Defining hazardous areas
Contents |
[edit] How do we define a hazardous area?
In terms of explosive risk, a hazardous area is an environment in which an explosive atmosphere is present (or may be expected to be present) in quantities that require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of equipment. In this article we explore the challenges faced in the workplace, the risk control measures, and the required competencies to work safely.
[edit] Defining and mitigating risks
Fire and explosion are, without doubt, a major hazard and one that electrical contractors may face in a range of projects and working environments.
It is a consequence of modern life that we manufacture, store or handle a range of gases or liquids that are deemed flammable, and a range of dusts that are deemed combustible. These substances can, in certain conditions, form explosive atmospheres and these can have major and tragic consequences.
Most of us are familiar with the fire triangle – remove any one of the three elements and the fire cannot occur, but what does this mean in the context of hazardous areas? When breaking this down into its simplest terms it is essentially
- a combination of a certain amount of release or leak of a particular substance or material
- mixing with ambient oxygen and
- the presence of a source of ignition.
While we can introduce various measures to prevent an unintended release of a flammable or combustible material, we cannot completely rule this out. In most instances, we can do little about the levels of oxygen in the air, but we can have significant influence on sources of ignition, for example electrical equipment.
Hazardous areas are documented on the hazardous area classification drawing and are identified on site by the triangular “EX” sign. Here, amongst other key information, zones are split into three types depending on the hazard, the likelihood and duration that an explosive atmosphere will exist; Zone 0 or 20 is deemed the most hazardous and Zone 2 or 22 is deemed the least.
It is in these areas that we find specific requirements for the types of electrical equipment and installations that are designed not to present a source of ignition. The methods by which this is achieved can vary so it is critical that the special features of this electrical equipment and installation is not compromised.
Have you heard of terms such as “flameproof”, “increased safety” or “intrinsic safety”? Identified by special markings, these are just a few examples of the types of protection (or protection concept) employed by the electrical equipment and installation. To preserve these special features requires a combination of the correct design, equipment selection and installation techniques. This is then verified through inspection and testing and is preserved throughout the life of the installation by employing the correct maintenance techniques, supplemented by periodic inspection.
When all these measures are taken, they should also be documented. The verification dossier includes information such as the hazardous area classification drawing, manufacturers’ documentation, equipment certification, design drawings and calculations, inspection records, and records of a person’s competency and continual professional development (CPD), such as via ECA’s eCOMS software*.
[edit] Creating a skilled and competent workforce
Given the potential consequences of an explosion and the specialist nature of these activities, it is vital that those undertaking this work are competent to do so. CompEx is the international scheme for competency validation and certification of those who work in explosive atmospheres, offering a range of qualifications to develop and verify a person’s knowledge and skills through a combination of training and assessment.
The scheme has qualifications for a variety of employees working in all industries at varying levels. Non-technical staff may attend a Foundation Course (ExF) to gain an overall appreciation of the hazards and control measures, whilst technicians may undertake a more specialised qualification. This addresses the requirements associated with equipment selection, installation, maintenance and inspection. CompEx also offers qualifications aimed at those who are responsible for the design and management of installations and the persons employed at hazardous installations.
The subject of hazardous areas is a very serious one, with some unique challenges. CompEx provides a methodology that can offer verifiable core competency validation against a range of activities and hazardous areas. For more information and to see the courses offered please visit:
- ECA provides Members with free access to eCOMS, a tool which allows them to record contractor training, supervision and CPD. Visit www.eca.co.uk for more.
This article originally appeared on the ECA website as "How do we define a hazardous area?" dated November 17 and was written by Gary Parker, ECA Senior Technical Manager.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
- Causes of sinkholes.
- Competent person.
- Construction hazards.
- Hazard pay.
- Hazardous substances.
- Health and safety.
- Health and safety file.
- Major hazard for planning purposes.
- Major hazard sites, installations and pipelines.
- Near miss.
- Project risk.
- Risk assessment.
- Risk in building design and construction.
- Risk management.
- Risk register.
- Safety.
- Safety management.
Featured articles and news
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.
Shortlist for the 2025 Roofscape Design Awards
Talent and innovation showcase announcement from the trussed rafter industry.
OpenUSD possibilities: Look before you leap
Being ready for the OpenUSD solutions set to transform architecture and design.
Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2025
Highlighting the continuing threat to trades persons.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Now available in Arabic and Chinese aswell as English.
The context, schemes, standards, roles and relevance of the Building Safety Act.
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.