If you are someone who is working in a hazardous environment, explosion-proof rated equipment may not be a new term for you. As we all know, even the tiniest spark produced in a potentially hazardous environment can cause irreparable damage to property, machinery, and life. Therefore, using explosion-proof equipment is not only a wise investment but also a safe bet for a hazardous workplace. From selecting the perfect explosion-proof lighting to the installation of the ideal junction box, working with explosion-proof equipment requires an in-depth understanding. This article will help you better understand the usage and specific requirements of explosion-proof equipment in Singapore.
What is "Explosion Proof" Equipment?
To be classified as "explosion proof," a product must be able to contain an explosion within itself. This implies that the product housing would be able to withstand the explosion and would be able to prevent the sparks or vapours from escaping the hardy housing to the adjacent atmosphere.
How Do They Work?
When an internal explosion occurs in the equipment, the gas ejected under pressure seeks a way out of the enclosure. Knowing this, the design of the explosion-proof equipment allows the gas to cool before letting it outside. Its reinforced housing helps dissipate gas internally by cooling it and preventing pressure from escaping. Using high-quality, certified explosion-proof equipment is critical to decreasing the risk of explosions and fires.
Explosion-Proof Equipment in Singapore: Usage and Requirements
Explosion-proof rated equipment is designed to be used in hazardous environments where there is a potential risk of explosion or fire, and these typically include industries such as oil and gas, mining, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. These working environments often contain combustible dust, flammable liquids, gases or vapours and ignitable fibres all contributing to potentially explosive workplace atmospheres. This necessitates that these industries take specific precautions to minimise potential dangers within their working environments by investing in explosion-proof equipment.
Conforming Guidelines
There are strict requirements for the use of explosion-proof-rated equipment, as outlined in national and international codes and standards. These requirements may include specific installation and maintenance procedures, as well as testing and certification processes to ensure the equipment meets the required level of safety. Explosion-proof equipment in Singapore requires that the equipment you use comply with ATEX or IECEx standards or directives.
What is ATEX?
ATEX is the short form for ATmospheres EXplosible. The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The directive defines the essential health and safety requirements and conformity assessment procedures.
What is IECEx?
IECEx stands for "International Electrotechnical Commission Explosive." It is a system used to facilitate international trade in equipment and services for use in explosive atmospheres while maintaining the required level of safety.
Hazardous Area Classification
Currently, there are two systems used to classify these hazardous areas: the class/division system and the zone system. The class/division system is used predominantly in the United States and Canada, whereas the rest of the world generally uses the zone system. Singapore uses the zone classification system.
Each zone defines the probability of ignitable hazardous material (gas or dust) being present in sufficient quantities to result in an explosion.
Zone 0 | Concentrations of flammable gases or vapours that are present continuously or for long periods of time. |
Zone 1 | Concentrations of flammable gases or vapours that are likely to occur under normal operating conditions. |
Zone 2 | Concentrations of flammable gases or vapours that are not likely to occur under normal operating conditions and do so only for a short period of time. |
Zone 20 | An environment where combustible dust or ignitable fibres and flyings are present continuously or for long periods of time. |
Zone 21 | An environment where combustible dusts or ignitable fibres and flyings are likely to occur under normal operating conditions. |
Zone 22 | An area where combustible dusts or ignitable fibres and flyings are not likely to occur under normal operating conditions and do so only for a short period of time. |
Where Can You Find Explosion-Proof Equipment in Singapore?
Using high-quality, certified equipment is the only way to guarantee the safety of your employees and your workplace. This is the very reason that you need to choose a reliable supplier of explosion-proof equipment in Singapore. The service experts at Lumenex Asia are well-versed in hazardous area classification and can ensure that you have the best Ex-proof equipment for your hazardous work environments. From explosion-proof LED lights and junction boxes to explosion-proof cable glands, we have a range of solutions for you.
We comply with the highest industry standards and also ensure that your explosion-proof equipment in Singapore receives proper periodic maintenance for optimum functionality.
Let our highly trained professionals help you choose the ideal safety equipment to ensure workplace safety and promote your development at work. Contact our experts today for all your explosion-proof equipment-related queries. Your safety is our priority!
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