Yale Yalelift 360 ATEX Hand Chain Hoist

Model Yalelift 360 ATEX | Capacity 500 kg – 20,000 kg | ATEX II 2 GD C IIC T4 | Zone 1 / Zone 21 | Spark-Resistant Construction | CE & UKCA Marked

The Yale Yalelift 360 ATEX is the explosion-protected variant of the Yalelift 360 range, certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres under EU Directive 2014/34/EU. Built on the same proven Yalelift 360 chassis with its patented 360° rotating hand chain guide, the ATEX version adds spark-resistant components and certified explosion-protection construction for applications in oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, paint shops, waste treatment, food processing, agricultural biogas plants, wood and metal processing, and recycling facilities. The hoist is marked ATEX II 2 GD C IIC T4, making it suitable for Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust) hazardous areas with gas group IIC (including hydrogen and acetylene atmospheres) and a temperature class of T4 (135 °C maximum surface temperature). The Yalelift 360 ATEX is supplied with the MKS micro corrosion protection system, a two-coat surface treatment combining Delta-Protekt® KL100 basecoat (an inorganic, layer-forming zinc/aluminium barrier providing cathodic protection) with Delta Seal® topcoat (an organic, chemical-resistant microcrystalline topcoat) for the highest level of corrosion resistance in harsh industrial environments.

Technical Specifications

Specifications quoted are for MEDIUM design at standard 3 m Height of Lift. Yalelift 360 ATEX is available in three design levels: LOW (basic ATEX protection), MEDIUM (copper-coated suspension and load hooks for additional spark-resistance), and HIGH (copper-coated hooks plus stainless steel load chain, supplied with reduced capacities). For HIGH design specification and de-rated capacities, contact our team before ordering. The 20,000 kg model requires two operators on the hand chain.

Key Features

• ATEX II 2 GD C IIC T4 certified: Suitable for Zone 1 gas and Zone 21 dust atmospheres, gas group IIC (the most demanding category, including hydrogen, acetylene, and carbon disulphide), with maximum surface temperature T4 (135 °C).
• Spark-resistant construction: Designed with materials and coatings selected to eliminate spark generation from impact or friction during normal operation.
• Copper-coated suspension and load hooks (MEDIUM design and higher): Soft copper coating prevents spark generation if hooks contact ferrous structures.
• Stainless steel load chain (HIGH design): Optional upgrade for the most demanding ATEX applications, capacities are de-rated when supplied in HIGH design.
• MKS micro corrosion protection system: Two-coat treatment combining Delta-Protekt® KL100 basecoat (zinc/aluminium flake cathodic protection) and Delta Seal® topcoat (chemical-resistant microcrystalline finish), providing the highest level of corrosion resistance for offshore, chemical and harsh industrial atmospheres.
• Patented 360° rotating hand chain guide: Inherited from the standard Yalelift 360, operator can apply force from any angle, keeping clear of the load path.
• Quiet, pawl-free Weston brake: Quiet operation, improved serviceability, no ratchet pawl wear.
• Drop-forged hooks that yield under overload: Both top and bottom hooks rotate 360°, fitted with robust safety latches.
• Enclosed stamped steel housing: Four stay-bolt construction protects internal components.
• Easily converted to Yalelift IT ATEX: Same chassis adapts to integrated push (ITP ATEX) or geared (ITG ATEX) trolley range.
• Compliant with EU Directives 2014/34/EU and 99/92/EC: Full ATEX compliance for European explosive atmosphere applications.

Suitable Applications

The Yalelift 360 ATEX is designed for industries where combustible gases, vapours, dusts, or mists may create explosive atmospheres. Typical applications include: oil and gas (refineries, drilling, offshore platforms); chemical processing (mixers, reactors, distillation columns, solvent handling); pharmaceutical manufacturing (alcohol-based solvents, dust-handling applications); paint and coating shops (overspray, solvent vapours); waste management and treatment (fermentation gas, biogas plants); food processing (grain dust, sugar dust, flour mills); agricultural biogas plants; wood processing (sawdust); metal processing (light metal dusts); recycling (paper dust, plastic dust, residual hydrocarbons); and gas distribution. The MKS coating system additionally protects against corrosion in offshore, marine, and aggressive chemical atmospheres.

How to Use the Yale Yalelift 360 ATEX Hand Chain Hoist

1. Verify the ATEX zone classification: Confirm the hoist's ATEX marking (II 2 GD C IIC T4) is suitable for the zone, gas group, and temperature class of the work area. Reference the site's hazardous area classification (HAC) document.
2. Mount the hoist on a rated structure: Suspend from an anchor point rated for the WLL plus safety factor. Engage the top hook safety latch fully.
3. Position the 360° hand chain cover: Rotate to give safest operator access, clear of the load path.
4. Pre-use inspection: Visually check load chain, hooks (latches operational, no wear), housing, hand chain, MKS coating (no visible damage), and copper hook coating where applicable.
5. Engage the load: Attach using appropriate ATEX-rated lifting accessories. Ensure safety latch closes fully.
6. Operate by pulling the hand chain: Steady, controlled pull. Hand chain pull at WLL ranges from 21 daN (500 kg) up to 44 daN (10 t).
7. Two-operator operation for 20-tonne: The Yalelift 360 ATEX 20,000 kg requires two operators (2 × 44 daN). Coordinate clearly.
8. Brake holds position automatically: Released hand chain locks the load, no operator action needed.
9. Avoid impact: Do not drop, strike, or impact the hoist, preserves the integrity of the spark-resistant construction and MKS coating.

Warning: Yale hoists and trolleys are not designed for passenger elevation applications and must not be used for this purpose. Never use the hoist in zones, gas groups, or temperature classes exceeding the ATEX marking. Never repaint or recoat the hoist without manufacturer approval, this can compromise ATEX certification.

Safety Information

• Verify the hoist's ATEX marking matches or exceeds the zone classification of the work area before each use.
• Visual pre-use inspection must include the integrity of the MKS coating and copper hook coating, coating damage may compromise spark-resistance.
• Never exceed the Working Load Limit. HIGH design models are supplied with de-rated capacities, verify the rated capacity on the hoist data plate.
• The 20,000 kg model requires two operators on the hand chain at WLL.
• Use only ATEX-rated lifting accessories (shackles, slings, chains) appropriate to the zone classification.
• Do not modify, repaint, or recoat any part of the hoist without written manufacturer approval, modifications may invalidate ATEX certification.
• Damaged hoists must be removed from service immediately and inspected by an authorised competent person before return to service.
• Standard hoist temperature range: -20 °C to +50 °C. For applications below -20 °C, consult manufacturer.
• LOLER 1998 thorough examination required every 12 months by a competent person.
• The hoist must be inspected after any impact, drop, or exposure to chemical attack that may have compromised coating integrity.

Inspection and Maintenance

The Yalelift 360 ATEX requires the same routine maintenance as the standard Yalelift 360, with additional attention to coating integrity. Lubricate the load chain regularly with an ATEX-compatible lubricant suitable for Grade T/V alloy chain (standard models) or stainless steel chain (HIGH design). The MKS coating system is robust under normal use but must be visually inspected during each LOLER examination, any chip, scratch, or wear-through to bare metal must be assessed by a competent person. Damaged coating may require manufacturer repair to maintain ATEX certification. WOLFF Onsite provides full ATEX-compliant inspection, spare parts and overhaul services, contact our team for details.

Optional Accessories

• HIGH design upgrade: Copper-coated hooks plus stainless steel load chain for the most demanding ATEX applications. Supplied with de-rated capacities.
• Adjustable overload protection device: Factory-fitted slip-clutch overload limiter, ATEX compliant.
• Chain container: ATEX-compatible chain container sized to match each capacity.
• Extended Height of Lift (HOL): Standard 3 m HOL, extended lengths available on request.
• Conversion to Yalelift IT ATEX: Field upgrade to integrated push (ITP ATEX) or geared (ITG ATEX) trolley.

Downloads

• Yalelift 360 Standard Datasheet (EN, 2024), mechanical specifications shared with ATEX variant (PDF, 3.9 MB)

Frequently Asked Questions