Operating equipment in highly combustible atmospheres and environments comes with a heavy set of responsibilities to ensure safety and compliance standards. Operators should understand these responsibilities in order to maintain asset integrity, safety and reliability of equipment and operating systems.
Specific areas in Ex environments in sectors such as oil-and-gas, pharmaceuticals, chemicals processing, and mining, are commonly zoned according to explosive potential. Any electrical equipment installed in these areas must meet stringent criteria.
For any company operating in an Ex environment is expected to conform to a variety of international and regional standards that outline the duties and responsibilities of operators, managers, and repairers for ensuring that all equipment is maintained properly and is fit for use.
It is critical for site maintenance engineers to grasp the nuances and technicalities in order to avoid jeopardising the reliability of any equipment.
Engaging Third Party Ex Equipment Repair and Overhaul Services
It’s important to stress that operators should be aware of any relevant legislation with respect to periodic inspection and verification of any equipment in Ex environments. Operators should consider whether there are suitable competencies available internally to undertake the repair or overhaul of such equipment.
If not, specialist explosion protection service providers should be engaged. In addition, the user should be aware that sufficient information has to be provided to third-party service repairs or installers to meet occupational health and safety obligations.
Only professional and reputable repairers should be entrusted with the repair and overhaul of Ex equipment to ensure the continued integrity and reliability of the equipment. International standards strictly outline that the operator is responsible for ensuring that any maintenance work is carried out by persons with the necessary qualifications and capabilities.
Not engaging an authorised Ex repairer offering credible explosion protection services and electrical and instrumentation services jeopardises the safety of an operator’s onsite staff and poses significant business risks. If an accident occurs, improper documentation or repairs by unqualified service providers will hamper or adversely affect any insurance claims. By creating a proper paper trail of services and work performed, as well as establishing that the equipment supplied was fit for use and up to standard, mitigates this risk.
IECEx Service Facility Program for Ex Equipment Repair and Overhaul
The IECEx Service Facility Program is a global certification programme that evaluates and audits third party service providers in the Ex equipment repair and overhaul sub-sector. IECEx certified repairers are required to attend refresher training courses and are regularly audited to maintain this accreditation.
In 2017, EXS Synergy was granted authorization to operate under the IECEx Certified Service Facility for Ex Inspection and Maintenance under the IECEx 03-4 scheme. This means that EXS Synergy is authorised to provide Certificates of Conformity for Service Facilities that repair and overhaul equipment for use in ex environments. Clients can be assured that any repair and overhaul of Ex equipment conducted, as well as electrical and instrumentation services and explosion protection services are undertaken according to the stringent requirements of the IECEx Scheme.
Ultimately, it is in the best interest of both owners and operators, and Ex equipment repairers to adhere to the highest governing standards to ensure business continuity and avoid any untoward incidents that could endanger the health and safety of all stakeholders.
