QEHSOperations
Explosion protectionEx
The design, installation, and maintenance of equipment in atmospheres where flammable gases, vapours, mists, or dusts may be present.
Explosion protection addresses the risk of fire and explosion in hazardous areas classified under the ATEX (EU) or NEC/CEC (North America) frameworks. Key concepts include area classification (Zone 0/1/2 for gases, Zone 20/21/22 for dusts), equipment protection levels (EPL), ignition source control, and explosion venting/suppression. The DSEAR (UK) and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.307 (US) regulations mandate that employers classify hazardous areas and select appropriate equipment.