Hazardous Area Inspections

Hazardous Area Inspections
During a hazardous area inspection, we collate a record of the equipment reference, the hazardous area zone in which it is situated and its certification. The hazardous area inspection also highlights any areas of concern in order to propose recommendations for any necessary corrective action.

Hazardous Area Inspection Types

There are 2 types of Hazardous Area Inspections:

  1. Initial Hazardous Area Inspections
    Initial inspections are required to ensure that the selected type of protection is appropriate for the hazardous area installation and apply to new installations.
  2. Periodic Hazardous Area Inspections
    Periodic inspections should be carried out as part of an inspection regime or routine and apply to existing installations. The purpose of the periodic inspection is to monitor the effects of deterioration or change. The intervals between periodic inspections should not exceed three years.

Grades of Hazardous Area Inspections:

There are three grades of Hazardous Area Inspections:

  1. Visual Hazardous Area Inspections
    Visual hazardous area inspections identify without the use of access equipment or tools, those defects, such as missing bolts, which will be apparent to the eye.
  2. Close Hazardous Area Inspections
    Close hazardous area inspections encompass those aspects covered by a visual inspection, and in addition, identifies those defects, such as loose bolts, which will be apparent only by the use of access equipment, for example, steps (where necessary) and tools. Close inspections do not normally require the enclosure to be opened, or the equipment to be de-energized.
  3. Detailed Hazardous Area Inspections
    Detailed hazardous area inspections will encompass those aspects covered by a close inspection and, in addition, identify those defects, such as loose terminations, which will only be apparent by opening the enclosure and/or using where necessary, tools and test equipment. These inspections may require the enclosure to be opened, equipment to be de-energized and dismantling of cable glands where applicable, as per the BSEN60079-17/14 Electrical Installations Inspection & Maintenance Standards.