Do you require a compliance upgrade for an existing site, or are you designing a new installation? Have you considered all your Hazardous Area requirements? As Hazardous Area Compliance Specialists, we have compiled our top ten (10) tips to help you take effective control of your Hazardous Areas and their compliance requirements.
1. Equipment Installation Requirements
In short, equipment installation in high-risk areas must be with hazardous area classification.
2. Legal requirements and Australian Standards
All legislative requirements for your region must be understood and observed. For instance, this includes International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60079, AS/NZS 60079, and AS/NZ 3000 standards.
3. Principles of hazard areas classification
Identify explosive atmospheres during normal and abnormal operating conditions and classify them accordingly. Notably, hazardous area classifications are required for sites that store, produce, or otherwise process flammable and combustible gases, liquids, and dust.
4. Maintenance
Equipment needs to be maintained per AS/NZS 60079.17. Comply with scheduled and preventative maintenance program processes to minimise risks of breakdowns and shutdowns due to faulty or damaged equipment.
5. Testing procedures
Maintain testing and calibration schedules to ensure complete functionality of equipment and compliance with regulatory standards.
6. Periodic Inspections
Conduct scheduled inspections at least every four (4) years for all fixed equipment. Notably, portable equipment requires more regular checks.
7. Regulatory Inspection
In certain states, regulatory inspections, or audits, in addition to initial ones, are needed per AS/NZS 60079. Check the requirements of each state to ensure you are compliant.
8. Record Keeping and Verification Dossier
Maintain documentation, such as verification dossier, equipment manuals, procedures, and training guides, ensuring information is readily available. Verification Dossiers need updating over the lifetime of the installation. It includes all hazardous area classifications and details of the equipment, such as periodic inspections, maintenance reports, and changes.
9. Access and permit procedures for use in hazardous areas
Develop detailed plans for accessing your site and using equipment in high-risk areas to ensure staff is well informed.
10. Explosion-protection techniques
Determine the explosion protection requirements to meet a specified classified hazardous area. For instance, [practices may include dust protection by enclosure, flameproof, increased safety, intrinsic safety, pressurisation, ventilation, encapsulation, non-sparking, oil immersion, powder filling, and mixed techniques.
To summarise, our team has extensive experience with hazardous area installation, maintenance, inspections, and breakdowns of explosive-protection equipment, with a high emphasis on practical checks and audits.
For more information on our Hazardous Areas services or to book a consultation for your project, call us today!
*Please note the information provided does not constitute professional advice. Instead, all information, content, and materials are available for general information purposes only. For specific advice, contact our team.
About Triple i
Triple i delivers outcomes for all your control, data, electrical, instrument, and mechanical needs with over thirty-five years of experience. We supply a range of technology-based projects, consultancy, maintenance, and support services in the industrial sector. With over seventy-five skilled employees, Triple i provides the best product and services, with integrated solutions designed for clients’ needs.