Our Hazardous Area Classification and Risk Assessment services provide a complete, engineering-backed evaluation of your facility’s potential exposure to explosive atmospheres. These hazards can occur due to flammable gases, vapours, combustible dusts, or fibres.

To ensure compliance, we use internationally recognized classification systems. This includes both the Zone system (Zones 0, 1, 2 and Zones 20, 21, 22) and the Class/Division system (Class I, II, III; Division 1 or 2). As a result, you receive clear, code-compliant guidance for safe operations.

Our process includes on-site inspections, process mapping, and hazard identification. Consequently, we can define the exact boundaries of hazardous locations. In addition, we provide comprehensive classification diagrams and detailed written reports to support permitting and regulatory requirements.

Before committing to costly upgrades or specialized hazardous-rated equipment, we work with you to explore alternative strategies. These may involve engineering controls, administrative measures, and design changes that reduce hazard ratings.

For example:

• Housekeeping Practices: Proper dust removal in grain handling can change a zone from 21 (continuous hazard) to 22 (occasional hazard). This significantly reduces equipment costs.

• Ventilation and Exhaust Systems: Installing targeted exhaust hoods prevents flammable vapour accumulation, therefore lowering hazard classifications.

• System Redundancy: Backup containment or purge systems maintain safety during failures, which can reduce the need for expensive explosion-proof devices.

As a result, this approach can lower capital costs, shorten procurement timelines, and increase operational flexibility—while still meeting or exceeding safety requirements.

When hazard reduction is not feasible, our focus shifts to selecting the correct equipment for your environment. In such cases, we provide specifications for:

• Explosion-proof enclosures for flammable gas zones.

• Intrinsically safe (IS) circuits to prevent ignition under fault conditions.

• Non-incendive enclosures for Division 2 or Zone 2 areas with infrequent hazards.

Moreover, we ensure the correct temperature ratings (e.g., T3, T4, T6) and group classifications (e.g., IIC for hydrogen, IIIC for conductive dust) are applied. In addition, our team specifies enclosure materials, conduit types, sealing fittings, and cable ratings to meet CSA C22.1 and relevant international standards.

Hazardous locations can change over time. New equipment, different processes, or new materials can alter classification boundaries. Therefore, periodic review is essential for ongoing safety and compliance.

We can:

• Reassess zoning after expansions or layout changes.

• Update diagrams when processes or hazardous materials change.

• Create preventive maintenance plans to keep ventilation, dust control, and explosion-proof systems in top condition.

By incorporating these reviews, you avoid costly rework, unplanned shutdowns, and potential violations.