Requirements for operating in hazardous locations

Working in hazardous locations comes with many risks, as workers are exposed to explosive elements like flammable gas, vapour, liquid and dust. To help reduce the risks associated with operating in such environments, it is important to take the appropriate steps. This starts with designing and testing the product for safe use.

The first step

National codes and standards have requirements for electrical equipment used in hazardous locations to help reduce the incidence of explosions. This is a critical step in helping manufacturers ensure that their products and machinery are designed and tested for safe use in these environments. It is also critical to consider the intended use of the product — considerations such as what protection method will be employed to help ensure safe installation and use of the equipment, what type of hazards the product will be exposed to, and what type of environment the product will be operating in. These factors should act as the foundation of the design, and compliance should be demonstrated through testing and certification.

Next steps

Best practices should be in place. These include proper maintenance of products, and training the personnel operating and maintaining this equipment on an ongoing basis. That’s because, even when the appropriate steps have been taken to ensure a product is safe, serious injuries and fatalities can occur if workers are not properly trained in safety requirements. It is the responsibility of stakeholders to ensure that their own personnel, as well as their suppliers and contractors, are capable and competent.

A trusted expert

CSA Group has considerable expertise when it comes to the testing and certification of equipment used in hazardous locations across the globe. Its capabilities include testing to North American, European and international standards and requirements. In addition, CSA Group’s technical experts will work with companies to help them understand the approvals they need for electrical equipment used in hazardous locations around the world.

The company offers training courses for all levels, ranging from helping manufacturers gain a basic understanding of the product certification process, to giving them a more detailed understanding of the certification requirements for products and personnel operating in hazardous locations.

CSA Group’s testing and certification services, combined with its highly skilled technical staff, offer a competitive advantage to manufacturers of products used in hazardous locations.

To learn more, contact CSA Group.

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