Revised standards for electrical installations in hazardous areas

Two new Australian Standards have been released for electrical installations in hazardous areas standards, updating safety measures for electrical personnel working within explosive atmospheres in hazardous areas and bringing local practices in Australia and New Zealand more into line with international standards.

The new standards are:

• AS/NZS 60079.14-2009 Explosive atmospheres – electrical installations design, selection and erection
• AS/NZS 60079.17-2009 Explosive atmospheres – electrical installations inspection and maintenance

Both standards will run in parallel with both the AS/NZS 2381 series of standards and AS/NZS 61241.14 for two years, at which time the earlier standards will be withdrawn. Part 14 specifies requirements for the design, selection and erection of electrical installations in hazardous areas associate with explosive atmospheres, while Part 17 covers factors directly related to inspection and maintenance of electrical installations in hazardous areas associated with explosive atmospheres.

Both standards are local modifications of the IEC 60079 series of standards for explosive atmospheres and have been implemented with minor changes that factor in Australian and New Zealand conditions. They present familiar requirements from the earlier editions but include new items, including safety requirements and details that align with other standards within the AS/NZS (IEC) 60079 series.

Hazardous areas are areas where there may be a fire or explosion risk due the possible presence of flammable gases, vapours, mists, dusts, fibres or flyings.