SANS 10108: The Classification Of Hazardous Locations And The ....pdf

In South Africa, control of hazardous locations is regulated in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996) by the Chief Inspector of Mines of the Department of Minerals and Energy (Regulator). Or in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) by the Chief Inspector of Occupational Health and Safety of the Department of Labour (Regulator). Or in terms of the Explosives Act, 2003 (Act No. 15 of 2003) by the Chief Inspector of Explosives of the Department of Labour (Regulator).

In South Africa, it is required that all electrical equipment used in hazardous locations be certified to comply with an approved standard, carry approved markings and have the necessary test certificates. The approved test laboratories (ATL) whose certification will be accepted are listed in ARP 0108.

NOTE 2 This classification usually includes locations where volatile flammable liquids or liquefied flammable gases are transferred from one container to another; interiors of spray booths and areas in the vicinity of spraying and painting operations where flammable solvents are used; locations that contain open tanks or vats of flammable liquids; oil-extraction apparatus that uses flammable solvents; portions of cleaning and drying plants where flammable liquids are used; inadequately ventilated pump rooms for flammable gases or for flammable liquids; and all other locations where hazardous concentrations of flammable vapours or gases can occur in the course of normal operations.

The use of cathodic protection in the petroleum industry for the prevention of corrosion of tanks and, pipelines, manifolds, sea lines, jetties, etc., could introduce hazards when this method of corrosion-protection is used in hazardous locations.

It should be appreciated that with this form of protection, the breaking of small currents can be a source of danger in hazardous locations. The apparatus or connected circuits shall therefore be used with care.

10.1(1)The employer must take reasonable measures to ensure that allelectrical reticulation systems used in hazardous locationsare designed andselected by a competent person or under the direct supervision of such acompetent person. 2b1af7f3a8