Explosion protection is of paramount importance to safety; as explosions endanger the lives and health of workers as a result of the uncontrolled effects of flame and pressure. S.I. 299 of 2007 transposes into Irish Law a European Directive referred to as the ATEX directive No.1999/92/EC. This Directive is concerned with the risks from fire and explosion arising from flammable substances stored or used in the workplace.
This legislation requires employers to implement necessary measures for the protection of workers, including the prevention of occupational risks, and provision of suitable training.
The regulations are applicable to most workplaces where flammable substances are stored or used. As the employer, it is your responsibility to protect your employees and prevent any explosions that may occur in a process area.
There are a number of identification methodologies, safeguards and mitigation methods which can be used to identify and mitigate risk. One such method is completing a Hazardous Area Classification Risk Assessment to identify all the hazardous zones where an explosive atmosphere may be present. A risk assessment is an effective, structured means of identifying, assessing and assigning appropriate safeguards and preventive measures to hazards.
Whichever method(s) you use to achieve compliance the process must be documented in an Explosion Protection Document (EPD).
The information that forms the basis upon which the EPD is developed includes but is not limited to:
- A description of the Process / Area / Utility.
- A complete register of materials being handled, processed or stored within ATEX Hazardous Area Zones.
- The Lightning Protection Measures in place and the specification to which it was installed.
- Details of any:
LEL Vapour / Gas Detection in addition to the applicable settings.
Gas inertion systems employed. - Explosion suppression Systems
- Explosion blast resisting structures.
- Explosion relieving devices
- Copies of Means of Escape Certificate to demonstrate compliance with Part B of the Building Regulations
- Antistatic Measures
- Personal Protective Clothing / Footwear / Floors.
- List of ATEX Warning Signs posted & positioning.
- ATEX training policy and records for operational and maintenance personnel
- Permit to Work System in Place
- Control of Ignition Sources (Smoking / Mobile Phones / Portable Electronic/Electrical Devices)
- Emergency Plan
- Safety Management System in Place
- Management of Change Policy
- Coordination of Explosion Protection Measures i.e. contractor selection & control policy
- Implementation of Explosion Protection Measures i.e. organisational chart and responsibility for ATEX compliance
Why choose AVS?
- As an accredited third party independent inspection body, we can provide recognised accredited compliance certification.
- Inspection outputs are delivered on an audit ready cloud based inspection and asset management solution, which incorporates the Ex Register & Verification dossier.
- Choosing AVS guarantees you have met your obligations to ensure the competency of the organisation/personnel undertaking inspection.