Compliance to Explosion Protection: A Must-Have for Hazardous Industry Site Owners
Imagine this scenario: It’s a typical workday at your facility. Machines are
possible Ex areas
Hazardous area industries are classified based on the presence of potentially explosive
Technology building or machine?
skid-or-machine? assembly-or-machine? technology-or-machine?
Interesting questions, specially if you are about to run a multi-billion USD value technology, and it turns out to be a machine rather than a technology / installation / assembly.
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5th ATEX Guideline
Recently published – April 2024 – link: https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/59156 Always very useful to
Ex shall be regulated?
In some countries, regions and the facility itself there are directives, laws,
normal operation vs Ex
Normal operation refers to the standard, expected, and safe functioning of machinery,
Occupational Safety Commissioning
The preliminary examination for occupational safety – except in the case of hazardous technology – may be conducted by a person with specialized training and professional qualifications in occupational safety, a person authorized by law, or an accredited institution. The examination of hazardous technology must be conducted by a person with a professional license in occupational safety and Explosion protection.
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Timeframe of EPD
EPD stands for explosion protection documentation. It shall be ready at the
PSSR vs Ex
The Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) is a critical component in the management of process safety. And shall be trated the same for explosion protection as well.
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Product or assembly
product-or-assembly
an important topic for all operational teams of possible hazardous industries.
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ADR vs Ex
ADR clearly defines:
It means a lorry shall be prepared for the delivery of dangerous goods, and in that case no Ex zone shall (can) be defined.
For all other operations such as loading, unloading, maintainence, repair…
YES…
Ex zone shall be defined!
interpretation of Ex to a young engineer
Understanding the Risk – Some workplaces, like oil refineries or chemical plants,
The use of Ethylene in warehouses and cold stores
Ethylene’s Impact: – Ethylene (C2H4) is a naturally occurring gas that plays
Have to, must and should for obligation and advice
We all speak English. It is the international language for many. Standards
Ex responsibilities
Responsibility for training and competence The engineering profession is responsible for determining
How ChatGPT may have an effect on Ex compliance engineering?
ChatGPT and AI models like it could have several potential effects on
simplExcity
An industrial facility and a city itself there is not much difference.
Short Ex vocabulary
Explosion Protection: This refers to measures taken to prevent explosions in hazardous
Language of Ex docs
country specific language it shall be
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H2
Indeed H2 = Ex. As I see this fact surprises many in many ways. Current understanding of H2 by many simply says it is flammable. Not only, amoung others it is Ex as well.
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KPI’s of Ex
Ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations is paramount in hazardous area
Ex design chapter vs EPD
The Explosion Protection Documentation (EPD – ATEX 153) can be considered as
A possible comparison between Verification Dossier and EPD?!
The verification dossier according to IEC 60079-14 and the Explosion Protection Documentation
How to inspect Ex h?!
Inspecting a non-electrical device with Ex h (explosion-proof) protection method in a
Questioning Ex type of discipline and competency?!
By cultivating discipline and competency, individuals and organizations can create a culture of safety, minimize accidents and injuries, and ensure a secure working environment in hazardous settings.
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Ex installations in the airplane tank
check out Guidance on “EASA Fuel Tank Safety letter” it says (cut
mowing the lawn in possible Ex environment
how does it work? a decade ago we had sheeps around to
a lorry in Ex areas
can a lorry be considered as a possible ignition source in a
H2 into gas piping
Today’s challenge: H2 mixing into normal / daily gas piping network… 2-5-1o%?
is an EPD part of design?
EPD is about “It is a document that demonstrates the implementation of safety measures and procedures to protect workers in potentially explosive atmospheres during the operation of a facility. The EPD is based on the design of the facility and its equipment, but its primary focus is on ensuring the safe operation and maintenance of the facility.”
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Digital ID and Ex
Digital ID is a new initiative. Marking shall be available with asset. So let us utilize it for Ex compliance. The possible Eco System available on site is a way forward.
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Ex design stage
what is more important in terms of hazardous area compliance than a good Ex design?!
what makes a good Ex design? why is it important? how to keep it up? who can do it?
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Ex designer
Who is he / she? First a designer shall be a designer
ECOsystem (Ex Controlled Organization)
All service providers shall be with Ex personnel competency we used to
ISO behind Ex
All has its sources of origin and informations. Product Ex certification: ISO
Prevention
Primary – Secondary – Tertiary explosion protection So far we can say
need for speed (and Ex OE)
Ex OE stands for Ex owner’s engineering. it is not a public
risk assessment for Ex areas (what about drones?)
EN 1127-1 shall be the lead (relevant globally). it defines 13 possible
gray – blue – green – H2
H2 is a trendy topic today. Many countries and companies around do focus on it.
Ex compliance shall be covered, specially when it comes to delegation of responsibility.
How to make it Ex?
ECOsystem – Ex Controlled Organization
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HAC up-to-date
a cut out from iec 60079 10 1 : 2020 “Once a
Ex v vs Ex p in EU
Whenever you get delivered with a solution using Ex v, it can only be considered as an installation, assembly, project (other definitions I leave to you), and there shall be a design, installation, commissioning, Ex inspection, etc. all similar to normal project conditions.
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Whose best interest is identification of Ex assets?
I am interested, because: I am a hazardous area site owner, operator,
Place of Ex
Where it belongs to? Fire protection… Worksafety… Electrical, mechanical discipline…? Interesting topic
Findings
Ex compliance is about prevention and not any real protection against recent
Ex goes LED
Short summary at the beginning of my blogpost: no more fluroscent light
a bit hidden part of IEC 60079-14
it says: “This standard provides the specific requirements for the design, selection,
Odorization of any combustible gas
A combustible gas in a distribution line must contain a natural odorant
Legal ownership of a standard you work with
You must prove you have it. It means you purchased it. There
Car repair stations are Ex?
Definetely Ex with some pre-cautions. Risk assessment and hazardous area classification shall be first in place.
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Equipment dust ignition protection by enclosure “t” – INTERPRETATION SHEET 1 –
This interpretation sheet has been prepared by IEC technical committee 31: Equipment
SAFETY PLANNING FOR HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELL PROJECTS
H2 units shall be considered as per assembly. All electrical and non.electrical Ex topics shall be taken into account.
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Ex assembly
assembly of Ex Equipment(s) results in an assembly that creates a need for additional assessment that is not already completely covered by the
individual equipment certificates.
So just how dangerous is hydrogen fuel?
This article was written back in 2017. When I tell people I
Marmon cans
20 litre fuel cans: old design on the left, 1941 Nirona Wehrmacht
is it manufacturing?
Situation is the following. You are requested to assemble and install: 1)
Algeria goes Ex
💥 ATEX REGULATION ALERT💥🇩🇿 The inspection of ATEX equipment has become mandatory⚖️
Ex asset’s identification
IEC 60079-14 in chapter of Verification Dossier speaks about the ‘ID’ topic
Masterpiece…
…on the other side a good example of iec 60079-26: Examples of
EX vs IEC / EU / GERMANY
Source: LINK Each and every country has it regulated, but might be
Colours
So what about light blue – the recommended colour of Ex i?
Responsibility of the contractor
After the signature of the construction contract, the contractor bears the legal
H2 is a new topic?
Sure not. IIC, IIC (H2), IIB + H2 all have existed for
Explosion protection documentation
According ATEX 137 employer of hazardous area industries shall define the Ex
H2
Sparks or certain radiations can cause a mixture of hydrogen and chlorine
Which Ex personnel competency certificate is good?
Silly question! All shall be (if not otherwise). Most important what entity
Selection of equipment
In order to select the appropriate electrical (and non.electrical) Ex equipment for
Selection of repaired, second hand or existing equipment
The act of introducing equipment where specifications are not identical to an
What is the basis of IEC 60079-14?
This standard provides the specific requirements for the design, selection, erection and
Guidance on marking requirements for combined Ex electrical/non electrical equipment
The combined marking for equipment which include an electrical part and a
Reference to IEC TS 60079-46 Explosive atmospheres – Part 46: Equipment Assemblies Edition 1.0
QUESTION: Are there any requirements for an IECEx Certification Body, ExCB, to be
Certification of equipment/assemblies using temperature monitoring/adjustment techniques to adjust internal ambient temperatures
Equipment assemblers and manufacturers have made requests to certify equipment with a
Identification and Marking of Ex Equipment that includes Ex auxiliary equipment and Ex component
Some types of Ex Equipment, such as large electric motors, are provided
CONFORMITY TO TYPE BASED ON QUALITY ASSURANCE OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Under ATEX Directive this is the modul D. On the other hand
Illegalities or non compliance (all related to Ex)
What you do when you experience failures / non compliance /… related
Ex assembly or invidually sourced items?
You are on site, and you do Ex detailed inspection. There are:
Ex type of breathing and draining devices
Breathing and draining devices shall incorporate permeable elements which can withstand the
recent update on non.electrical Ex
Most of EPCs, owners, designers, etc are not aware of it. More
Hydrogen fuelling station safety recommendations
Mitigations which reduce the potential for the formation of a flammable mixture:
Risks arising from software
Reference should be made to the various implementations of EN 61508-3 Functional
Riddle of Ex
1. You have an Ex h certified pump. Level of Ex safety
Process safety and Ex
Relations there are many. Ex is a risk reduction factor for HAZOP.
II 2G Ex ia IIC T6 Gb
“ia” way of Ex protection enables the installation to be installed as
Non electrical Ex refers to…
ISO 80079-36 and -37 stand for non electrical explosion protection and list
Manual
It is mandatory. It shall be with the product. It shall be
Process safety addressing overall Ex compliance
EPD or any Ex compliance report has a significant impact for Hazop / FMEA meetings. In process safety related meetings, the Ex equipment compliance should always be questioned.
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New Year’s resolution – welcome to 2021
What is your word for hazardous area compliance – explosion protection with
Research Team Releases Detailed Investigation of Beirut Explosion
The Beirut— capital of Lebanon — explosion, which killed more than two hundred people,
Further education
Ex personnel competency training (EPCT) is a type of further education. You
Methodologies to confirm the EPL Ga and Da for non.electrical Ex
Identify potential ignition sources which are effective or can become effective in
Corona virus konwledge base for all in our industries and around
All we have to listen to all around. Questions sure we have
BREXIT – no deal – 31.01.2020
Glossary • Approved Bodies – A conformity assessment body which has been
2019/2020
Many thanks to all following the posts at exprofessional.com. We do hope
Explosion protection requirements in a new coating
As a rule, manufacturers of solvent-containing paints and varnishes have to prevent
New / old ways to non.electrical explosion protection
At the end of October 2019, European Directive 2014/34/EU and the new
Only Ex h for Ex non.electrical?
Protection concepts of types of protection “d”, “p” and “t” acceptable for
Possible ignition sources vs Ex
What can be identified as a possible ignition source in a possible
Summary 2017 vs Ex
End of the yr statistics we have made via summarizing our projects
Valve (non-Ex) vs Ex
Valve might come as a valve, but it might come as a
IEC 60079-0:2017 – new edition
One major change (indicated as per editorial): Throughout document, “electrical equipment” replaced