The philosophy and guidance of implementing inspections of your hazardous area installation.
Throughout the lifecycle of your ATEX equipment & Hazardous Area Installation, Inspections form a vital part of keeping you, your facility and your productivity safe. The importance of thorough and regular inspections to ensure the continuing compliance of your facility should not only be adhered to by law, but they should also be implemented by strict governing policies from within.
When should inspections take place?
As above, Inspections of ATEX equipment & associated equipment which forms part of the installation, should be inspected throughout the entire lifecycle. This includes the following (Design of equipment & pre-construction verification is provided by ATEX Directives):
Upon installation
When there is a change of equipment
When there is a change of environment
When there is a change to the use of the installation
Periodically (Every 3 years – unless assessed to be required more, or less frequently by the ‘Technical person with executive function’
What types of inspections are there?
There are three grades of inspection as follows:
Visual Inspection – This grade of inspection covers a simple overview of the ATEX equipment & associated installation which should verify the suitability of the equipment (when installed correctly) and accuracy of records, such as asset registers & relevant drawings. These inspections expressly prohibit the use of access equipment and tools for the interaction with equipment, therefor, the impact of these inspections is minimal. (Formal definition can be found, along with the schedule of inspections in BSEN 60079-17: 3.14)
Close Inspection – On top of Visual Inspection criteria, this grade of inspection concerns all accessible components of the equipment and installation associated with it from the use of access equipment and tools (without dismantling) to verify the subject of the inspection appears fit for continued use within the specific ‘Zone’ in which it is found. These inspections do not usually involve the isolation of equipment and installations but do verify the external condition and suitability for the environment. (Formal definition can be found, along with the schedule of inspections in BSEN 60079-17: 3.1)
Detailed Inspection – On top of Visual & Close Inspection criteria, this grade of inspection concerns all aspects of the equipment and installation associated with it. It will include the isolation of, and internal inspections of, the ATEX equipment & associated installation to enable invasive investigation into the condition to verify that the equipment is fit for continued use within the specific ‘Zone’ in which it is found. (Formal definition can be found, along with the schedule of inspections in BSEN 60079-17: 3.3)
There are three main types of inspections as follows:
Initial Inspections – This type of inspection is ALWAYS a detailed inspection, and verifies that the equipment, systems & installations comply with BSEN 60079-14 before they are brought into service.
Periodic Inspection – This type of inspection is usually every 3 years from the initial inspection and subsequent periodic inspections. The grade and frequency of inspection between each periodic inspection is determined by competent risk assessment. There are huge nuances between sites, their use and their upkeep which factor into this decision, please get in touch with Q-TEx to determine your requirements.
Sample Inspection – This type of inspection takes a representative portion of the equipment and associated installation and imposes a pre-agreed regime of graded inspections. Sample inspections form the part of the framework for ongoing periodic inspections. Where sample inspections uncover non-compliance, re-assessment of the regime shall take place. Q-TEx can help you produce a sample inspection regime as part of your maintenance policy, as well as inspect and report of the installation & ATEX equipment within your facility.
How do I manage my inspections?
Inspections should be managed by the appointed ‘technical person with executive function’. Every Hazardous Area is required to be under the responsibility of their respective technical person.
One of the duties performed by this role is to control & enforce the inspection systems in place. This includes the scheduling, scope definition and record keeping of inspection programs. Should you, require further information pertaining to this role, and how we can assist at Q-TEx, please get in contact.
