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IEC 60079 Hazardous Areas Compliance

Support on zone classification, equipment selection and installation for explosive atmospheres.

  • Zone classification (gas/dust)
  • Equipment selection and protections
  • Verification and technical documentation
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Method

  1. Process and substances data collection
  2. Zone classification and EPL definition
  3. Equipment selection/evaluation and installation
  4. Verifications and technical documentation
  5. Maintenance plan and periodic checks

Scope & typical use cases

Plants that handle flammable gases, vapours or combustible dusts must demonstrate that every piece of equipment installed in a classified zone is suitable for that zone — and keep demonstrating it over the installation’s life. We support that whole chain: reviewing or drafting the hazardous-area classification (zones 0/1/2 for gas, 20/21/22 for dust), verifying that installed equipment categories, temperature classes and protection concepts (Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, Ex t…) match the zone, and building the documentation that supports compliance review by the duty holder, auditor, or notified body.

Typical engagements: gap assessments of existing ATEX/IECEx documentation before an audit; initial and periodic inspections of Ex installations (visual, close and detailed grades); ignition-risk reviews when a process change moves a zone boundary; and remediation plans where legacy equipment lacks traceable certification. Deliverables are structured so your maintenance team can repeat the periodic inspection cycle internally, with our support only where detailed-grade checks or re-classification are needed.

Deliverables

  • Technical report with zone classification
  • Equipment list and suitability
  • Verification check‑lists and control plan
  • Operational recommendations

Reference Standards

  • IEC 60079 (series)
  • CEI 64‑8 (LV Italy)

Disclaimer: this consulting does not replace third‑party verifications when mandated by law or contracts.

Compliance reviews frequently surface thermal questions: overheating terminations, suspect motors, or insulation loss near classified zones. Industrial thermography inspection services provide the survey evidence, and custom thermal imaging solutions apply where a fixed monitoring point is the safer long-term answer.

FAQ

When is zone classification required?
When gases, vapours, or combustible dusts that could form an explosive atmosphere may be present in normal service or a foreseeable abnormal condition. The assessment uses the process, substances, release sources, ventilation, and site context.
Who is responsible for compliance obligations?
The duty holder or owner remains responsible for the installation and its compliance obligations. Depending on law, scope, and contract, a qualified third-party body may be required. Our work supports compliance documentation; it does not replace mandated third-party verification or certification.
Which documents do you provide?
The scope can include a classification report, equipment list and suitability review, verification check-lists, a control plan, and operational recommendations. The exact dossier depends on the assets, documentation available, and the required inspection grade.
Which standards do you use?
We use the applicable IEC 60079 series and CEI 64-8 in Italy, together with site, customer, and legal requirements relevant to the engagement.
Can thermographic inspections be performed in classified hazardous areas?
They can be planned. Work in classified zones follows the site permit system and an equipment-suitability assessment for the zone. Where live inspection inside the zone is not appropriate, alternatives such as IR windows, safe viewing positions from outside the zone, or scheduled-outage checks are considered.

Progetto cofinanziato nell'ambito del PR Piemonte FSE+ 2021-2027,
Priorità I, Obiettivo Specifico a), Azione 4 – "Sostegno alla nascita delle start up"