Worker safety is both a legal and moral imperative for all employers. There are a variety of hazards that can present themselves to workers on a daily basis, especially if workers are laboring under hazardous conditions.
A number of hazards can be found in the workplace including:
- Safety - Any type of substance, condition or object that can injure workers
- Biological - Organisms that come from people, animals and plants
- Chemical - Chemicals that are toxic, corrosive, flammable or combustible
- Physical - Extreme temperatures, poor air quality, excessive noise and radiation in the workplace
- Ergonomic - When repetitive work, the type of work, or a certain position strains the body
- Explosive atmospheres - Flammable gases, mist, vapors or dust are mixed with air, creating a risk of explosion
An explosive atmosphere is defined as a mixture with air, under atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances in the form of gases, vapors, mists or dusts in which, after ignition has occurred, combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture. Explosive atmospheres occur when flammable gases, mist, vapors or dust are mixed with air, creating a risk of explosion.
These atmospheres can be found throughout all industries, from chemical, pharmaceutical and food, to power generation and wood processing. Many workplaces may contain, or have activities that produce, explosive or potentially explosive atmospheres. Examples include places where work activities create or release flammable gases or vapors, such as vehicle paint spraying, or in workplaces handling fine organic dusts such as grain flour or wood. These areas may also be known as hazardous areas or hazardous locations.
There is no one accepted standard or even terminology. The term “Hazloc” may be used as an abbreviation for hazardous location and the abbreviation ”ATEX” for explosive atmospheres. These terms tend to be regional, Hazloc in North America and ATEX in Europe. Additionally it has been found that different regions also use/require different marking and labeling of products.
Specific industries that are known for potential explosive atmospheric conditions are:
- Food production
- Synthetic manufacturing
- Chemical manufacturing
- Woodworking
- Power generation
- Metal processing
- Gas and oil industry
- Recycling facilities
- Mining industry
Electrical equipment and machinery under the scope of regulations include:
- Explosion proof enclosures
- Gas and flame detection
- Motors, generators, and turbines
- Adjustable speed drives
- Lighting
- Industrial control panels and assemblies
- IT displays and handheld electronics
- Industrial controls
- Large equipment assemblies (skids)
- Liquid pumps
- Machinery
Want to find out more about the regulations and standards on explosive atmospheres across the world? Download our free white paper ‘International Worker Safety Regulations Regarding Explosive Atmospheres’
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