HAZARDOUS AREA WORKING
Design | Installation | Inspections
What is ATEX?
ATEX is the commonly used name for the European requirements governing equipment and workplaces where explosive atmospheres may occur.
An explosive atmosphere can form when flammable gases, vapours, mists or combustible dusts mix with air under atmospheric conditions. If a suitable ignition source is present, ignition can result in fire or explosion.
ATEX Directions
ATEX is principally associated with two European directives:
- ATEX 2014/34/EU Covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- ATEX 1999/92/EC Covers the protection of workers who may be at risk from explosive atmospheres in the workplace.
Why is ATEX important?
ATEX helps ensure that hazardous areas are correctly assessed and classified, suitable equipment is selected and installed, potential ignition sources are controlled, and installations are appropriately inspected and maintained.
Electrical equipment used within a hazardous area must be suitable for the environment and the particular hazardous-area classification in which it is installed.
Gas, Vapour and Mist
- Zone 0
- Zone 1
- Zone 2
Combustible Dust
- Zone 20
- Zone 21
- Zone 22
The Objective is Simple:
Prevent an explosive atmosphere and an effective ignition source from occurring at the same time.
ATEX & UK Regulations
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, ATEX Directives have been retained in Great Britain law and are implemented through UK legislation.
UKCA
UKCA marking for equipment placed on the GB market.
DSEAR 2002
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 place duties on employers to protect people from explosion risks in the workplace.
DESIGN
Hazardous Area Electrical Installations & Intrinsically Safe Systems
Rushmore Electrical provides design and technical support for electrical installations within hazardous areas, delivering safe, practical and compliant solutions.
Hazardous Area Design
We provide design and technical support for electrical installations in hazardous areas, with consideration given to area classification, equipment selection, Ex protection concepts and installation requirements to ensure safe, compliant and efficient solutions.
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Systems
Design of intrinsically safe (Ex i) systems including associated apparatus, field devices, barriers and isolators, cable parameters, segregation, earthing requirements and verification of the complete intrinsically safe loop.
Equipment & Protection Concepts
Consideration is given to the appropriate Ex protection method (e, d, i, p, m, n, t), equipment suitability, gas/dust groups, temperature classes and equipment protection level (EPL) to ensure equipment is suitable for its intended location and operating conditions.
Cables, Parameters & Segregation
Selection of suitable cables and cable entries, calculation of cable parameters for Ex i circuits, segregation of intrinsically safe and non-intrinsically safe circuits, and ensuring the integrity of the selected protection concept is maintained.
Earthing & Bonding
We design earthing and bonding arrangements in accordance with applicable standards to minimise risk, control electrostatic hazards and maintain the effectiveness of the Ex protection concept.
Design Documentation
Our design process includes preparation of clear and comprehensive documentation, including drawings, schedules, calculations and technical justification to support installation, inspection and ongoing maintenance.
Installation
Hazardous Area Electrical Installations
Rushmore Electrical provides professional installation services for hazardous area electrical systems, ensuring all equipment is installed to the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance.
Ex Equipment Installation
Supply and installation of certified Ex equipment suitable for the classified area and environmental conditions. All equipment is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable standards.
Cable Glands & Terminations
Installation of certified cable glands, adaptors and sealing devices to maintain the Ex protection integrity. All terminations are made correctly to prevent ingress of dust or moisture and to maintain enclosure protection.
Earthing & Bonding
Installation of earthing and bonding systems in accordance with IEC/BS EN 60079-14 and other applicable standards to minimise risk, control electrostatic hazards and ensure equipotential bonding throughout the installation.
Junction Boxes & Accessories
Installation of Ex junction boxes, local control stations, isolators and accessories, ensuring correct orientation, secure fixing and compliance with Ex requirements.
Instrumentation & Field Devices
Installation of Ex instrumentation, transmitters, sensors, actuators and field devices. All installations are carried out to ensure electrical safety, functional integrity and ease of maintenance.
Intrinsically Safe Circuits
Installation of intrinsically safe (Ex i) circuits in accordance with IEC/BS EN 60079-25. Correct segregation, cable routing, and verification of entity parameters to ensure the integrity of the intrinsically safe system.
Lighting Installations
Installation of Ex lighting systems including luminaires, emergency lighting and associated equipment, ensuring correct selection, positioning and secure installation to maintain Ex protection and safe operation.
Testing, Verification & Certification
Inspection and verification of installed systems to ensure compliance with design, manufacturer's instructions and applicable standards. Provision of installation records, test results and certification documentation as required.
Our Focus
We install safe, reliable and compliant electrical systems that perform in the most demanding hazardous area environments.
- Compliant Installations Every Time
- Installed to the Highest Safety Standards
- Experienced & Competent Engineers
- Quality Workmanship You Can Trust
- Full Installation Records & Certification
Inspections
Hazardous Area Electrical Inspections In Accordance With BS EN IEC 60079-17
Rushmore Electrical provides thorough and independent inspections of electrical installations in hazardous areas to ensure ongoing safety, compliance and reliability.
Visual Inspection
A general overview to identify obvious defects and adverse conditions.
- Check for signs of damage, corrosion or wear
- Verify equipment is suitable for the area
- Check Ex markings and labelling
- Verify containment integrity (visual)
- Identify obvious installation deficiencies
- Record findings and provide recommendations
Typically carried out:
Regular intervals as per risk assessment and site requirements.
Close Inspection
A closer, more detailed examination without disturbing the installation.
- Detailed visual examination of equipment and installations
- Check Ex component condition and correct installation
- Verify cable entries, glands and seals
- Check earthing and bonding connections
- Confirm segregation and clearance
- Review documentation and markings
Typically carried out:
At planned intervals in accordance with BS EN IEC 60079-17 recommendations.
Detailed Inspection
A comprehensive inspection including examination of components and electrical testing.
- All aspects of visual and close inspections
- Examination of internal components where necessary
- Verification of Ex parameters for intrinsically safe circuits
- Electrical testing of circuits and protective measures
- Assessment of cable parameters and segregation
- Verification of earthing and bonding systems
- Compilation of detailed report with findings and recommendations
Includes Electrical Testing & EICR
Includes electrical testing where required and EICR assessments in accordance with BS 7671.
Conducted In Accordance With BS EN IEC 60079-17
Our inspections are carried out to the requirements of BS EN IEC 60079-17:2014.
Explosive atmospheres – Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance.
Our Focus
Independent, detailed and compliant inspections to ensure the continued safety and integrity of hazardous area systems.
- Identify Deterioration Early
- Ensure Ongoing Compliance
- Reduce Risk & Downtime
- Qualified & Experienced Inspectors
- Detailed Reporting & Recommendations
Design | Installation | Inspections
Hazardous Area Electrical Inspections In Accordance With BS EN IEC 60079-17