Jon Lowe
Fire and Process Team Leader
Multisite Hazardous Area Classification
RPS was commissioned to provide Hazardous Area Classification studies for nine On-site Electro Chlorination (OSEC) sites and a large sewage treatment works operated by a large water company.
Our client was keen to ensure the classifications were up to date prior to embarking on equipment inspections, therefore setting clear demarcation for the inspection team and ensuring the equipment inventory was accurately collated.
Key details
Project name
Multisite Hazardous Area Classification
Location
UK
Services provided
- Risk management
- Hazardous Area Classification
- DSEAR
Challenge
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) contain specific requirements to demarcate hazardous from non-hazardous areas. As with many industries outside the normal high hazard oil and gas / chemical industries, guidance for Hazardous Area Classification can be difficult to find, be overly pessimistic or out of date.
Without relevant industry guidance the justification of hazardous areas is always a challenge. Adopting guidance from other industries will often result in conservative or large hazardous areas and have a significant impact on the amount of mechanical and electrical equipment located within the zones. It requires a balanced approach between the hazardous area classification and the installation of equipment in hazardous areas.
Solution
RPS examined legacy information (guidance and studies) to gain sufficient information to develop a consistent and pragmatic approach to Hazardous Area Classification for our client’s sites.
We conducted site surveys in conjunction with a client specialist to complete specific Hazardous Area Classifications for each site whilst also gaining knowledge of generic requirements that would need to be addressed at future sites. The surveys enabled us to add value to the project by identifying good practices that could be adopted across the fleet of installations. We also identified diesel and battery charging facilities and provided a proportionate classification.
The resulting classifications provided approach and will assist the inspection team in their projections.
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