The subject matter of Explosive Atmospheres is involved with the management, layout, set up, operation and protection ofsystems that lessen the hazard of electrical ignition resources arisingfrom:
- constant electrical installations;
- moveable electrical gadget;
- lightning with regards to systems with a threat ofexplosion;
- electrostatic dangers;
- radio frequency radiation;
- isolating joints, for example in cathodic protectionsystems;
and the mitigation of releasesusing:
- flammable and toxic gas detection;
- fireplace detection.
Thekey benchmark technical standards referring to these sub-topics are indexed inthe EC&I Operational Delivery Guide.
TheDangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) requireemployers to put manipulate measures in area to both remove fireplace and explosionrisks or, wherein this is not feasible, manipulate them. Where explosion dangers can not be eliminated, electrical sourcesof ignition ought to be controlled by means of:
Designof equipment and structures, as an example by using:
- theselection of explosion included (Ex) gadget and/or structures (see pages on ATEX and explosive atmospheres);
- avoidinghazards due to static power by way of bonding all conductors collectively and toearth;
- installinglightning safety systems appropriate to the development and contents ofstructures;
- detuningstructures able to acting as RF antennae in explosive atmospheres within thevulnerable zones of transmitters;
- software of aprotective coating to cathodic safety separating joints to preventaccidental contact.
Maintenance and inspection of gadget andstructures, as an example by:
- initialinspection earlier than plant or device is delivered into carrier;
- ongoingperiodic inspection of explosion covered (Ex) system and/or structures (seepages on ATEX and explosiveatmospheres)
- monitoringof static earthing;
- maintenanceand inspection of lightning protection systems;
- periodicinspection of above ground isolating joints, for instance in cathodic protectionsystems.
TechnicalStandards and Guidance
COMAHCompetent Authority EC&I Operational Delivery GuideRegulations
- Control of Major AccidentHazards Regulations
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Dangerous explos info Substancesand Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
TechnicalStandards
Referto the COMAH Competent Authority EC&I Operational Delivery Guide.IndustryPublications
- Energy Institute ModelCode of Safe Practice Part 1: The choice, installation, inspection, andmaintenance of electrical and non electric equipment in unsafe regions
- Energy Institute Guidelines for managinginspection of Ex electric equipment ignition danger in support of IEC 60079-17
- Energy Institute ModelCode of Safe Practice Part 15: Area Classification Code for InstallationsHandling Flammable Fluids
- Energy Institute ModelCode of Safe Practice Part 21: Guidelines for the control of dangers arisingfrom static energy
- EEMUAPublication 186 A Practitioner’s Handbook for potentiallyexplosive atmospheres.
- CBI Guidance forElectrical Installation and Equipment inside Explosives Manufacturing andStorage Facilities Including Fireworks
HSE Guidance
- Safeuse and managing of flammable drinks
- Thestorage of flammable drinks in bins
- Thestorage of flammable drinks in tanks
- Usingelectric storage batteries effectively
- Manufactureand garage of explosives
- The choice and use of flammable fuel detectors
- Dangerous Substances and ExplosiveAtmospheres Regulations 2002. Approved Code of Practice and guidance
HSE Operational Guidance
- OG45 Protection towards inadvertent ignition of explosive atmospheres through radio-frequency radiation at onshore unsafe installations
- OG44 Lightningprotection at onshore risky installations
Other facts
- Related COMAH Competent Authority Operational Delivery Guides
- Competence
- Out of Control, Why Control Systems pass wrongand how to prevent failure