Hazardous Area Inspections 101: What You Need to Know

Hazardous Area Inspections 101: What You Need to Know

Tuesday 13 August

The simple definition of a hazardous area is ‘an environment in which there are flammable gases, vapours, dusts or fibres present which create or may create an explosive atmosphere’. As a result of this, potential ignition sources, i.e., electrical equipment, must be suitable and safe for the zone they're in.

Part of keeping electrical equipment suitable and safe is with regular hazardous area inspections.

Why are inspections so important?

It’s recommended that businesses should receive periodic inspections at least every 3 years. Simply put, they help your business meet regulations such as DSEAR and BS EN 60079-17, but there are other benefits they can have such as:

• Enhanced Safety: With regular reviews, your employees can have the peace of mind that they are working in an environment where risks are minimised.
• Cost Saving: Inspections are key in identifying any damage in existing installations which may lead to costly breakdowns.  
• Improved Business Planning: When inspections are skipped, this can lead to unexpected downtime as a result of malfunctions or breakdowns. By creating a solid inspection routine, you can create an efficient workflow with inspections planned to suit you as opposed to carried out at the last minute.
  
  

How are inspections conducted?

There are 2 common types of hazardous area inspections which depend upon the equipment being inspected:

Initial Inspections: A primary examination of a new location or equipment to ensure that the installation is correct and that it’s well-suited for its environment. It will include the risks present and measures which need to be considered.

Periodic Inspections: This encompasses ongoing inspections in hazardous areas which will check if the equipment is still in good shape and monitor any signs of deterioration. Frequency is recommended with periodic recommendations in case new dangers have emerged since the previous inspection. 

The inspection of equipment is carried out in 3 grades due to specialist precautions. The first is a visual inspection which is a simple visual check over the equipment. Secondly is a close inspection which will use instrument or require the removal of covers for further assessment. Lastly is a detailed inspection, a more thorough examination which might involve the dismantling of parts or further monitoring.

Depending on the area and equipment, specialised equipment such as thermographic cameras may also be used for a detailed result. 

What happens after an inspection?

Following an inspection, you will receive a detailed inspection report usually in written form and via a digital report. This will list any signs of damage or deterioration found in equipment which can then be addressed through repairs or a new installation.

This documentation can then serve as evidence of your businesses commitment to safety, a feature which is important for regulations such as DSEAR and ATEX directives. 

Where can I get an inspection?

Due to the specialist nature of hazardous areas, it’s essential that inspections are carried out by qualified contractors. With this, you get peace of mind and a good contractor will ensure minimal disruption during the inspection. 

At SR Electrical Services, our engineers are trained to CompEx, APEA and NICEIC standards, meaning they are fully equipped to assess hazardous areas. 

If you haven’t had a hazardous area inspection for a while or are looking to have new equipment assessed, we would be more than happy to help! Don’t put it off until it’s too late, talk to our experts today.