AS60079 Hazardous Area Dossier

[dodgeybro]

Hi Guys,

I am managing a project were we are using an electrolysis to produce chlorine for water dosing, with H2 byproduct. Hazardous area classification is completed and we've ensured that no electrical equipment is installed in the classified zones. My question is if there is no electrical equipment installed in the hazardous zone do I still need need a hazardous area dossier? It wont contain any electrical equipment, but then if I don't have it, how do I ensure no equipment is installed in the hazardous zones in the future.

 

[ScottyUK]

In Europe, where we're governed by the ATEX Directives, ignition from mechanical sources must be considered as well as electrical sources. I'm not sure how closely Australian standards are following IEC, ISO and EN standards, but if you have an equivalent to (or recognise) ISO 80079-36 and 80079-37 then they might be worth a look.

 

[GroovyGuy]

Howdy Dodgey,
I have worked in industrial process plants, including chlorine gas plants, for all of my (+40 year) career. I have never seen a chlorine plant that does not have some electrical equipment located in a classified area. Let's not forget that a byproduct of this process is hydrogen gas. From my perspective something is not right with your statements above. Are you referencing only Zone 0, or do you include Zone 1 & Zone 2 in your statements above?
I see that your governing spec is AS60079. Unfortunately I am not familiar with that Code, but I don't see how it could be that much different that a the Codes we use here in NA. Perhaps I have learned something new today.
Regards,
GG

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931)

 

[dodgeybro]

Thanks GroovyGuy,

Your right, I oversimplified my statement a little and there are zones 1 and 2 around evacuation pipework and vents. I guess I was just trying to work out if the Hazadous Area Dossier is tied to the Hazadous gas, or the electrical installation. ie Do I need the Dossier if there is a hazadous zone without any ignition source installed in the defined zones.

Our assessor has determined that internal to the electrolyer is Zone 0, but I think due to forced ventilation that there is no electrical source in this zone. I've asked the same questions about the assessment and still waiting for a reply.