Explosion Protection Training IEC 60079 & SS 667

Explosion Protection Training IEC 60079 & SS 667

23 June 2021, Singapore – With more and more work-related injuries and accidents happening in 2021, the Association has called for an urgent Safety Time Out to encourage member companies review their risk management processes. In lieu of this, ASPRI, together with the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC), worked with TÜV SÜD PSB, to organise a webinar on Explosion Protection Training.

The webinar aims to provide insights into Causes of Explosions, Hazard Identification, Ignition Hazard Assessment, Explosion Protection Classification, and Ignition Protection Methods. Quality managers, safety managers, production workers, and personnel working in hazardous locations were encouraged to attend the webinar to learn how to reduce risk and promote safety within the workplace.

Mr Balakrishnan Velayudhan, Programme Manager, Additive Manufacturing H&S, TÜV SÜD PSB, started off the webinar by introducing Hazard Identification and Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA). He covered the alarming rate of combustible dust incidents worldwide and why companies should take note of such issues. He discussed the ways on how to determine the combustibility of various types of combustible solids. Mr Balakrishnan stated DHA must be performed by competent personnel and they need to maintain such records for the life process.

Subsequently, Dr Zhang Danqing, Head of Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, TÜV SÜD PSB, touched on SS667, Clause 7, Storage requirements. The storage refers to flammable, pyrophoric and water reactive powders, that are intended to cater for the normal need of working stock. Dr Zhang also covered the Requirements for Additional Fire Safety Cabinet in a Working Area. Lastly, she pointed out that for storage of metal powders, which are combustible, they have to be kept dry. Additionally, an automatic fire suppression system appropriate for the type of metal powders need to be used. It should also be stored in closed steel drums or other closed non-combustible materials.

Finally, Mr Tan Heng Khoon, Product Manager, Electrical and Electronics Centre, TÜV SÜD PSB, presented on Explosion Protection (EN/IEC 60079). He covered the Risk Analysis according to EN 1127 or, Ignition Hazard Assessment and identification of hazard pertaining to it. He also touched on the Outline of EN/IEC 60079 Requirements for Electrical Equipment. When looking at the requirements, companies need to be aware of a set of labels. He also explained the Ignition Protection Methods based on different atmosphere. Lastly, companies must also comply to the International IECEx Scheme for Equipment Manufacturer, where companies can do a Conformity Assessment Tool.

After all three presentations were concluded, the webinar transitioned to a Q&A session where attendees managed to verify their doubts and concerns. The webinar was attended by over 50 pax and was deemed to be useful by both ASPRI and SCIC members. We would like to thank Mr Balakrishnan, Dr Zhang, and Mr Tan for the insightful sharing session.