Rules to be applied for area classification are divided into 2 categories :
REGULATIONS – Published by the national legal Authorities.
– Application is mandatory. (Law)
-They vary from country to country.
STANDARDS Published by a standardization committee (international/national/regional).
Application is not mandatory but only if it has been enforced by law. Standardization committees generally include representatives from :
- manufacturers,
- end users,
- safety agencies, certifying agencies
- utilities, etc.
- They publish a document (the « STANDARD ») which represents a consensus
between all the parties and reflects the state of the art at a given time
- Consensus does not imply unanimity !
- Generally regulations give few details about on « How to achieve safety » but only aims are defined .
REGULATIONS
- International level ……………………… nothing so far ….but …. !
- Regional level (eg Europe)………….… 2 ATEX directives (1 for products , 1 for workers)
- National level (eg USA)……………..… OSHA ,MOSHA , US Coast Guards
- Details are most of time found in Standards which can be of different types :
STANDARDS
- International IEC 60 079 series
- European CENELEC 60 079 series
National USA : ANSI/API RP 505 (zone system) Russia : Gost R 51330-X-99 series
IEC 60 079 -10 Explosive atmospheres standard
Part 10-1: Classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres
Part 10-2: Classification of areas – Combustible dust atmospheres
Part 10-1 Introduction stipulates
In areas where dangerous quantities and concentrations of flammable gas, vapour or mist under normal atmospheric conditions may arise, protective measures are to be applied in order to reduce the risk of fire and/or explosion.
Part 10-1 scope stipulates :
For detailed recommendations regarding the extent of the hazardous areas in specific industries or applications, reference may be made to national or industry codes relating to those applications.
