Sometimes it is unavoidable.

On some construction sites you’ll need to use electrical equipment in hazardous areas. That’s why it’s important you know how important it is to protect that equipment. 

These equipment can be easily damaged or even ignited in hazardous environments, leading to potential injury or property damage.

We’re going to cover some of the ways to protect electrical equipment in hazardous areas, what hazardous areas are, different types of electrical equipment, and protective measures you can take to safeguard that equipment. 

By the end of this post, you’ll have a good understanding of how to protect your electrical equipment and prevent potential hazards. 

Understanding Hazardous Areas For Electrical Equipment

So what does “hazardous areas” mean exactly. A hazardous area is a location where the presence of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, dust, or fibers could create a risk of explosion or fire if an ignition source were present.

To help ensure safety in hazardous areas, they are classified based on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere being present. 

These classifications include Class I (for flammable gases and vapors), Class II (for combustible dust), and Class III (for ignitable fibers and flyings).

Knowing the classification of your hazardous area is crucial, as it will dictate the type of electrical equipment you can use and the level of protection needed to prevent hazards. 

Plus, you have to be aware of any changes to the hazardous area over time, as these could impact the classification and required protective measures.

Understanding the classification of hazardous areas is the first step in protecting your electrical equipment. 

The Types of Electrical Equipment

Equipment used in hazardous areas needs to be specifically designed to prevent the creation of sparks or other ignition sources. 

There are a variety of types of electrical equipment you might encounter in hazardous areas, including:

• Lighting fixtures: These need to be designed to avoid excessive heat or sparks, and often use sealed enclosures to prevent flammable gases or dust from entering.

• Motors and generators: These need to be designed with special winding insulation and bearings that can withstand the high temperatures and corrosive atmospheres common in hazardous areas.

• Switches and circuit breakers: These need to be designed with flameproof enclosures to prevent arcing or sparking.

• Electrical connectors: These need to be specially designed to prevent sparking when connecting or disconnecting equipment in hazardous areas.

• Instrumentation: This includes devices like pressure gauges and temperature sensors, which need to be designed with flameproof or intrinsically safe housings.

It’s important to note that not all electrical equipment is suitable for use in hazardous areas, even if it’s rated for the appropriate voltage and current. 

Always check with the manufacturer or a qualified electrician before using any electrical equipment in a hazardous area.

Now that you know the types of electrical equipment you might encounter in hazardous areas, let’s talk about some protective measures you can take to safeguard that equipment.

Electrical Equipment Protective Measures

Some protective measures you can take to safeguard electrical equipment in hazardous areas:

Choose the right equipment

Make sure the electrical equipment you’re using is specifically designed for use in hazardous areas. This includes equipment with appropriate temperature ratings, flameproof enclosures, and intrinsically safe components.

Follow safety procedures

Always follow safety procedures when working with electrical equipment in hazardous areas. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment, following lockout/tagout procedures, and following procedures for working in confined spaces.

Conduct regular maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that electrical equipment in hazardous areas is functioning properly. This includes checking wiring and connections, inspecting seals and gaskets, and replacing damaged or worn components.

Keep it clean

Keep electrical equipment in hazardous areas free of dirt, dust, and other contaminants. These can act as fuel for fires or explosions, so it’s important to keep the area as clean as possible.

Use proper grounding

Make sure all electrical equipment in hazardous areas is properly grounded. This helps prevent static electricity buildup and reduces the risk of sparks or other ignition sources.

This can help to ensure that electrical equipment in hazardous areas remains safe and functional. 

How To Implement Protective Measures

You do this in many ways but these below are tried and tested measures that work regardless of the industry.

Conduct a Electrical Hazard Assessment

Before working in a hazardous area, conduct a thorough hazard assessment to identify potential hazards and determine appropriate protective measures.

Do Consistent Toolbox Talk Training

Ensure that all employees who work in hazardous areas receive appropriate toolbox training on the safe use of electrical equipment. 

This should include training on identifying potential hazards, selecting appropriate personal protective equipment, and following safety procedures.

Label Hazardous Areas

Clearly mark hazardous areas and use appropriate warning signs to help prevent accidental entry by unauthorized personnel.

Conduct Regular Inspections

Regularly inspect electrical equipment in hazardous areas to ensure it is functioning properly and to identify any potential hazards.

Develop a Maintenance Plan

Develop a maintenance plan that includes regular inspections, cleaning, and replacement of worn or damaged components.

Electrical Equipment In Hazardous Areas Should Be Taken Very Seriously 

Protecting these equipment in hazardous areas is critical to ensuring the safety of employees and preventing accidents. 

Understanding hazardous areas, types of electrical equipment, and the protective measures available is an essential first step in this process. 

However, implementation is just as important. By providing appropriate training, regular inspections, and maintenance, you can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in hazardous areas. 

Using a toolbox talk app like Safelyio can make this process even easier by providing a convenient and efficient way to train employees on electrical safety and keep track of who has received training. 

With Safelyio, you can ensure that your employees have the knowledge and skills they need to work safely in hazardous areas and protect your electrical equipment.

Remember, protecting electrical equipment in hazardous areas is a team effort. 

By working together and following the appropriate safety procedures, you can help ensure that everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.