Hazardous Area Classification
Lithium Oil & Gas can complete a hazardous area classification to the Australian or IEC classification standards as well as other internationally recognised classification standards listed below. We have specialists who hold the Australian AS/NZS 4761 classification competencies and the IECEx CoPC classification certification and are up to date with the latest classification modeling and systems:
- EI 15 (Energy Institute).
- API RP 505 (American Petroleum Institute).
- API RP 500 (American Petroleum Institute).
- BS 5908-1.
- IGEM codes for natural gas installations, e.g. IGEM/SR/25 (see Note 1).
- NFPA 59A, production storage and handling of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- NFPA 497, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases or Vapours and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas.
What is a Hazardous Area Classification?
A hazardous area classification is a systematic engineering review of the areas where flammable gas or vapour hazards may arise and is then used as the basis to support the proper selection and installation of equipment for use in hazardous areas. An accurate hazardous area classification is a critical first step in ensuring your facility is designed correctly and offers the correct level of protection against ignition of the explosive atmosphere.
Accuracy Saves Money and Improves Safety
Poorly conducted hazardous area classifications result in one of two outcomes, either the hazardous area is far too large, or it is far too small. Inaccurate hazardous area classifications that have overestimated the required size of the area will lead to a staggering increase in equipment procurement costs because of the increase in hazardous area certified equipment. This will have additional cost impacts through the life of the facility resulting from additional mandatory inspections, overhaul and repair requirements.
Inaccurate hazardous area classifications that have underestimated the required size of the area will create a critical safety issue because this will lead to non-certified ignition capable equipment being installed in an area where an explosive atmosphere exists leading to a potential deadly explosion.
Australian Hazardous Area Classification
In Australia AS/NZS 60079.10.1 is the primary standard used for the classification of flammable gas or vapour hazards. This Standard is an adoption with national modifications of the IEC 60079.10.1 standard. The objective of this Standard is to set out requirements for the classification of areas where flammable gas or vapour risks might arise, in order to permit the proper selection and installation of equipment for use in such hazardous areas. The Australian AS/NZS 60079.10.1 standard does contain some significant departures from the original IEC 60079.10.1 source documents. Lithium Oil & Gas can complete hazardous area classifications for new installations or help customers validate the accuracy of their current classification against the requirements outlined in AS/NZS 60079.10.1.