Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Iraq’s Ministry of Oil is preparing to introduce a fleet of 20 German-manufactured forklifts equipped with specialised explosion-protection systems for use in the country’s oil and gas industry, according to Plant & Equipment.

Linde Material Handling provided the H50/600D diesel-powered forklifts, each of which has a maximum lifting capability of five tons.

The forklifts are being modified in Italy before being sent to Iraq.

Miretti, an Italian industrial safety expert, has been tasked with modifying the equipment for use in places where combustible compounds pose heightened safety threats.

The forklifts are being modified to meet ATEX 2GD requirements, which encompass industrial situations defined as Zone 1 (possibly explosive gas atmospheres) and Zone 21 (combustible dust).

The upgrades include increased protection for essential components as well as changes to the cars’ operating systems to lessen the chance of sparks, excessive heat, and other ignition dangers.

Such precautions are especially crucial in oil and gas operations, where equipment must fulfill stringent safety standards while working near potentially combustible chemicals.

The delivery package also includes spare parts to facilitate service and maintenance once the forklifts are operational.

Plant & Equipment mentioned that production and safety modifications are still in place, with the equipment being prepped for deployment in Iraq’s petroleum industry.

The procurement is planned to provide the Ministry of Oil with more material-handling capability appropriate for hazardous industrial sites.