PMV

  Introduction: Working in hazardous areas , such as those with high voltage equipment, flammable materials, or confined spaces, requires strict adherence to safety measures to prevent accidents, injuries, and potential fatalities. Whether you're an electrician, maintenance personnel, or any professional exposed to such environments, understanding and implementing safety protocols is paramount. This article outlines key safety measures for working in hazardous areas. Training and Education: Before entering a hazardous area, ensure you have received proper training. Understand the specific risks associated with the area and the equipment you'll be handling. Regular training updates keep you informed about the latest safety procedures and protocols. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including helmets, gloves, safety goggles, flame-resistant clothing, and respiratory protection when necessary. PPE acts as a barrier between you and potential hazard...

  According to the WA Health and Safety at Work Act 2020, plant owners and employers must prioritize the safety of workers and provide secure working premises. This involves adhering to specific guidelines: Properly identify and document hazardous areas as per AS/NZS 60079.10. Ensure correct installation, testing, inspection, and maintenance of Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas (EEHA) following IEC/AS/NZS 60079.14 and 17. Employ competent individuals for hazardous area work. As a person responsible for EEHA safety at your site, following these steps is crucial to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. 1.  Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) : To ensure safe operation in explosive atmospheres, hazardous areas undergo classification, guiding the selection of equipment and installations. The initial step involves a competent person conducting a HAC study, identifying areas prone to continuous or abnormal explosive atmospheres during regular operation. HAC is essential fo...

  Ex Equipment must comply with clause 4.4 of AS/NZS 60079.14:2017 in Australia. The related equipment, such as zener barriers or galvanic isolators for intrinsic safety, must meet the same standards. Simple apparatus in an intrinsically safe circuit, such as simple switches or resistive elements supplied by a recognised intrinsically safe isolator or barrier, are the only exception.  This post provides a summary of the requirements.  Directly acceptable certification   In most circumstances, equipment having ANZEx or IECEx certification can be used directly in hazardous areas in Australia.  Underground coal mines subject to firedamp (Group I) are subject to additional rules, which typically necessitate a certificate from an Australian certification authority or specific regulatory authorisation. 2.  Certification to other standards   When using equipment with acceptable certification is not practical, equipment with other certification may be used. T...

  In late June 2022, the new editions of AS/NZS 60079, Standards for Explosive atmospheres were published, along with a new supplement to AS/NZS 60079.10.1.  Part 10.1: Classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres  This  AS/NZS 60079.14:2022 : Design selection, erection and initial inspection, revision of the HA design and installation standard is a readoption of IEC 60079-14:2013. The change goes a long way to addressing the usability issues with the 2017 version raised by many in industry.   1.1  This Australian/New Zealand changes to the IEC text are no longer hidden at the back of the document in Appendix ZZ. The changes are shown in each clause near the text they modify. 1.2  New Level of Protection markings are explained (5.4.7):  e → eb  nA → ec  d → db  nC → dc  nL → ic  1.3  Pollution degrees are explained (5.9.1).  1.4  Clarification that cable jointing is permitted (9.6.7).  1.5...

  Certificate IV in Hazardous Areas: Electrical  qualification is the perfect way for licensed electricians to upskill and stay ahead of the curve. With this qualification, you’ll develop the skills to safely select, install, commission, maintain and test explosion-protected equipment and systems. You’ll also understand how explosion protection techniques apply to coal mining, gas and dust environments. With this qualification, you’ll be able to take your career in exciting new directions!  As part of this certification, the candidate must meet the ERAC requirements for an ‘electrician’s licence’, and the candidate must also have the ability to select, install, set up, test, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain stand-alone wind and solar power equipment.   Hazardous Areas   An area is classified as hazardous when an explosive atmosphere is present, or there’s a possibility it could be present, and special precautions are necessary for any (equipment) potentia...