Safe to use in hazardous zones 1 and 2, the lamps put out up to 9000 lumens, more than the combined output of 700 torches.

From a common turbo-alternator, the new Turbolites can be configured as a floodlight or spotlight or for all-round lighting by attaching different heads.

The company said this meant the Turbolite would prove invaluable for any environment with wet conditions or where the presence of explosive gases precluded the use of electric-powered or heat-generating light sources.

Spark-prevention is assured by housing the lights and safety hooks in cast brass and nickel plating all external parts. Whyte-Hall said Turbolite operation is completely safe in hazard zones 1 and 2, provided the Turbolite is powered by a clean dry compressed air supply via an anti-static hose.

Customers can choose between two types of 24 volt, 250 watt tungsten halogen bulbs. One delivers 6000 lumens for 2000 hours, the other 9000 lumens for 200 hours.

The Turbolite’s other safety features include an effectively pressurised and purged system, protective air from the exhaust ports, instant cut-off if the lens is broken and cooling of heat generating components. It weighs 7.9kg in its all-round lighting configuration and consumes 0.9m3/min of air at 400-800kPa.