By identifying the areas susceptible to fire or explosion, hazardous area classification (HAC) assists industries in reducing their chances of experiencing an incident resulting in damage to property and potential injury or loss of life. Originally HAC was used to enable process companies to make the correct choice of electrical equipment to prevent electrical ignition of flammable atmospheres.

Now HAC is being applied in wider risk assessment work and to counter a range of ignition sources, such as electrostatic sparks, and flammable substances, such as solvent vapors, gases or mists and dust clouds. For this reason, HAC is needed not only in chemical plants but in a variety of other industries from food processors to power generation. Both AS3000 and AS60079 reference HAC in their safety regulations, as do the ATEX/DSEAR directives in Europe.

Conducting a hazardous area classification can be challenging, as it requires a thorough understanding of the processes used and the equipment associated with them.

We are experts in both the terms of reference for HAC and your obligations and responsibilities under new and existing regulations, identifying those areas in a plant where flammable atmospheres can be found and their frequency. With an international orientation and disciplined approach, we are uniquely suited to provide HAC support and our experts have the know-how and experience to guide you through the complexities of the classification process.