Hazardous Area Classification
A Hazardous Area is considered to be an area where an explosive atmosphere is or maybe expected to be present which requires special precautions to be taken for the construction, installation and use of electrical equipment.
Two ATEX directives have been issued by the European Community: the first promotes free trade of goods (directive 100a – 94/9/EC); and the other is intended to increase the safety of workers (directive 137 – 1999/92/EC). ATEX comes from the French translation for Explosive Atmosphere (ATmosphere EXplosible).
These directives have now been implemented throughout the European Community. In the UK, the directives have been implemented as the EPS and DSEAR regulations.
EPS: UK Transposed standard of ATEX 100a.
Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996.
DSEAR: UK Transposed standard of ATEX 137.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002.
Under DSEAR every employer shall classify places at the workplace, where an explosive atmosphere may occur, into hazardous or non-hazardous and shall classify those places so classified as hazardous into zones. BS EN 60079-10 is the standard for determining the classification of hazardous areas, giving guidance of determining the area classification and recommendations for detailing the zones on drawings.
iGAS Engineers are experienced in the zonal classification of hazardous areas. We can undertake site surveys, classification studies and risk assessments producing clear concise drawings and advice to allow your company to demonstrate compliance with relevant legislation.


