New risk assessments for hazardous areas

摘要

HAZARDOUS AREAS, as defined in the electrical installation regulations, are those where there is a potential for explosion due to the possible presence of a flammable liquid, gas or combustible dust. Typical industries where this form of hazard is found include: 8 petroleum/petrochemical gas processing and distribution mining food timber processing paint/adhesives grain handling pharmaceutical coal handling manufacturing Currently the IEC, through Technical Committee 31, is implementing the addition of new 'Equipment Protection Levels' for hazardous areas. These changes allow more than the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere to be taken into account through the classification process and recognise consequences in line with more recently accepted risk-based approaches. The addition of these criteria and the flow on to the relevant installation Standards could have the potential to significantly impact on the current practices for hazardous areas (either in the short term or long term).