Hazardous Electrical Specialist EEHA

Don’t risk it! We know how to do it right!

EEHA inspections & Auditing

Town & Country Energy Solutions has over 30 years of Electrical experience and knowledge in the Petroleum & Commercial industry specialising in the field of
Electrical & Hazardous Area Electrical.

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Together with our skilled team of experienced electricians Hazardous Area Electrical is our speciality.

Electrical equipment located within explosive gas Hazardous areas are required to comply with the multiple Australian Codes and Standards and require the correct licensed personnel to do so. Given the inherent risk of ignition and explosion within Hazardous areas it is crucial that electrical equipment be properly selected, installed and maintained.

Town & Country Energy Solutions has over 30 years’ experience In electrical and Hazardous area installations. The skilled team of experienced electricians, inspectors and project co-ordinators can assist in all aspects of EEHA management including:

Installation
Inspection
Maintenance
Documentation

Ultimately the responsibility for managing this equipment rests with those in control of the installation.

Using a competent Hazardous Area Electrical Inspector will provide the owners or users of the plant with a condition assessment of the EEHA to ensure that it is maintained in a satisfactory condition.

Our competent inspectors can carry out the sufficient grade of inspection with minimal plant shut down and isolation. Regular inspections of EEHA is a preventative requirement as over time installed EEHA can degrade or become damaged.

Poor maintenance can compromise the equipment’s protection and introduce a source of ignition. The EEHA inspection intervals requirements are dependent on the equipment and installation type, this is where we can assist with correct EEHA management compliance.

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Overview of Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas (EEHA)

Hazardous Area Classification

Hazardous areas are classified based on the likelihood of the presence of explosive gas atmospheres. The classification determines the type of equipment required and the inspection schedule. The zones are:

Zone 0: An area where an explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods, or frequently.
Zone 1: An area where an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally in normal operation.
Zone 2: An area where an explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does, it will be present for a short period only.

Inspection Grades

Inspections are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of equipment in hazardous areas. There are three main grades of inspections:

Visual Inspection: Identifies visible defects, such as missing bolts, without the need for access equipment or tools.
Close Inspection: Includes visual inspection and identifies defects such as loose bolts, requiring access equipment like steps and tools.
Detailed Inspection: Covers aspects of close inspection plus those defects that need opening enclosures and using test equipment, such as loose terminations.

Requirements for Equipment

For equipment to be used in hazardous areas, it must meet:

Explosion-Protection Technique: Comply with the appropriate explosion-protection technique for the Zone (Zone and Ex classification).
Group Requirements: Meet the group requirements for the hazardous material (Group I, IIA, IIB, or IIC).
Temperature Class: Have an appropriate maximum surface temperature or temperature class (T classification).

Initial and Regular Inspections

Initial Inspection: Before energizing new equipment in a hazardous area, an initial detailed inspection must be carried out by competent personnel.
Periodic Inspections: Over time, equipment can degrade. Regular inspections, ranging from every 12 months to every 4 years depending on conditions and equipment type, are necessary. A close inspection is recommended every two years as a minimum. Inspections must be conducted by competent personnel.

Documentation and Compliance

Verification Dossier: A verification dossier must be up-to-date with all inspection reports and compliance documentation. The duty holder must ensure this dossier is maintained and available on-site.

Obligations for Business and Facility Owners

Risk Management: Business and facility owners must manage risks associated with ignition in hazardous areas and maintain a safe working environment for employees.
Compliance: Non-compliance with EEHA standards can lead to enforcement actions by WHS authorities.

TCES Key Competencies

Town and Country Electrical Services (TCES) provides expertise in:

Installing explosion-protected equipment and wiring systems
Attending to breakdowns in hazardous areas
Maintaining equipment in hazardous areas
Conducting tests and inspections (Visual, Close, Detailed)
Reporting on equipment integrity

Verification Dossier and Coordination

Every site with electrical equipment in hazardous areas requires a verification dossier. TCES can assist with maintaining this dossier and coordinating hazardous area zone classifications and Equipment Protection Level (EPL) requirements.

For more information or assistance with managing EEHA requirements, Town and Country Electrical Services is available to help with your needs.

Enquire about EV Chargers

With the expansion of renewable fuels and evolving vehicle technology improvements we are also looking to expand our Electrical services into installation and maintenance of Electrical Vehicle Charging stations.

To register your interest in EV chargers Installation, maintenance and management please lodge your enquiry here:

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