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Introduction to Hazardous Areas

This is a brief description of the terms used in this website and the origin of the standards and rules that apply to the equipment. This guide is intended only as an introduction to the subject of hazardous areas and should not be regarded as a complete and definitive treatment of the subject. Further reading can be found in the rules and standards mentioned. The risks discussed are those from explosive liquids and gases. Risks from combustible dusts are not discussed. Where an explosive atmosphere exists or may exist in any premises, there is a responsibility on the owners to ensure that all the prescribed preventive measures are adopted and maintained.

In Ireland, this requirement is described in detail in the National Rules for Electrical Installations in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Part 6.1 and the Guide to the Selection of Electrical Apparatus for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres, published by The Electro-Technical Council of Ireland. The standards defining suitable equipment are the European CENELEC Standards, which are adopted in Ireland and many other countries and made law under Statutory Instrument or similar legal method. The General Requirements Standard, EN50014, lists other relevant standards. Standards apply to combustible dust risk also such as EN50281-1-1.

These standards have been harmonised under Atex Directive 94/9/EC for all states in the European Community since 30^th June 2003.