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ATEX EQUIPMENT
ElECTrICal InSTallaTIonS In hazarDouS arEaS
enhanced requirements of applicable regulations and standards. However, the normal operation of equipment often involves actions or reactions which represent a potential ignition source, such as electrical sparks, high operating temperatures, electrostatic discharge and friction sparks. In the European Union there are two ATEX
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Directives - one for the manufacturer and one for the user of the equipment. The ATEX 114 "equipment" Directive 2014/34/EU focuses on the responsibilities of manufacturers of Ex-rated machinery and other equipment. In the UK, it is implemented by The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016, which is law. The legislation’s function is to ensure that
the design and manufacture of equipment intended for explosive atmospheres conforms with the Essential Health and Safety Requirements, so that these are met before anything is placed on the market. This is typically achieved by third-party testing and certification by an Approved or Notified Body. However, after machinery has been installed, how can you verify that conformity and compliance have been achieved? To ensure the installation quality and
integrity of Ex-rated equipment post installation an intrusive inspection by a competent person should be carried out. This is described within the requirements of EN60079-17 as an ‘Initial Detailed Inspection’. If carried out correctly, such an inspection will ensure that the equipment, including its internal and external components, are fit for purpose and installed correctly. Manufacturers spend thousands of pounds
designing and testing equipment intended for explosive areas, and typically the end- user will pay a premium for these products.
ncreasingly, machinery and other equipment is being used in potentially hazardous environments to automate or control certain production processes. This poses an increased risk of fire and explosion, so equipment must meet the
So, if your installer compromises the manufacturer’s design, this invalidates the equipment and creates a potentially dangerous installation. As an example, they might discard cable gland internals and decide that the simplest way to hang an Ex- rated light fitting is to drill through the casing to mount it, or they might drill and tap the lid of an Ex-rated enclosure to fit an identification label. Also, assuming the issue is identified, there
will be a significant financial cost to re- establish compliance. This is so often the case when an end-user takes delivery of, for example, a packaged skid assembly which has been manufactured off-site at a supplier’s premises. In such circumstances, Ex-related issues are only found during the completions, inspections and commissioning process. The consequence will be delays to commissioning and potentially start-up, alongside unplanned additional financial costs. Installer competency is often a key issue, as
it is common for suppliers and installers to hire workers for ad-hoc projects. While keeping a core team of trades people as full- time employees is not always financially viable, it does make the assurance of installer competency a difficult area to manage. However, the problem can be more
systemic, and looking at the bigger picture the questions might be - did the supplier fully understand what they were asked to build and to what standard? Were the specifications and design documents supplied by the end-user or designer adequate? Did they cover the required legislative areas correctly and suitably? Were the appropriate standards referenced? At this point in a project disputes and frustrations are common, which can lead to further delays and cost – all of which can be avoided. Employing competent, impartial and
independent Ex inspectors to inspect installations and carry out detail inspections prior to initial use, or in the case of the suppliers, prior to shipping, is a key element to detecting and rectifying problems early. Engaging a competent inspector to monitor the build, offer advice and potentially mentor as the installation progresses is an
12 auguST/SEpTEmBEr 2023 | InDuSTrIal ComplIanCE
By Ian Wright, Chief Engineer at TÜV SÜD,
area that is often overlooked. However, by doing so there is significant potential to minimise or eliminate the need for rework after inspection. Another area that is
commonly discounted is the use of an independent and impartial specialist to review the technical documentation and project deliverables with respect to the installation of Ex electrical and non-
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