Hazardous Area Classification and Equipment Selection
Course Overview
This course is designed to provide the participant with an understanding of the characteristics of flammable materials, classification of hazardous locations, types of equipment used in hazardous locations, typical wiring systems, and inspection and maintenance guidelines. Hazardous areas exist in many industrial and commercial facilities where process information is gathered using sensors, switches, and manually operated controls. Hazardous conditions can exist during normal daily operations as a result of the release of flammable materials into the atmosphere. Releases can occur due to leaks at valves and pipe flanges, from routine maintenance where a seal is being replaced, or where a process results in the regular escape of gases and vapors. In many jurisdictions, either government or company mandated training is required for personnel working in these environments. There are many occupations and workers employed in this sector of industry that are affected by the safety requirements for working in hazardous locations. Upon completion of this course participants will have an understanding of the hazardous conditions associated with working in industrial and commercial oil and gas production facilities.
Who should attend?
This three-day course is a single and comprehensive training package which involves a combination of formal lectures, practical exercises, demonstrations and written exercises. It is primarily aimed at: · Safety, electrical, instrumentation and engineers or technicians It is assumed that most attendees will be familiar with industrial electrical practice although specific prior knowledge of hazardous areas is not a prerequisite.
Agenda
Day 1
Nature and Grouping of Flammable Gases
- Sources of ignition
- Flashpoint
- Ignition temperature
The topic of the first day will cover the basic characteristics of flammable materials, as they relate to the installation of electrical equipment in hazardous (classified) areas where gases, vapors, and liquids are present. Participates will learn about fire triangles, flammable limits, and gas density. Electrical equipment is specially designed and chosen for these areas. An exceptional understanding of these basic characteristics will be necessary in order for electrical and instrumentation personnel to appreciate the selection and installation requirements for electrical apparatus.
Day 2
Hazardous Area Classification
- Hazardous Location Classification (NEC)
- Hazardous Location Classification (IEC)
- Grouping of gases
- Temperature classifications
- IEC standard of Hazard area
- NEC standard of Hazard area
- Hazard area classification drawing reading
- Updating condition of Hazard area classification drawing
On day two, participants will learn about methods used to classify hazardous areas and the hazards associated with these areas, including flammable gases or vapors, combustible dusts, or ignitable fibers. The day will continue with a discussion of the different systems used in Europe and the United States to classify the type of hazard and whether the hazard is always present or only present in an emergency condition, such as a spill or failure of ventilating equipment.
Day 3
Electrical Enclosure Protection Methods and Marking
o Equipment identification
o Apparatus label marking
o Flameproof enclosures
This day will cover suitable electrical equipment for use in hazardous areas and the associated
nomenclature and codes. This will include flameproof (Ex “d”) and explosion proof apparatus,
increased safety (Ex “e”), intrinsic safety (Ex “ia”, Ex “ib”), pressurization (Ex “p”), and Ingress
Protection (IP) Codes – IEC. Discussion will include the objective of selecting electrical equipment
and the means of installation to reduce the hazard of the electrical apparatus to an acceptable level.
Day 4
Wiring Systems for Hazardous Areas
o Types of cables suitable for hazardous areas
o Types of cable glands
o Wiring methods for flameproof equipment
o Wiring methods for intrinsically safe equipment
On day four, the focus will be on wiring systems used in hazardous areas in industrial facilities and
how technicians perform the same functions in the non-hazardous (safe) areas of those same
plants. Information from telecommunication, instrumentation, and control systems run from safe
areas to hazardous areas will be covered. Participate will gain an understanding of the wiring
systems that travel within the different classified areas, as well as the relevant installation codes