Hazardous Area Classification
Hazardous area classification is an important first step toward reducing the likelihood of ignition of clouds of flammable gas, vapor, and/ or dust. TESV is pleased to offer a 1-2 hours free consultation with one of our Ex consultants.
You can send your request to mail@tesv.no
Where can we find the ATEX requirement concerning Hazardous Area classification(HAC)?
You will find it in ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC
How can we comply with the ATEX directive concerning HAC?
To demonstrate compliance with the ATEX directive (Directive 1999/92/EC), we should follow the latest European standard EN 60079-10-2 for Explosive dust atmospheres and EN 60079-10-1 for Explosive gas atmospheres.
We recommend you purchase these standards. You will find most of the requirements here.
What is the most important requirement we need to consider first?
One of the important requirements you will find both in the ATEX directive and EN standards is the competence and experience of personnel who are involved in Hazardous Area Classification.
If your personnel hasn't got any Ex basic training, or the course certificate is older than 5 years, we strongly recommend your personnel to join a 3 days Ex basic training at an IECEx recognized Training Centre.
ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC requirement concerning Training of workers
What else do I need to consider when HAC drawings are completed?
Apart from HAC drawings, you may need to consider the next phase of the project. Ex Installation, Ex initial inspection, and Ex maintenance. You can have a look below.
How do I know if this will affect my operations?
Example Dust Explosion accidents.
Grain Dust Explosions (59 dead, 49 injured since 1976)
Plastic- On January 29, 2003, an explosion and fire destroyed the West Pharmaceutical Services plant in Kinston, North Carolina, causing six deaths, dozens of injuries, and hundreds of job losses. The facility produced rubber stoppers and other products for medical use. The fuel for the explosion was a fine plastic powder, which accumulated above a suspended ceiling over a manufacturing area at the plant and ignited.
Coal mine - Rescuers at the site of a coal mine where a gas explosion killed at least 6 workers in the northern province of Quang Ninh on Jan 2014
Sugar- On February 7, 2008, a huge explosion and fire occurred at the Imperial Sugar refinery northwest of Savannah, Georgia, causing 14 deaths and injuring 38 others, including 14 with serious and life-threatening burns. The explosion was fueled by massive accumulations of combustible sugar dust throughout the packaging building.