Classification of Hazardous Areas
Classification of hazardous areas is the method of analyzing and classifying the environment where an explosive atmosphere is present or is expected to be present. This allows the proper selection of equipment, particularly electrical equipment, to be installed or used in that environment. Hazardous area classification is actioned in the following way:
- The type of hazard is defined (i.e. gas or dust or a combination of gases and dusts).
- The probability of an explosive atmosphere actually occurring is assessed by determining release frequency and duration (i.e. continuous, primary or secondary grade of release).
What is a Hazardous Atmosphere?
A hazardous atmosphere is an atmosphere in which:
- The atmosphere does not have a safe oxygen level.
- The concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere increases the fire risk.
- The concentration of flammable gas, vapor, mist or fumes exceeds 5% of the LEL for the gas, vapor, mist or fumes.
- A hazardous chemical in the form of a combustible dust is present in a quantity and form that would result in a hazardous area.
What is a Hazardous Area Procedure?
A hazardous area procedure is a written document that defines the strategy to safely manage and work in hazardous areas. The procedure will detail the objectives and processes to enable compliance with state and national standards to safely manage and work in hazardous areas, whilst ensuring the operational needs are met. A hazardous area procedure will apply to the use of electrical and mechanical equipment in potentially flammable and explosive atmospheres. The procedure will also outline the requirements for managing potentially flammable and explosive atmospheres, when installing plant and equipment and while performing operational activities and maintenance work.
Contents of this Hazardous Area Procedure
- Approval.
- Purpose.
- Scope.
- Terms and Definitions.
- Procedures.
- Identification and Classification of Hazardous Areas.
- Elimination and Minimization of Ignition Sources.
- Gas Testing.
- Zone Systems and Conductive Dusts.
- Explosive Gas Atmospheres.
- Ignitable Concentrations of Flammable Gases
- Classes Divisions and Operating Conditions.
- Ignition Temperatures and Ignitable Concentrations.
- Ventilation.
- Machinery Driven by Internal Combustion Engines.
- Mechanical Equipment and Tools.
- Mains Powered Electrical Equipment.
- Electrical/Instrumentation Equipment and Tools.
- Periodic Inspection of Existing Equipment.
- Signage and Demarcation.
- Training and Competency.
- Communication.
- Related Procedures, Forms and Documents.
- Review Criteria.
- Record Management.
- References.
Why Choose to Buy this Hazardous Area Procedure
This 14-page hazardous area procedure can assist you safely manage hazardous areas from flammable liquids, explosible dusts and fire or explosion risks. This hazardous area procedure can be applied to the use of electrical and mechanical equipment in potentially flammable and explosive atmospheres. The procedure also outlines the workplace safety requirements for managing potentially flammable and explosive atmospheres.
After purchasing this template you will be able to:
- Very easily edit and customize the template to create your own procedure.
- Apply your own style, format and brand to the procedure.
- Use it in any industry or sector regardless of the size or type of organization.
Availability and Use of this Hazardous Area Procedure
- This hazardous area procedure is accessible to you right now by clicking the ‘Buy Now’ button.
- The procedure will be delivered to you in fully editable Microsoft Word format for immediate and full use in your business.
- There are no subscriptions, contracts or ongoing costs.
