Description

This Standard specifies the classification of hazardous areas where flammable gas or vapour risks may arise, in order to permit the proper selection and installation of apparatus for use in such areas.

Modified adoption of IEC 60079-10:2002.

Scope

This part of IEC 60079 is concerned with the classification of hazardous areas where flammable gas or vapour risks may arise, in order to permit the proper selection and installation of apparatus for use in such hazardous areas.

It is intended to be applied where there may be a risk of ignition due to the presence of flammable gas or vapour, mixed with air under normal atmospheric conditions (see note 2), but it does not apply to

• a) mines susceptible to firedamp;
• b) the processing and manufacture of explosives;
• c) areas where a risk may arise due to the presence of ignitable dusts or fibres;
• d) catastrophic failures which are beyond the concept of abnormality dealt with in this standard (see note 3);
• e) rooms used for medical purposes;
• f) areas where the presence of flammable mist may give rise to an unpredictable risk and which require special consideration (see note 5);
• g) domestic premises.
• h) areas which may be affected by oxygen enrichment.

This standard does not take into account the effects of consequential damage.

Definitions and explanations of terms are given together with the main principles and procedures relating to hazardous area classification.

For detailed recommendations regarding the extent of the hazardous areas in specific industries or applications, reference may be made to the codes relating to those industries or applications.

Some specific examples of area classifications are contained in the various Parts of AS/NZS 2430.3.