GB2535203A

GB2535203A - Habitat

Info

Publication number: GB2535203A
Application number: GB1502361.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Garden Ian
Original assignee: HASS247 Ltd
Current assignee: HASS247 Ltd
Priority date: 2015-02-12
Filing date: 2015-02-12
Publication date: 2016-08-17
Also published as: GB201502361D0

Abstract

The habitat 10 comprises a frame 12, and first and second panels 21, 22 each having an edge, the edges being aligned, and each edge having two flaps 25b, 25d, 27b, 27d which form throats 28a, 29a between which are received a connecting member 26 which contacts both flaps on each panel and connects the panels. The connecting member and flaps may have hooks and loops. The panels may be flexible, anti-static, fire resistant, or of a rubber coated E-glass cloth. The connecting member may be cross-shaped and also connect the flaps of third and fourth panels. The habitat may comprise weights, a collapsible door, and an emergency escape panel. Also claimed are methods of using the habitat in a hazardous area and on an offshore facility. Also claimed are a habitat with weights and a habitat with a door of flexible material. Also claimed are a panel with four edges and two flaps forming a throat on each edge, and a panel comprising an aperture for receiving pipework.

Description

Habitat This invention relates to a habitat for working in a hazardous area environment where there is a risk of fire through the ignition of gas, chemicals and fluids, for example on an offshore facility.

Different areas of an offshore (or other) facility are designated into zones, representing the degree of risk from combustible gases etc. From time to time hazardous work, such as welding or grinding, needs to be performed in a hazardous environment.

In order to mitigate the risk of such gases being ignited by the hot work, a habitat may be constructed around the area to be worked on. The habitat is typically a modular structure comprising a scaffold-like frame and panels mounted on the frame. The habitat is large enough for personnel to be work therein, and a positive pressure is maintained in the habitat to resist ingress of hazardous gases.

GB2495184 discloses such a habitat. Whilst this or other such habitats are used in practise, the inventors of the present invention have developed an improved system to mitigate some disadvantages that the present inventors have noted.

For example, the panels are conventionally connected with zips which are intended to provide an airtight seal, and a single flap placed over the zips for protection, the flap positioned using hook and loop fasteners. Whilst somewhat effective at maintaining the elevated pressure within the habitat, the present inventors have devised an improved system. The improved system is especially effective at mitigating pressure loss at the corners of three or four panels, where it is difficult in practise to extend four separate zips and maintain an airtight seal between the panels.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a habitat for use in a hazardous environment comprising: a frame; at least a first panel engaging with the frame, and a second panel; each panel having an edge, the edges of each panel aligned with respect to each other; two flaps provided proximate the edge of the first panel and extending beyond the edge thereof, such that a throat is defined between the flaps on the first panel; two flaps provided proximate the edge of the second panel and extending beyond the edge thereof, such that a throat is defined between the flaps on the second panel; a connecting member received in the throat on each panel and contacting said flaps, in order to connect the panels together.

Thus the inventors of the present invention have provided a habitat having panels which engage through the connecting member and thus provide a double seal on the edge of each panel -between one flap and the connecting member, and between the second flap and the connecting member. This surprisingly provides an improved airtight seal compared to the existing method where a zip is used.

There may be an engaging means between the connecting member and the flaps. For example, the connecting member comprising one of hook and loop material; and the flaps comprising the other of hook and loop material.

For certain embodiments, the connecting member comprises loop material and the flaps comprise hook material.

The flaps extend beyond the edge of the panel a short distance, such as 2 to 10 cm, or 4 to 20 8 cm.

For certain embodiments, the connecting member may be a strip, substantially the same length (+1-10% for tolerance) as the edge of the panel. The width of the connecting member is sized so that it can be placed between flaps on the two panels. For example it may be 6 to 14cm, optionally 8cm to 12 cm in width.

In alternative embodiments, the connecting member may be cross-shaped. The length of the connecting member, when cross-shaped, may be 40 -60% the width of the panel, especially about half the width of the panel. For such embodiments, the width of the 30 connecting member may be 12 -15 cm.

In further embodiments, the connecting member may be L-shaped. This can be useful at the corners of the resulting frame.

The hook and loop fasteners on the flap and connecting member, where present, are normally provided on a substrate. They may take up slightly less than all the area on the substrate, such as 90 -99% of the area. In particular, the hook and loop fasteners may not extend to the edges of the substrate. This can improve the sealing of the panels together.

The hook and loop material may be stitched onto the substrate along a centre line (+/-10% based on width for tolerance) of the hook and loop material, which can facilitate an easier installation.

The panels are typically four-sided panels such as rectangular, and thus have four edges, In any case, each edge may comprise a pair of flaps as described herein.

Normally more than two panels are provided, and adjacent panels normally engage as described herein with respect to the first and second panel.

Thus there is often a third panel, having a pair of flaps as described herein. The connecting member provided between the flaps on the first and second panels may continue and extend past these flaps, and engage with flaps of the third panel. Preferably the connecting member when a strip, is offset, and so continues and engages with the flaps of the third panel as described. The amount that the member is offset can be varied in use.

A fourth panel may also be provided, with flaps as described herein. The third and fourth panels can connect as described for the first and second panels. And the connecting member between the first and second panels is offset such that it can continue and extend between the flaps not just for the third panel but for the fourth panel too.

The connecting member for the first and second panels has an opposite end from the third panel, which, when it is offset, falls short of extending to the end of the flaps. This portion where the connecting member runs short, can receive a connecting member of two further adjacent panels. Similarly the connecting member of the third and fourth panels, when the same length as the edge of these panels, can continue and extend and can engage with flaps of yet further panels.

Thus a network of panels can be arranged in this way, with connecting members extending not just between two panels but between three and four panels.

In alternative embodiments, the connecting member when a cross-shape, it can similarly engage with up to four panels, and extend up to four separate portions of the cross between two pairs of flaps at suitable intersections. This can allow for more of the connecting member to be shared between adjacent panels, and so can provide a stronger connection.

The panels are normally flexible, that is they can be rolled-up.

The habitat may comprise weights in order to secure it in position. Preferably the weights comprise water, such as more than 5kg of water or more than 20kg of water. The inventors have noted that conventional habitats have been known to block off rigs, especially due to the severe weather or draught caused by helicopter operations. Whilst any kind of weights can be used, water weights are preferred because the source of the weights is readily available, and the alternative of sand or cement etc would need to be carried to the site and carried away from the site, which is inconvenient, risks injury and increases time and labour needed to install the habitat.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a habitat with weights comprising water.

The habitat according to this further aspect of the invention can include other features described herein for other aspects of the invention and these other features are not repeated here for brevity.

The habitat normally comprises a door, and the door may include panels as described herein. This is a particular improvement over known systems, where solid doors are used, which are cumbersome to carry to location and install. Indeed, the current trend in the industry to tackle this problem, is to make the cumbersome doors smaller, to reduce their weight. In contrast to such direction, the present inventors have made the doors from flexible material which is inherently lighter in weight and easier to carry as it can be folded or rolled.

Thus the doors of such embodiments are collapsible and fold-away which eliminates the need for heavy/manual lifting of the traditional doors, reducing the amount of manual labour and potential for hand injuries and reduced access worksite locations. For example, one person can erect embodiments of the invention. Whereas known systems require two persons.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided

S

a habitat comprising a door, the door made from a flexible material.

Often, two doors are used with an airlock therebetween. Thus to enter and exit from the habitat, a worker can pause between the two doors until the pressure therein is of a suitable S level to proceed. The doors may in particular be made from an anti-static and/or fire resistant material described herein. This is in marked contrast to the aluminium doors used for known systems -aluminium being identified as not permitted in an explosive environment.

Optional and other features of the panels or doors described herein may be used for the door, and are not repeated here for brevity.

The habitat may comprise an emergency exit. The emergency exit may have an escape panel secured by hook and loop fasteners. It may comprise a first and second panel as described herein. Optionally there may be handles on the panels. Thus the panel may be quickly removed in the event of an emergency.

The habitat may comprise a stabilising hoop. The stabilising hoop comprising a tab of material and a hoop. The tab of material is affixed to the panel, during manufacture, for example by sewing, and a portion of the frame threaded into the hoop. Normally there are a plurality, such as three, stabilising hoops for each edge of each panel. Thus one member of a single pole of the frame may be threaded through two sets of stabilising hoops belonging to each adjacent panel, such as six stabilising hoops.

Where there is a plurality of stabilising hoops on adjacent panels, preferably they are threaded onto the pole in alternating fashion, such as one stabilising hoop from a first panel, then one from a second adjacent panel, then a second stabilising hoop from the first panel then a second stabilising hoop from the second panel and optionally continuing in this alternating order. This can assist in maintaining the panels taught.

The stabilising hoops help maintain the panel taught and reduce movement due to wind, and movement between the panel and the supporting pole. The inventors of the present invention have noted that minimising such movement, reduces the amount of static crated by friction between the panel and other components, such as the pole, and so reduces the chance of sparks occurring in this area.

An aperture is normally provided in at least one panel, to receive pipework (or cables etc) to be worked on, for example welded, in use. The aperture is preferably sized to fit the pipework such than an interference seal results. Thus different sizes of apertures may be provided. A shroud, extending out of the main plane of the panel, may surround the aperture, and can help create said seal. Preferably the shroud is made from the same material as the panel. That is, for certain embodiments, an anti-static and fire resistant material.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a panel comprising an aperture to receive an elongate member, such as pipework, and a shroud surrounding the aperture, the shroud extending from the plane of the panel, and preferably comprising the same material as the panel.

The shroud according to the second aspect of the invention may be the shroud described herein and further optional details are not reiterated here for brevity.

To extend this advantage, preferably the panels and/or the connecting member are be formed from anti-static material and indeed may be formed from flame resistant material. Typically at least 90% of the substrate comprises such material.

Anti-static material is a material according to British Standard: PD CLC/TR 50404:2003 Electrostatics code of practice for the avoidance of hazards due to static electricity.

Flame resistant material is a material which has a high operating temperature threshold, such as above 165C and/or a high melting point threshold, such as above 800C.

One suitable material is a rubber coated E-glass cloth.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a panel for use in habitat in a hazardous environment comprising: the panel formed from a flexible anti-static, and flame resistant material, the panel comprising four edges, and two flaps provided proximate each edge and extending beyond the edge thereof, such that a throat is defined between the flaps of the panel.

The panel according to the third aspect of the invention is an embodiment of the panel according to the first aspect of the invention. References above to first and other panels include the panel according to the third aspect of the invention, and so more specific options are not repeated here for brevity.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a habitat as described herein, in a hazardous area environment.

The hazardous area environment may be a zone 1 or a zone 2 environment.

The habitat may be used on an offshore facility.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Fig.1 is a perspective view of a habitat comprising panels; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the panels and a connecting strip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3a is a side view showing the configuration of the flaps and the connecting strip; Fig. 3b is a side view showing the connecting strip engaged with the flaps; Fig. 3c is an enlarged side view of the Fig. 3b connection; Fig. 4a is an exploded perspective view of the panels and a connecting strip at a corner of the habitat; Fig. 4b is a perspective view showing the Fig. 4a panels connected; Fig. 5a is a plan view of a connecting strip in another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5b is a plan view of a plurality of the Fig. 5a connecting strips attached to a panel; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a connecting strip in a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a plan view of a connecting strip in yet another embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 8a are inside and outside views of the emergency exit door in the Fig. 1 habitat; Fig. 8b is a front view of a tear handle attached to the emergency exit door; Fig. 8c is a side view of the Fig. 8b tear handle; and Fig. 9 is an exploded view showing how the emergency exit door components.

Figure 1 shows a habitat 10 comprising a frame 12 and a plurality of panels 20 engaging with the frame. The frame 20 engages with the plurality of panels 20 by threading the frame through a plurality of stabilising hoops 13 sewn to each panel.

The habitat 10 further comprises a door (not shown), emergency exit 11, check valve 15, water bags 17, gas detectors 16 and an electrical panel 50.

The habitat 10 also comprises an operating unit 18 which feeds air into the habitat to maintain a positive pressure. The operating unit 18 comprises various controls, fans and a gas detector (not shown).

A shroud 19 in the form of a sock is shown in Fig. 1 and surrounds an aperture A. The aperture A is sized to complement the pipework 14 to be worked on, such that a seal is created therebetween. The sock extends out of the plane of the panel, but is made from the same material as the panel. An advantage of such embodiments is that the amount of movement caused by gusts of wind for example, is mitigated, thus reducing the static energy and in turn the risk of sparks occurring.

In use, the habitat 10 is erected around pipework 14. The habitat 10 is weighted down by the water bags 17 to prevent the habitat from moving. Inside the habitat 10 there is a risk that hazardous gases may be present which could ignite if any hot work is carried out on the pipework 14. The operating unit 18 takes air from an area free of hazardous gases, and pumps it into the habitat 10, in the direction of the arrows shown, to expel the gases from the habitat. The pumping of clean air into the habitat 10 also creates a positive pressure within the habitat which resists the ingress of further gases from the surrounding area. The gas detectors 16 continuously monitor the area surrounding (and within) the habitat 10 for hazardous gases and hot work can be stopped if they are detected.

If too much pressure s created within the habitat 10 due to pumping in air, the check valve 15 (comprising a Venturi system) allows the excess air to escape from the habitat.

It is an advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention that a safer environment is created for personnel to carry out hot work on the pipework, compared to traditionally used habitats.

Fig. 2 shows a plurality of panels 20 forming part of a side of the habitat 10. The plurality of panels consist of a first panel 21, a second panel 22 and a third panel 23. Each panel 21, 22, 23 is made from anti-static and fireproof material.

The first panel 21 comprises four edges 24a, 24b, 24c & 24d, each having a length of 1m. Each edge 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d of panel 21 comprises two flaps, a first flap 25a, 25b, 25c & 25d and a second flap. The second flap is shown in Figs. 3a & 3b.

Each first flap 25a, 25b, 25c & 25d, and each second flap, extends beyond its respective edge 24a, 24b, 24c & 24d by 5cm. Both the first flap 25a, 25b, 25c & 25d and the second flap of all four edges 24a, 24b, 24c & 24d comprise hook material.

The features described above for the first panel 21, also apply to the second panel 22 and the third panel 23, and will not be described again in any detail to avoid repetition.

The edges of the first panel 21, the second panel 22 and the third panel 23 are aligned with respect to each other, for example edge 24a of panel 21 will align with edge 24a of panel 22, as is shown in Fig. 2.

The first panel 21 and the second panel 22 are connected by a connecting strip 26. The connecting strip 26 has a length of 1m, the same length as each edge of each panel, and a width of 8cm. The connecting strip 26 comprises loop material.

The connecting strip 26 is offset, such that it connects the third panel 23 to the first panel 21 and the second panel 22.

In use, the connecting strip 26 is offset by 10cm and so falls 10cm short of extending to the end of the flaps adjacent to edge 24a of first panel 21 and second panel 22. This portion where the connecting strip 26 falls 10cm short, can receive 10cm of a connecting strip (not shown) of two further adjacent panels (not shown).

It may be an advantage of offsetting the connecting strip, as described above, that the overlap created between panels helps to create an airtight seal which mitigates the risk of leaks occurring.

Figs. 3a, 3b & 3c show in detail how the connecting strip 26 connects the first panel 21 and the second panel 22.

A first throat 28a is formed between the first flap 25b and a second flap 27b of the first panel 21. A second throat 29a is formed between the first flap 25d and a second flap 27d of the second panel 22.

In use, the connecting strip 26 is placed within the first throat 28a and the second throat 29a, as is shown in Fig. 3a. The first 28a and second 29a throats are then closed such that the hook material of the flaps 25b, 25d, 27b, 27d engages with the loop material of the connecting strip 26, as is shown in Fig. 3b & 3c, thus connecting the first panel 21 with the second panel 22. Fig. 3c has exaggerated spacing between components to illustrate the position of the flaps.

Where the connecting strip 26 is offset, as shown in Fig. 2, it will also be placed within a third throat (not shown) formed between the first 25d and second flaps adjacent to edge 24d of the third panel 23. Upon closing the third throat, the hook material of the flaps will engage with the loop material of the connecting strip 26, thus connecting the third panel 23 to the first panel 21 and the second panel 22.

Figs. 4a & 4b show another embodiment of the present invention comprising a plurality of panels 120 forming a corner of the habitat 10 and a "T"-shaped connecting strip 126. Where the features are the same as in previous figures they are labelled by the same reference numeral expect preceded by a "1". These features will not be described in detail again here.

The plurality of panels 120 comprises a first panel 121, a second panel 122 and a third panel 123. In this example, the first panel 121 is located on the top face, or roof, of the habitat 10; the second panel 122 is located on a first side face of the habitat 10 adjacent to the top face; and the third panel 123 is located on a second side face of the habitat 10 adjacent to both the top face and the first side face.

Fig. 4a & 4b only shows edges 124a and 124d of first panel 121; edges 124a and 124b of second panel 122; and edges 124a and 124d of third panel 123.

Each edge of each panel comprises a throat formed between a first flap and a second flap.

For example, throat 128a is formed between first flap 125a and second flap 127a adjacent to edge 124a of first panel 121; and throat 128d is formed between first flap 125d and second flap 127d adjacent to edge 124d of first panel 121.

The "T"-shaped connecting strip 126 comprises a horizontal edge and a vertical edge and a stitch seam 129.

It may be an advantage of the stitch seam that it is easier to fold, and thus easier to install.

In use, stitch seam 129 is aligned with a corner of panel 121, and the connecting strip is then folded along the stitch seam. Following the arrows indicated in Fig. 4a, the horizontal edge of the connecting strip 126 is then placed into throats 128a and 128d, and the vertical edge is placed into the throats (not shown) of the second panel 122 and the third panel 123.

As shown in Fig. 4b, the throats are then closed such that the hook material of the flaps engages with the loop material of the connecting strip 126. The first panel 121, the second panel 122 and the third panel 123 are then connected. The result is that each of panels 121, 122 & 123 is at a 90 degree angle to the other panels, thus forming one corner of a cube.

Figs. 5a & 5b show a further embodiment of the present invention comprising a cross-shaped connecting strip 226. Where the features are the same as in previous figures they are labelled by the same reference numeral expect preceded by a "2". These features will not be described in detail again here.

The cross-shaped connecting strip 226 comprises a stitch seam 229 running along a vertical and a horizontal axis of the cross.

The connecting strip 226 comprises an inner area 231 consisting of loop material mounted on an outer area 230 consisting of an anti-static and fireproof material. The inner area 231 is less than the area of the outer area 230, such that a gap of 5mm is visible around the edges of the inner area 231.

Each of the four arms of the cross-shaped connecting strip 226 is 500mm in length, or half the length of a panel, and 120mm to 150mm in width.

Fig. 5b shows four cross-shaped connecting strips 226 arranged around a panel 221. Each of the four connecting strips 226 fully surrounded the panel 221.

Such a configuration of connecting strips is typically used for connecting panels within a wall, or face, of the habitat. Such a configuration can also be used to connect panels at an edge of the habitat, for example between a top face and one side face.

It may be an advantage of the cross-shaped connecting strip that it provides a stronger connection over a larger area and also provides increased resistance to wind loads compared to other shapes of connecting strips.

Fig. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention comprising an "L"-shaped connecting strip 326, 332. Where the features are the same as in previous figures they are labelled by the same reference numeral expect preceded by a "3". These features will not be described in detail again here.

Each "L"-shaped connecting strip 326, 332 comprises a 45 degree angle stitch seam 329.

The angle between each arm of the "L"-shaped connecting strip 326, 332 is 90 degrees.

In use, a first "L"-shaped connecting strip 326 is connected to a corner of a first panel (not shown), and a second "L"-shaped connecting strip 332 is connected to a corner of a second panel (not shown). The first and second panels form part of a corner of the habitat, such that the "L"-shaped connecting strips 326, 332 are adjacent to each other in the corner of the habitat.

It may be an advantage of the 45 degree angle stitch seam that it helps to mitigate any unnecessary folding of the "L"-shaped connecting strip. It may also be an advantage that it helps to mitigate problems with misshapen corners and misshapen folds, thus allowing the corners to adopt a true box shape.

Fig. 7 shows a long panel connecting strip 426. Where the features are the same as in previous figures they are labelled by the same reference numeral expect preceded by a "4".

These features will not be described in detail again here.

The long panel connecting strip 426 comprises a stitch seam 429.

In use, the long panel connecting strip 426 connects panels (not shown) on an edge of the habitat, such as between a top face and one side face.

Fig. 8a shows an outside and an inside view of the emergency exit 11 from Fig. 1.

The emergency exit 11 comprises a door 33 and tear handles 34, 35. The inside view of the emergency exit 11 shows the inside of the door 33 and the inside tear handles 34; the outside view of the emergency exit 11 shows the outside of the door 33 and the outside tear handles 35.

The door 33 and the tears handles 34, 35 comprise anti-static and fireproof materials.

In use, in the event of an emergency, the door 33 can be ripped open using the tear handles 34, 35, as will be described in more detail in Fig. 9.

Figs. 8b & 8c show a close up of the tear handles 34, 35. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 8c, the tear handles 34, 35 comprise two flat portions 36a, 36b connected by a convex portion 37 which is suitable for grabbing by hand.

Fig. 9 shows how the emergency exit 11 is assembled. The door 33a, 33b of the emergency exit 11 comprises a first side 41 consisting of a first flap 42a and a second flap 42b. The first 42a and second 42b flaps comprise hook material. A first throat 45 is formed between the first flap 42a and the second flap 42b.

The door 33a, 33b of the emergency exit 11 also comprises a second side 43 consisting of a first flap 44a and a second flap 44b. The first 44a and second 44b flaps comprise hook material. A second throat 46 is formed between the first flap 44a and the second flap 44b.

Tear handles (not shown in this figure) are located on both the inside and the outside of the door 33 on each flap 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b.

The first side 41 and the second side 43 are connected by a connecting strip 40. The connecting strip 40 comprises loop material. The connecting strip 40 comprises anti-static and fireproof materials 41.

In use, the connecting strip 40 is placed within the first throat 45 and the second throat 46.

The first 45 and second 46 throats are then closed such that the hook material of the flaps 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b engages with the loop material of the connecting strip 40, thus forming a closed door.

In the event of an emergency, personnel can pull a tear handle in the direction of the arrows S in Fig. 9 to quickly release the hook material of the flaps 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b from the loop material of the connecting strip 40 and open the door 33. This will help personnel to speedily vacate the habitat if in danger.

Improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The dimensions of the embodiments are exemplary and other dimensions may be used. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Claims

Claims A habitat for use in a hazardous environment comprising: a frame; at least a first panel engaging with the frame, and a second panel; each panel having an edge, the edges of each panel aligned with respect to each other; two flaps provided proximate the edge of the first panel and extending beyond the edge thereof, such that a throat is defined between the flaps of the first panel; two flaps provided proximate the edge of the second panel and extending beyond the edge thereof, such that a throat is defined between the flaps on the second panel; a connecting member received in the throat on each panel and contacting said flaps, in order to connect the panels together.

A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is an engaging means between the connecting member and the flaps.

A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connecting member comprises one of hook and loop material; and the flaps comprises the other of hook and loop material.

A habitat as claimed in claim 3, wherein the connecting member comprises loop material and the flaps comprises hook material.

A habitat as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the hook and loop fasteners on the flap and connecting member are provided on a substrate.

A habitat as claimed in claim 5, wherein the hook and loop fasteners take up 90 99%, optionally 95 -98% of the area of the substrate.

A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the panels are made of a flexible material.

A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the panels comprise anti-static material.

9. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the panels comprise fire resistant material.

10. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the panels comprise a rubber coated E-glass cloth.

11. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flaps extend beyond the edge of the panel by 2 to 10 cm optionally by 4 to 8 cm.

12. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connecting member provided between the flaps on the first and second panels continues and extends past these flaps, and engages with flaps of a third panel and optionally a fourth panel.

13. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connecting member is a strip, substantially the same length as the edge of the panel.

14. A habitat as claimed in claim 13, wherein the width of the connecting member is from 6 to 14cm, optionally from 8cm to 12 cm in width.

15. A habitat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the connecting member is cross-shaped.

16. A habitat as claimed in claim 15, wherein the length of the connecting member is 40 -60% the width of the panel.

17. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there the panels are four-edged panels and each edge comprises a pair of flaps.

18. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising weights of at least 5kg each, optionally more than 20kg each.

19. A habitat as claimed in claim 18, wherein the weights comprise water.

20. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a door which is made of a flexible material such that it collapsible.

21. A habitat as claimed in claim 20, wherein the doors are made from an anti-static and/or fire resistant material.

22. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an emergency exit.

23. A habitat as claimed in claim 22, wherein the emergency exit has an escape panel secured by hook and loop fasteners.

24. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the habitat comprises a stabilising hoop comprising a tab of material affixed to the panel and a hoop which is in use threaded through a pole of the frame.

25. A habitat as claimed in claim 24, wherein there are a plurality of stabilising hoops for one or each edge of each panel.

26. A habitat as claimed in claim 25, wherein the stabilising hoops are threaded onto a pole of the frame in alternating fashion.

27. A habitat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an aperture is provided in at least one panel, to receive elongate members in use, and a shroud extending out of the main plane of the panel, surrounds the aperture and assists in creating a seal.

28. A habitat as claimed in claim 27, wherein the shroud is made from the same material as the panel.

29. A method of using a habitat as claimed in any preceding claim in a hazardous area environment.

30. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the hazardous area environment is a zone 1 or a zone 2 environment.

31. A method as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the habitat is used on an offshore facility.

32. A method as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein an aperture is provided in at least one panel, elongate members are extended through the aperture, the aperture being sized to fit the elongate members such than an interference fit and seal result.

33. A habitat with weights to secure the habitat in place, the weights comprising at least 5kg of water.

34. A habitat comprising a door, the door made from a flexible material.

35. A panel for use in habitat in a hazardous environment the panel formed from a flexible anti-static, and flame resistant material, the panel comprising four edges, and two flaps provided proximate each edge and extending beyond the edge thereof, such that a throat is defined between the flaps of the panel.

36. A panel comprising an aperture to receive an elongate member, such as pipework, and a shroud surrounding the aperture, the shroud extending from the plane of the panel, and comprising the same material as the panel.