HAZARDOUS AREA INDUSTRIES
Whilst reasonable measures must be taken to design and build industrial facilities such that any occurrence of explosive atmospheres is minimised, in practice formally classified Explosion Hazardous Zones or Hazardous Areas are common across a range of industries. These include Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical, Brewing & Distilling, Milling and Distribution of Flour or Sugar, Sewage Treatment and many others.
HAZARDOUS AREA CLASSIFICATION - WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
According to IEC 60079 or it’s derivatives, where explosion hazard areas occur the statutory responsibility for classifying an installation lies with those in control of the plant - for example General Managers and their delegates.
Classification of Hazardous Zones is by necessity normally carried out during plant design. The process is complex and includes calculation of the projected frequency and duration of the occurrence of an explosive atmosphere and takes into consideration process and ambient conditions, the physical properties of the flammable elements present and other factors. Specialist expertise is normally engaged to undertake the task and the output can vary depending on the adopted methodology and assumptions made.
Once the hazardous areas within a plant have been classified, electrical equipment suitably certified for use in the specific zones can be selected. The equipment must be installed correctly using correctly selected and installed cables, glands, fittings and other associated hardware.
A final inspection and certification of a new installation is required prior to energisation. In addition to an installation completed according to relevant technical standards including IEC60079 or equivalent, pre-energisation certification prerequisites include comprehensive Hazardous Area Dossiers containing all of the zone drawings and calculations, plant item certificates, installation inspection certificates, electrical drawings, calculations and other relevant technical information.
“Throughout the life cycle of hazardous area electrical equipment Mondial Engineering deliver safety and value for our customers through a range of engineering, inspection and management products and services.”
CHALLENGES FOR OPERATIONAL HAZARDOUS AREA PLANT CUSTODIANS
Handover of a new hazardous area project signals the commencement of statutory operational compliance with ATEX, IEC60079 or the associated national standard. The Plant Custodian is responsible for ensuring that the Hazardous Area Dossier is properly delivered and maintained into the future including putting into place and recording a suitable program of maintenance and inspection. The challenge for operational plant custodians is to optimise maintenance and inspection efforts to ensure the maximum benefit in terms of risk reduction whilst maintaining a high quality of statutory compliance.