Explosive Atmosphere Testing and Certification

There are three environments (I, II, III) and three Categories (A, E, H) which take into account the potential risks caused by explosion or potential to cause explosion:

• Category A test – This tests the effect of an explosion of an atmosphere within equipment and the ability of the design to prevent this explosion spreading outside the enclosure. Tests are conducted under normal and fault conditions
• Category E test – This test ensures that temperatures and sparking parts do not ignite an atmosphere under normal conditions
• Category H test – This is a test to prove that there are no high temperatures that could cause an explosion under normal operating conditions

The explosive atmosphere test is a conservative test. If the test item does not ignite the test fuel-air mixture, there is a low probability that it will ignite prevailing fuel vapor mixtures in service. Conversely, the ignition of the test fuel-air mixture by the test item does not mean that it will always ignite fuel vapors that occur in actual use.

The test of method 511.5 is usually applied after completion of environmental stress tests (detailed elsewhere in MIL-STD 810G). This ensures that seals and enclosures are representative of service use. The test is normally conducted at highest operating service ambient conditions.

Element can test most sizes of equipment and we specialize in testing larger items. Our engaged experts would be would be happy to offer advice on customized testing programs. 

Element can assist manufacturers with the Dangerous Substance and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR). In the UK, employers are required to assess and eliminate the risk to safety of hazardous environments in the workplace, including the risks of fires, explosions and substances corrosive to metals. The DSEAR Risk Assessment fulfils workplace health and safety requirements, and can also be used to complement European ATEX Directive certification and international IECEx certification requirements.

DSEAR Regulations 

Similar to other IEC 60079 standards, DSEAR regulations put into effect requirements from two European Directives, the Chemical Agents Directive (98/24/EC) and the Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX) Directive (99/92/EC). Compliance with the regulations encompasses many facets of business activity including:

• Risk assessment of plant operations
• Defining of any hazardous zones together
• Installation of hazard compliant equipment
• Preparation of explosion protection records

In the UK, DSEAR is controlled and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

DSEAR Risk Assessment and other services

We can assist with the requirements within these directives by providing the following services in support of DSEAR:

• Hazardous area classification - Zoning of hazardous areas
• Hazardous area risk assessment - Defining explosion risks
• Hazardous area documentation - Evidence packs to support legal obligations
• Hazardous area training - Training for key personnel in support of DSEAR
• Hazardous area inspections - Routine inspection of electrical equipment

Element’s Engaged Experts can help you determine your requirements to fulfil your legal and contractual obligations, and provide a managed compliance program, with Factory inspections and storage of technical documents, to ensure ongoing success.