Explosive atmospheres (ATEX) in industrial plants
Explosive atmospheres in the workplace can be caused by various flammable substances such as gases, mists, vapors or by combustible dusts. Hazardous areas are classified into zones (0, 1 and 2 or 20, 21 and 22) based on a type of flammable substance and an assessment of the frequency of the occurrence and duration of an explosive atmosphere.
The safety of potentially explosive atmospheres shall be taken into account at the early stages of engineering. The risks of potentially explosive atmospheres can be managed with engineering solutions, appropriate hazardous area classifications, the right choice of equipment, maintenance and with instructions and training. Electrical and non-electric equipment and protective systems are required to be designed and selected to be suitable for use in an explosive gas and dust atmospheres.
AFRY provides various safety services related to hazardous areas. Our experts carry out risk analyses related to explosive atmospheres (ATEX), including explosion and ignition risk analyses. Explosion protection document (EPD) required by Directive 99/92/EC represents the technical and organizational measures to prevent the risk of explosions and to protect against explosions. Explosion protection document (EPD) development covers following phases:
- Identification of flammable liquids, gases and dusts
- Identification of sources of release of flammable substances, explosion risk assessment and hazardous area classification
- Equipment selection and Ex equipment list
- Ignition risk assessment
- Explosion protection document (EPD) preparation
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