ZONE 2 CERTIFICATION IN UAE
Areas classified as zone 2 are those where potentially explosive atmospheres, including hydrocarbon or H₂S gas leaks, are not anticipated during regular operations but could happen momentarily. There is a significant risk of fire or explosion from these gases. Strict Zone 2 compliance criteria have been implemented by ADNOC and international standards to reduce such risks and guarantee the security of people and equipment. Among these are the application of mechanical and electrical systems that are inherently safe and intended to avoid igniting. By providing sturdy, field-tested Zone 2 installations that adhere to ADNOC’s safety regulations, we support your compliance demands. Our specialized zone certification and hazardous area classification services in the UAE for offshore rigs and platforms. Ex-survey and explosion-proof surveys of transformers and generators come under the scope of ATEX or CompEx certification.
- The most generally recognized international standard for equipment used in explosive atmospheres is the IEC 60079 Series (International, or IECEx).
- ATEX Certification (projects headquartered in the EU) If conducting business in Europe or in accordance with ATEX-aligned regulations: Equipment and protection systems designed for use in potentially explosive environments are covered by Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114). Equipment in Zone 2 must adhere to Category 3G specifications: II 3G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc is the marking.
- IECEx Certification (Asia, Middle East, UAE, and Worldwide). Like ATEX, but with international recognition. Equipment is inspected and certified by IECEx CBs (Certification Bodies). IECEx-issued Certificates of Conformance adhere to IECEx requirements via ESMA or ADNOC recommendations.
- MoIAT now oversees the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). Internal HSE Guidelines from ADNOC, ENOC, and other NOCs include reference to ATEX/IECEx and IEC 60079 regulations. Equipment in hazardous areas must undergo third-party certification and inspection. The Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) report and zone classification drawings are necessary.
HAZARDOUS AREA CLASSIFICATION
A hazardous area is a three-dimensional location where there is or may be an anticipated presence of a flammable or explosive environment in such quantities to necessitate ignition source controls in order to manage safety concerns (i.e., fires and explosions). Explosions and fires can have disastrous effects on people and property, leading to probable loss of business as well as fatalities or severe injuries. As a result, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is subject to a duty of care under electrical safety and work health and safety laws.
HACs can be performed using more quantitative techniques that necessitate in-depth plant knowledge or by directly comparing them with typical installations as defined by existing codes. Additional assistance from other hazard identification procedures, such as a Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) and a Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), as well as computations using specialized modeling software, may be required for HACs for new or complicated installations. Manufacturers’ safety data sheets (SDS) or other representative data on the explosive characteristics of the flammable materials involved must always be used to support HACs. Testing to ascertain the dust’s explosive characteristics, such as particle size and chemical makeup, may be necessary for HACs containing flammable dust.