In view of the flammable liquid vapors, combustible gases, combustible dust or explosive dust and other substances stranded in the workplace, is a high-risk area, the use of electrical machinery, equipment or appliances without appropriate explosion-proof performance structure, prone to fire, explosion disaster. Business units should implement hazardous area classification and select appropriate explosion-proof electrical equipment accordingly.
According to national standards (CNS 3376-10) or international standards (IEC 60079-10-1), planning and development of explosion-proof hazardous area zoning.
Area demarcation of flammable gases and flammable liquids regulations based on CNS3376-10 standard, dust explosion is based on CNS 3376-10-2 standard.
Hazardous area zoning is established by performing 7 steps
Hazardous locations are categorized in CNS 3376-10 as follows
- 0 Zone (Zone 0): Explosive gas environment continuous or long-term existence of the site.
- 1 Zone (Zone 1): explosive gas environment under normal operation may exist in the premises.
- 2 zone (Zone 2): explosive gas environment in normal operation is unlikely to occur, if it occurs only occasionally and only exist for a short period of time in the premises.
Hazardous area classification should be performed by qualified personnel with process, equipment knowledge, safety, electrical and other engineering backgrounds.