Electricity and Control July 2022

SAFETY OF PLANT, EQUIPMENT + PEOPLE

Identifying safe electrical equipment for use in Ex areas

Pratley is a long-established manufacturer of electrical apparatus for use in hazardous and non-hazardous industrial applications, which it supplies locally and internationally. The company has developed extensive expertise in the demands placed on electrical termination equipment used in hazardous areas. It shares its expertise with the industry through regular seminars, and through its ongoing product developments. Leigh Darroll spoke to Marketing Director Eldon Kruger, about the seminars and the critical factors to be considered in specifying electrical equipment for Ex areas.

Eldon Kruger, Marketing Director, Pratley.

K ruger is a recognised authority in the field and is the current President of the SA Flameproof Association (SAFA). He facilitates the seminars, which are available free of charge and are hosted at the Training Centre at Pratley’s head office in Krugersdorp. The seminars are presented primarily for plant managers, engineers and operators wanting to learn more about the requirements for equipment in their operations, or to refresh their knowledge on safety standards applicable to hazardous areas. They are also helpful for electricians in training and wanting to become master installation electricians. Kruger notes that many plant operators are unsure of how their plants are classified in terms of the Ex classifications, and consequently are uncertain of the safety ratings that should apply for the electrical equipment in use or to be replaced in the plant. It is a complex field but critical to the safety of plant and people in many industry sectors. According to the South African National Standards

(SANS) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a hazardous area is where there is a risk of explosion, due to the presence of flammable dusts or explosive gases or vapours. To ensure the health and safety of employees working in such hazardous areas, it is critical that all elec trical equipment used does not pose a risk of ignition in operation or in the event of any failure. Kruger notes, for example, sawmills as hazardous are as where dust creates a risk of explosion. The same is the case in grain silos, in sugar refineries and in powdered milk processing plants, among others. Dust is also a particular hazard in coal mines. Explosive gases or vapours are most ly prevalent in petrochemical plants and, for example, in LPG facilities or other gas handling plants. He cites a few examples, all in countries other than South Africa, of incidents that have caused fatalities and destroyed plants. Kruger says South Africa is fortunately very well regulated and there have not, as yet, been any

Pratley’s electrical laboratory is one of the most advanced on the continent.

22 Electricity + Control JULY 2022