COURSE OVERVIEW:

The identification and classification of hazardous areas are fundamental steps in ensuring the safety of facilities where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts are processed. This course provides a technical roadmap for the systematic classification of these zones and the subsequent selection of appropriately certified electrical equipment. Participants will explore the engineering criteria for determining the extent of hazardous zones and the relationship between release sources and ventilation.

The scope of this training addresses the international standards governing area classification, including the Zone system and the North American Division system. It covers the technical nuances of equipment protection levels (EPLs) and the specific design features of "Ex" rated assets, such as flameproof enclosures and intrinsically safe circuits. The curriculum provides a detailed focus on the interpretation of certification markings and the matching of equipment temperature classes to the specific hazards present.

Coverage includes the implementation of classification drawings and the management of the "Hazardous Area Verification Dossier." Attendees will learn to conduct site audits to verify that installed equipment remains compliant with the classified zone requirements. By combining combustion science with practical engineering and selection strategies, the course equips professionals with the expertise required to design and maintain electrical systems that prevent catastrophic ignitions in high-risk environments.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define the criteria for a hazardous area according to international codes.
• Classify zones for flammable gases and vapors (Zones 0, 1, and 2).
• Classify zones for combustible dusts (Zones 20, 21, and 22).
• Identify sources of release and calculate the extent of hazardous areas.
• Analyze the impact of ventilation on zone classification.
• Interpret "Ex" certification labels and equipment markings.
• Select appropriate protection concepts (Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, etc.) for each zone.
• Match equipment gas groups and temperature classes (T-ratings) to hazards.
• Evaluate the suitability of Equipment Protection Levels (EPL).
• Create and interpret Area Classification Drawings and schedules.
• Manage the documentation required for the Verification Dossier.
• Ensure compliance with ATEX and IECEx regulatory frameworks.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Electrical Designers, Process Safety Engineers, Site Inspectors, and Maintenance Managers working in oil, gas, chemical, and petrochemical industries.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.