Hazardous areas represent three-dimensional spaces where an explosive atmosphere is present or expected. It's crucial that electrical equipment in these areas is appropriately rated and well-grounded to effectively control ignition risks.
Special precautions are necessary for constructing, installing, and using potential ignition sources, as the consequences of fire and explosion can be catastrophic for people and property.
To assess the fire and explosion risk in an installation, the first step is conducting a hazardous area classification to identify zones where an explosive atmosphere may exist. This classification influences the level of protection required for electrical equipment.
A hazardous area classification is mandatory wherever flammable liquids, vapors, gases, and combustible dusts are present. Those with management or control of an installation with an explosive atmosphere risk must ensure a proper classification has been conducted.
For more information on hazardous area classification and fire and explosion prevention, refer to the information page. A list of hazardous area classification specialists can be found on the fire and explosion prevention page.
Specific requirements for electrical equipment within hazardous area classification zones are outlined in AS/NZS 60079.14, covering design, selection, erection, and initial inspection.
Section 221 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 mandates that an accredited auditor inspects electrical installations in hazardous areas before the first connection or reconnection to a power source.
To manage fire and explosion risks, conduct a workplace self-assessment using the provided tool. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) and ESO Inspectors may request to view a completed self-assessment during site inspections.
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO), supported by WHSQ, conducts workplace visits to ensure identification, assessment, and control of fire and explosion risks. Key focus areas include compliance with work health and safety and electrical safety requirements, implementation of adequate controls, and engagement of a hazardous area classification specialist. Inspectors will take enforcement actions if unmanaged risks are identified, which may include immediate prohibition of electrical equipment use in hazardous areas until risk controls are implemented and verified.
Common industries with hazardous areas
This is a selection of industries that may have hazardous areas.
Flammable liquids, vapours and gases
- Gas manufacturing and processing plants
- Gas storage and dispensary
- Landfill gas recovery plants
- Bio-gas and fuel plants
- Hydrogen generation plant
- Glue/resin batch plants
- Fiberglass and glass manufacturers
- Hospital operating theatres
- Laboratories
- Bitumen storage tanks (heated >100°C)
- Cement manufacturers
- Landfill sites
- Chemical plants
- Mineral refinery
- Pharmaceutical manufacturer
- Paint warehouses and manufacturers
- Paint mixing and tinting plants
- Printing plants
- Spray booths
- Treated water dosing stations
- Sewage treatment plants
- Petrol stations
- Fuel dispensaries and refineries
- Fuel tanker filling plant
- Fuel storage tanks
- Coal seam gas wells and plants
- Hydrocarbon dewatering plants
- Oil recycling facility
Combustible dusts
- Industrial bakeries
- Milk manufacturing plant
- Grain storage silo
- Sugar refinery
- Sugar storage silo
- Breweries
- Distillery
- Flour mill
- Plasterboard manufacturer
- Food manufacturing (industrial scale)
- Coal stockyards
- Coal conveyor transfer chute
- Saw mills
- Fertilizer manufacturing and storage