Event Details

Safe working in hazardous areas has both a human dimension: knowledge and competence, and a physical dimension: use of suitable equipment and materials. This seminar aims to bring the two together in focussing on some areas of known difficulty. It will provide updates on the current issues and progress to safer working for:

  • Competency. Competency schemes for work in explosive atmospheres developed since the Piper Alpha disaster have followed the principles outlined in IEC 60079. But how best to meet those requirements is currently under discussion. We take a look at what that means for the user.
  • Vapour cloud hazards. A number of accidents have demonstrated that the mists of high flashpoint fluids can be capable of ignition and explosion at far lower temperatures than their flashpoints. When might dangerous conditions arise, and what might the user do to prevent them?
  • Portable devices in hazardous areas. The pervasive nature of personal portable devices and the increasing energy storage density of successive generations of batteries has resulted in elevated levels of risk at sites where an explosive atmosphere may be present. EEMUA and the Energy Institute have worked together to evaluate the risks so that site operators may be given appropriate guidance.
  • Assemblies in hazardous areas. Though it sounds simple to have a whole assembly certified as a single entity there are some pitfalls to be aware of. How does it work in practice? 
  • Barrier glands. “When is a cable not a cable?” “When it’s a barrier gland!” Surely that can’t be right? Well that seemed almost to be what the IEC was expecting when IEC 60079-14:2013 was published. A first set of tests for EEMUA indicated that the IEC criteria for use of a barrier gland were flawed. A second set of tests, carried out according to IEC criteria, has confirmed that position. Hear the background, and the latest results.  

Who should attend

This seminar would be of particular interest to those involved in managing staff required to work in hazardous areas, or in zoning decisions.

EEMUA Seminar: Hazardous Areas