Summary
What is your process? Can you have flammable / explosive atmospheres
Have you identified the likelihood of a flammable / explosive atmosphere occurring?
As part of the overall risk assessment, have you a documented area classification?
The classification of hazardous areas is an integral part of the overall risk assessment process required under Regulation 7 of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) and Regulation 9 of the Prevention of Fire and Explosion and Emergency Response Regulations 1995 (PFEER). Its purpose is to define the extent, frequency and duration of an explosive atmosphere (the zone). The zone in turn defines the requirements for the selection of equipment and protective systems so as to control sources of ignition. Compliance with DSEAR is mandatory for any onshore operator handling dangerous substances and PFEER for any operator of fixed offshore installations.
What the course will cover:
- Introduction to DSEAR (2002) and in particular the requirements for area classification and selection of equipment to avoid ignition sources
- The flammability of gases, vapours and dusts and how they relate to area classification
- Introduction to EN 60079-10-1:2021 the European Standard for area classification relating to gases and vapours. The scope of this standard is addressed, in particular the grading of releases and the effect of ventilation
- The course provides an overview of two widely used codes, EI15 Edition 5 and SR25 Edition 2 including syndicate exercises
- The hydrogen supplement to SR25 is also covered, illustrating how the methodology is adapted for hydrogen
- Introduction to EN 60079-10-2:2015 the European Standard for area classification relating to dusts. The scope and use of this standard is addressed, complete with a syndicate exercise
On completion you should be able to:
- Understand why area classification is carried out
- Understand the principles of area classification
- Understand the steps in the area classification procedure
- Identify the grades of release and how they relate to zoning
- Appreciate the industry codes available that can be used to establish the extent of zones
- Understand the requirements for selection of equipment to be installed in potentially explosive atmospheres
- Join an area classification meeting and work under the direction of an experienced practitioner
The training method
Lecture presentations are supplemented with case studies and syndicate exercises.
This course meets the requirements of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
When
Tuesday 13 October 2026, 09:00-17:00
Wednesday 14 October 2026, 08:30-17:00
This course is approved by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
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