Hazardous area classification European

Hazardous places are classified in terms of zones (divisions) on the basis of the frequency and duration of the occurrence of an explosive atmosphere (IEC 60079-10 200X, Classification of Hazardous Areas European Standard EN 50281-3 200X, Classification of Areas Where Combustible Dusts Are or May Be Present ). 

For the classification of hazardous areas the notable standards that are most frequently used are IEC60079 Part 10 for UK and Europe, BS5345 Part 2 for UK only, API 500 A for USA. Although the territories of origin are given it is found in practice that an oil company operating in a particular country may adopt any one or a combination of standards to comply with the governing rules of the country e.g. European standards are adopted in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, whereas the standards of the USA are preferred in Saudi Arabia. A similar situation exists in the Far East for example. 

The relevant standards have been affected by the standard harmonisation process within the EU through the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) and through the International Electrotechnical Commission (lEC). Individual parts of BS EN 60079 deal with different aspects concerning electric apparatus for potentially explosive gas atmospheres, namely classification of hazardous areas, electrical installations in hazardous areas (other than mines) and inspection and maintenance of electrical installations in hazardous areas (other than mines). BS 50014 covers general requirements. 

Where there are flammable materials that constitute an explosion risk, the locations in which the explosion risk exists are called hazardous areas. These areas are classified into zones according to the extent of the risk, using guidance published in BS EN 60079-10 1996 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres. Part 10 Classification of hazardous areas. The zones are also defined in the European Directive on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. The zones are ... 

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