Introduction
Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) involves categorising locations within a facility based on the potential presence of flammable gases, vapours, or dust that could pose explosion risks. This assessment is the foundation for determining the appropriate safety measures needed to mitigate those risks effectively.
HAC is driven by regulations such as the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) in the UK and ATEX in the European Union, where employers are required to assess and manage explosion risks to protect workers and property.
The classified zones are typically categorised as Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 for gases, vapours, and mists, and Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 for dust. Different zones have varying levels of risk and potential for explosive atmospheres. By accurately classifying areas, organisations can tailor their safety measures and controls, including equipment selection, to the specific level of risk in each zone. This ensures that resources are allocated where they are most needed, optimising safety efforts.
Learn how to determine the extent of classified areas, their classification depending on the leak size, and their frequency of occurrence to safeguard your operations and prevent potentially catastrophic incidents.
Who should attend
The course is beneficial to professionals who are concerned with the risks and vulnerabilities associated with the potential release of flammable gases, liquids and dust, including:
- Process safety engineers
- Electrical engineers
- Chemical engineers
- Mechanical engineers
- Safety consultants
- Process engineers/ scientists
- HSE engineers
- Emergency responders
- Plant/project managers
- Anyone who would like to enhance their understanding of hazardous area classification.
Prerequisites
In general, no special prerequisites are required. However, knowledge of process safety and experience in plant operation will be helpful.
Benefits for course participants
- Skill to assess and identify potential explosive atmospheres.
- Ability to identify the most suitable classification methods for specific scenarios.
- Proficiency in implementing appropriate safety measures that align with the level of risk present.
- Ability to make informed decisions about implementing controls and measures that mitigate explosion risks effectively.
- Boost your relevance in industries where the knowledge is prevalent.
Attendees will receive a competence certificate from Gexcon at the end of the course.
Benefits for organisations
The organisations will have in-house professional capability in areas mentioned in the "benefits for course participants", which will support in:
- Enhancing a strong safety culture within the organisation.
- Reducing potential risks and incidents through thorough risk assessment and appropriate safety measures implementation.
- Complying with regulations that enforce hazardous area classification, such as ATEX and DSEAR.
- Optimising resource allocation by focusing safety measures where they are most needed, minimising unnecessary costs while maintaining the required level of safety.
- Making informed decisions about equipment selection for different classified areas.
- Maintaining operational continuity by avoiding overzealous safety precautions that could disrupt operations.
- Anticipating changes, expansions, or modifications that might impact explosion risks and plan for them effectively.
- Enhancing the organisation’s reputation in the industry as a safety-conscious organization.
Moreover, the organisation will provide an opportunity for employees to engage in professional development by attending the course, which could enhance employee morale.