Practical Approach to Use of Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Locations; the Nature of flammable atmospheres, Purpose of HAC, and Methodology of Classification.
In facilities where flammable atmospheres can be present during normal as well as abnormal operating conditions, the overlap of these environments with electrical equipment can pose risk. Ensuring that arcs, sparks, and hot surfaces from electrical equipment and systems are properly managed to prevent fires and explosions is critical for maintaining workplace safety. Our training course on Hazardous Area Classification is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the standards and practices essential for safeguarding facilities from such hazards.
Background
Facilities that process or handle flammable gases, liquids, powders, fibers, and other combustible materials face inherent fire and explosion risks associated with the use of electrical equipment. The potential for a flash fire or explosion can increase significantly due to factors like electrical arcing or high temperatures generated by electrical devices under both normal and abnormal operating conditions. This course emphasizes the importance of identifying and characterizing all hazardous materials within a facility, determining likelihood and extent of release, and defining the hazardous areas they encompass. By adhering to industry codes and standards, participants will learn how to effectively identify and classify these hazardous areas. This classification plays a crucial role in selecting and installing electrical equipment, wiring methods, thereby enhancing the safety and compliance of your plant.
Course Content
The course will cover:
- The purpose and methodology of Hazardous Area (Electrical) Classification.
- How to identify and classify locations where flammable atmospheres could be present under normal and foreseeable abnormal conditions, hazardous locations.
- Codes and Standards for Electrical Hazardous Area Classification including NFPA 497 ‘Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas’, and NFPA 499 ‘Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas’, and NFPA 70, ‘National Electrical Code’.
- Comparison of Zone with Class and Division system.
- Questions and Answer sessions.
- Subject knowledge test (available on request).
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course the attendees will:
- How current legislation and its requirements affects Electrical Area Classification.
- Gain an understanding of how to perform electrical area classification for areas containing flammable atmosphere.
- Learn how to select and specify appropriate (electrical) equipment for Classified Locations.
Course Duration
The duration of this in-company course is typically one (1) day but can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your organization. For example, the course could be expanded to include workshops and specific examples from your own operations and processes.
Who should attend
This course is particularly valuable for safety engineers, electrical engineers, maintenance supervisors, and operations managers. It is also crucial for professionals in risk assessment roles, facility managers, and anyone involved in designing or retrofitting electrical systems within hazardous environments. The attendees will benefit significantly from a deeper understanding of area classification to ensure their operations align with safety standards and effectively mitigate risks associated with flammable and combustible materials. By participating in this training, they will acquire the skills needed to oversee and implement safety measures that prevent potential electrical ignition sources from causing incidents.
