Hazardous Area Classification
Gases, vapours, mists and dusts can all form explosive atmospheres with air. Hazardous area classification is used to identify places where, because of the potential for an explosive atmosphere, special precautions over sources of ignition are needed to prevent fires and explosions.
Hazardous area classification should be carried out as an integral part of the risk assessment to identify places (or areas) where controls over ignition sources are needed (hazardous places) and also those places where they are not (non hazardous places).
Proper management of ignition sources is critical in facilities that handle flammable materials or combustible dusts. The basis of this is the correct classification of hazardous areas and then the correct specification of equipment for operation in each of relevant zones.
A proper Hazardous Area Classification is critical to safety of plant and personnel. The inappropriate installation of standard industrial electrical devices is a potential source of a major accident.
Ark Safety can provide specialist advice in the determination of the hazardous zones for a facility handling flammable liquids, vapours, gases or dusts. The classifications are performed and documented in accordance with the applicable standards. (IS-5572: 2009 / NFPA -497)
As with many risk-related issues, it is preferable to ensure that the Hazardous Area Classification is determined during the design phase of a project. This enables the arrangement of equipment and instrumentation to be optimised to reduce the overall project cost. The Hazardous Area Classification must certainly be undertaken prior to selection and installation of electrical instrumentation and equipment.
The failure to conduct the Hazardous Area Classification and electrical equipment specification in a timely manner can result in major costs associated with retro-fitting correctly rated electrical equipment after the facility has been constructed.
It is equally important to ensure that in Hazardous Area the electrical fittings are installed and maintained as per the zoning. We also conduct audit of existing electrical equipments and instruments whether they are installed and maintained as per applicable standards