Sira looks into flammable mist

Published: 1-Apr-2004


UKAS accredited test and certification body Sira's Safety Compliance business has begun the process of collating information on flammable mist formation by producing a flow chart with regard to hazardous area classification. The information is based on research undertaken by expert scientists in the field of hazardous areas.

Both the new Directive ATEX 137 (99/92/EC) and Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) include mists in their definitions for explosive atmospheres. These industry regulations have been recently introduced to protect personnel from fires, explosions and similar events arising from dangerous substances used in the workplace.

The flow chart has been developed as a starting point for correlating information on dealing with mist formation in the context of area classification for a wide range of industries. The chart should be viewed as a 'work in progress', and it is hoped that it will become a channel for the sharing of information among interested parties and experts.

You may also like