HAZARDOUS AREA INSPECTION
Many companies struggle to meet their obligations for hazardous area inspections using in-house personnel due to lack of time, resources and knowledge of this specialised field. By partnering with us, you can have complete confidence that your hazardous area installations are safe and compliant, with all inspections completed to the required frequency in accordance with the latest regulations and accompanying guidelines.
We can provide support even if site access is restricted or not permitted, for example, due to coronavirus restrictions, by working closely with clients to undertake remote surveys. Please contact us to speak to our experts.
EXPERTS IN ATEX/EX equipment inspections
To support you in meeting your obligations, Bureau Veritas offers a comprehensive range of ATEX and Ex services for your installed equipment and systems in compliance with BS EN IEC 60079-14 & BS EN IEC 60079-17.
Our testing and inspection team includes experienced technicians with CompEx competency awards to Ex01-08 for Gas, Dust and Fuel Forecourt classified areas. This ensures a consistent approach by highly skilled inspectors.
Hazardous area inspections are conducted with intrinsically safe tablets, allowing efficient delivery with minimal disruption. We are also experienced in a wide range of inspection software you may already have in place.
BENEFITS OF HAZARDOUS AREA INSPECTIONS WITH BUREAU VERITAS INCLUDE:
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Help ensure the safety
of your premises for staff and visitors
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Gain complete peace of mind
from a trusted, independent inspection partner
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Enable better planning of
maintenance and repairs to spread costs
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Expert team of qualified inspection engineers
operating nationwide
HAZARDOUS AREA INSPECTION FREQUENCY
Hazardous area inspection frequency refers to the regularity with which inspections are conducted in areas that pose a potential risk to health, safety, and the environment due to the presence of hazardous substances, materials, or processes. These areas can include industrial sites, chemical plants, oil refineries, gas pipelines, mining operations, and other similar environments.
The specific inspection frequency for hazardous areas depends on several factors, including the nature of the hazards present, the type of industry, regulatory requirements, and internal company policies. Here are some general considerations regarding inspection frequency:
1. Regulatory requirements: Many countries have specific regulations and standards in place that govern the inspection frequency for hazardous areas. These regulations may vary depending on the industry and the level of risk associated with the operations. It is crucial for organisations to comply with these regulations and ensure that inspections are conducted as per the prescribed frequency.
2. Risk assessment: Conducting a thorough risk assessment is essential to determine the appropriate inspection frequency. The assessment should consider factors such as the type and quantity of hazardous substances, the potential for accidents or leaks, the operational conditions, and the potential impact on personnel, the surrounding environment, and nearby communities.
3. Equipment and systems: The inspection frequency may vary depending on the criticality of the equipment and systems within the hazardous area. Essential components, such as safety devices, emergency shutdown systems, ventilation systems, and electrical installations, may require more frequent inspections to ensure their proper functioning and to identify any potential failures or malfunctions.
4. Maintenance history and performance: The inspection frequency can also be influenced by the maintenance history and performance of equipment and systems within the hazardous area. If there have been recurring issues or instances of failure, more frequent inspections may be necessary to address any underlying problems and prevent further incidents.
5. Operational changes: Any significant changes in the operations, processes, or equipment within the hazardous area may require a reassessment of the inspection frequency. New installations, modifications, or changes in the use of hazardous substances may necessitate more frequent inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
6. Best practices and industry guidelines: Apart from regulatory requirements, industry best practices and guidelines can provide valuable insights into establishing appropriate inspection frequencies. These resources often offer recommendations based on the specific hazards and risks associated with different industries and processes.
It is important to note that inspection frequency should not be solely focused on compliance but also on proactive risk management. Organisations should strive to create a culture of safety and continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and updating their inspection frequencies based on emerging technologies, industry developments, incident investigations, and lessons learned from similar operations.