appointed to deliver the project and turned to Raytec, confident in its range of luminaires, which offer emergency backup, modular design, and ease of installation. Let’s explore the challenges and solutions for this project:
Challenges
- Hazardous area
Ammonia is an extremely toxic chemical used primarily for fertilisers but also widely in cleaning products. With the presence of ammonia, which is both toxic and flammable, the plant room is classified as a hazardous area. To minimise the risk of an explosion, all equipment installed, including lighting, needed to be Ex-rated and certified for use in such environments. - Emergency backup
The facility required reliable emergency lighting mounted over several fire exit points. Given the critical nature of these escape routes, dependable emergency backup was essential to ensure occupant safety at all times. - Visual appeal
In addition to performance, the customer needed a luminaire that could deliver high-quality lighting without introducing bulky or visually intrusive fixtures, ensuring the lighting complemented the facility’s interior while working within space constraints. - Ease of installation
A straightforward installation and commissioning process was also a key requirement, helping to reduce time on site and minimise disruption.
Solutions
Raytec supplied x5 SPARTAN Bulkhead BL24 luminaires, complete with emergency exit sign kits, to clearly mark and illuminate fire exit routes. The solution addressed every challenge:
- Hazardous area
Raytec specialises in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area luminaires, certified to ATEX, IECEx, and North American standards. Manufactured from marine-grade aluminium with stainless steel bracketry and fastenings, the SPARTAN Bulkhead is built to withstand the most extreme environments. The luminaires typically feature high IP ratings, most commonly IP66 and IP67, signifying excellent protection against dust and water. - Emergency backup
Hazardous areas are often located within high-risk environments, such as an offshore oil rig, which could mean unpredictable power sources that lead to more frequent power outages. Emergency lighting plays a crucial role in providing safe manoeuvrability within the workplace. Each SPARTAN luminaire features an integrated intelligent self-test system that continuously monitors battery health and communicates status via a tri-colour LED indicator.
- Visual appeal
The low-profile, modern design offered a clean and unobtrusive aesthetic, ideal for restricted spaces while still delivering industry-leading light performance. - Ease of installation
The Bulkhead’s modular design enables quick, simple installation and maintenance. Power supply units and control gear can be accessed from the front, enabling maintenance to be carried out while the luminaire remains in situ. As this was a new exit lighting installation within an existing, operational site, the ease of installation helped reduce downtime for both installers and the end user.
Why Raytec
Ben Wood Group provided extremely positive feedback on the overall experience, highlighting the product quality, durability, and ease of use:
There’s not just one singular reason for us choosing Raytec, but many. From ordering the fittings to completing the commissioning process on site, Raytec made the whole process quick and easy. The light fittings they produce are second to none. Raytec has completely transformed the hazardous area lighting space for us. The illumination quality is fantastic, and the build feels exceptional. Installation was straightforward, and the addition of the lights has significantly improved the clarity and visibility of the fire escape points. We highly recommend Raytec’s products for anyone serious about safety and visibility.Jake Topley, Ben Wood Group
About Ben Wood Group
Ben Wood Group Ltd is a Midlands-based industrial electrical contractor supporting customers nationwide. They work across a wide range of industries, from cold storage facilities to glass factories and everything in between.
The company is fully accredited, holding ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, and is a NICEIC Approved Contractor and member of the Safe Contractor Scheme. Their team includes CompEx-certified engineers, qualified in Ex 01–04 (gas) and Ex 05–06 (dust).