Fundamentals of Dust-Explosive Atmospheres

Engineers, technicians, installers, and others who work where combustible dust hazards may be present.

The following are the topics that will be covered in the training.

Section A: Overview of Combustible Dust

• Combustible dust hazards
• Properties of combustible dusts
• Mechanics and theory of dust explosions (terminology and jargon)
• Primary and secondary explosions
• The need for the assessment of ignition hazards
• Safety of personnel in hazardous areas
• Applicable, global regulations and legislation

Section B: Hazardous Area Classifications for Explosive Dust Environments

• Types of hazards present
• Dust explosion risk assessment
• Hazardous area classification for explosive dusts
• Identification and grading of dusts
• Ease of spark ignition of dusts
• Possibility of thermal ignition by exposure to hot surfaces
• The effect of dust layers
• Zone system and division system for dust-explosive locations
• Zone vs Division system
• Equipment Protection Level EPL’s and the concept of protection methods
• Practical examples

Section C: Hazardous Location Protection Techniques

• Overview of preventive measures and protection approaches
• Principles of Protection by Enclosure
  • Acceptable and unacceptable measures
  • Ex markings and applicable Standards (Zone & Division)
  • Levels of protections
  • Safety features of enclosures
  • Testing and verification
  • Installation practices
  • Inspection and maintenance of flameproof enclosures
• Basic Principles of the Purging and Pressurization Protection Technique for dust explosive atmospheres
  • Applications, advantages and disadvantages of this method
  • Ex markings and applicable Standards (Zone & Division)
  • Levels of protection
  • Mechanical features of enclosures
  • Testing and verification
• Basic Principles of the Encapsulation Protection Technique for dust explosive atmospheres
  • Applications,advantages and disadvantages of this method
  • Exmarkings and applicable Standards (Zone & Division)
  • Mechanical and electrical limitation
  • Testing and verification
• Basic Principles of the Intrinsic Safety Protection Technique
  • Exmarkings and applicable Standards (Zone & Division)
  • Limitationsof intrinsic safety
  • Enclosurerequirements for dust explosive atmospheres
  • Effect ofdust layers on an intrinsically safe device
  • Spark& thermal ignition evaluations under a dust layer
  • Testingand verification
• Principles of protection for non-electrical equipment
  • Exmarkings and applicable Standards (Zone & Division)
  • Levels ofprotection
  • Ignitionhazard assessment and risk assessment
  • Identificationof sources of ignition from non-electrical equipment
  • Testingand verification

Section D: Installation Rules and Codes

• Overview of field wiring installation Rules and Codes for IECEx & ATEX systems
• Overview of field wiring installation Rules and Codes for North America (NEC and CEC)
• Installation practices

Section E: Basic Principles and Procedures Related to Inspections

• Initial and ongoing inspections
• Inspection grades
• Inspection of portable equipment
• Documentation
• Things to look for as a general practice

Question and Answers

This one-day overview course is designed for persons who work on equipment to be used in dust-explosive, hazardous locations. It is intended for persons with little or no knowledge and experience with hazardous locations and dust-related hazards specifically. The course is organized in five sections, each of which provide a basic understanding of the topics covered.

Section 1 addresses the characteristics of combustible dusts and an explanation of the dust explosion process, both primary and secondary. Also covered is the concept of the risk of ignition and the need for attention to safety for personnel working in these environments. Section 2 covers the classification of dust-explosive atmospheres, both Zone and Class-division systems. Classification systems are based on the risks involved, as are EPLs (equipment protection levels) of equipment. Section 3 addresses the approaches used to mitigate against those risks, as well as the five main protection techniques used in the Zone and Class-division systems for protection against dust explosions. Section 4 covers basic rules related to installation of electrical equipment in these environments. The final topic, Section 5, addresses the main aspects of inspection, both initial and ongoing, of hazardous locations that are classified as dust-explosive.

This is an introductory course that covers topics of interest to persons who work in dust-explosive environments.

Instructor-led training in a virtual classroom. This means the course is Live Online. Participants will learn through online teaching. Lectures, case studies, group exercises, discussions, problem solving, examples with explanation, assignments and/or quizzes happen in the virtual classroom training. Delivery provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and reference to real-life examples of theory at work in the hazardous location industry. Participants need to connect to the class from any internet accessible location. Each module is delivered live using webinar technology, creating a virtual classroom learning environment. Live sessions provide you with direct access to the trainer so you can ask questions, understand complex concepts and share ideas with peers. Webcam and microphone are REQUIRED to interact with the instructor and/or other participants.

The course content and structure are designed by the domain experts from TÜV SÜD.

With immense experience and knowledge in the relevant standards, our team of product specialists and technical experts at TÜV SÜD, developed the course content based on current business landscape and market requirements.

A self-administered test of theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply it to case scenarios

Having access to Standards and Codes is helpful but not mandatory.

TÜV SÜD is a leading provider of training and certification in hazardous locations (HazLoc) safety and compliance. Its programs are widely recognized in the United States and internationally. The experts at TÜV SÜD Academy possess in-depth knowledge of global standards such as IECEx, ATEX, and North American requirements, and are committed to delivering practical, application-focused training. Professionals responsible for equipment and systems in explosive atmospheres play a critical role in ensuring operational safety and compliance, and their competence is essential for the safe and efficient functioning of industrial facilities.