What Are the Top 3 Things That Sites Miss in Hazardous Area Compliance?
Hazardous Area compliance is critical for ensuring safety in environments where flammable substances like gases, vapours, or combustible dusts are present. However, many sites overlook key components when managing compliance to Australian Standards, such as AS/NZS 60079. These oversights can lead to significant safety risks, regulatory penalties, and costly remediation work. Below are the top three things that sites commonly miss:
1. Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) Accuracy
One of the most frequent oversights is failing to perform a detailed and accurate Hazardous Area Classification (HAC). HAC is the foundation of any compliant design, determining the zones where flammable materials could create an explosive atmosphere. Sites often underestimate the complexity of this task, either by generalizing zones or overlooking factors like ventilation, storage conditions, or the frequency of hazardous releases. Incorrect or incomplete HACs can lead to improper equipment selection and placement, exposing the site to risks that could have been mitigated with a thorough study.
2. Up-to-Date Hazardous Area Verification Dossier (HAVD)
Once a Hazardous Area is classified and equipment is installed, maintaining an up-to-date Hazardous Area Verification Dossier (HAVD) is mandatory. Yet, many sites neglect this requirement. The HAVD is a living document that details all aspects of the Hazardous Area, including design specifications, installation records, and certificates of conformity for the equipment used. Failing to update the HAVD, especially after modifications, compromises the site’s ability to prove compliance during inspections. Without a current dossier, proving the safety and compliance of the site becomes impossible, exposing the facility to operational and legal risks.
3. Routine Inspections and Maintenance
Routine inspections and maintenance are often overlooked in Hazardous Area management. Many sites focus heavily on initial installations but fall short in conducting regular inspections to verify that equipment remains compliant and fit for service. AS/NZS 60079-17 requires scheduled inspections and testing to detect any deterioration or faults that could impact safety. Ignoring these inspection routines can result in unseen hazards building up over time, potentially leading to equipment failure, sparks, or explosions in hazardous environments.
Conclusion
Overlooking these essential elements—accurate HAC, maintaining an updated HAVD, and performing regular inspections—can lead to severe safety risks and non-compliance with Australian standards. For any facility operating in hazardous areas, staying on top of these three aspects is key to protecting both personnel and assets.
By ensuring these critical steps are adhered to, sites can not only maintain compliance but also foster a safer working environment.
Remember, Rome Wasn't Built in a Day! Start knocking over your Hazardous Areas tasks and use this as a simple check, a great starting point if you don't already have one!