European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization

Explosive atmospheres - Part 10-2: Classification of areas - Explosive dust atmospheres
 N EN 60079-10-2

Annotation

This part of IEC 60079 is concerned with the identification and classification of areas where explosive dust atmospheres and combustible dust layers are present, in order to permit the proper assessment of ignition sources in such areas.

In this standard, explosive dust atmospheres and combustible dust layers are treated separately. In Clause 4, area classification for explosive dusts clouds is described, with dust layers acting as one of the possible sources of release. In Clause 7 other general considerations for dust layers are described.

The examples in this standard are based on a system of effective housekeeping being implemented in the plant to prevent dust layers from accumulating. Where effective housekeeping is not present, the area classification includes the possible formation of explosive dust clouds from dust layers.

The principles of this standard can also be followed when combustible fibres or flyings might cause a hazard.

This standard is intended to be applied where there can be a risk due to the presence of explosive dust atmospheres or combustible dust layers under normal atmospheric conditions (see Note 1).

NOTE 1 Atmospheric conditions include variations in pressure and temperature above and below reference levels of 101,3 kPa (1 013 mbar) and 20 °C (293 K), provided that the variations have a negligible effect on the explosive properties of the combustible materials.

It does not apply to

– underground mining areas,