Winter 2007
[December 2007] The ATEX for Offshore Operations seminar was held on 1 November 2007.
DSEAR and ATEX are abbreviations for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) and Explosive Atmospheres Directive 99/92/EC (ATEX 137), which are enforced by the HSE and Local Authorities, Fire Brigades and Petroleum Licensing Authorities.
DSEAR and ATEX are applicable to many industries including chemical manufacturing, processing, petrochemical, offshore and onshore, handling/manufacturing/storage of bulk powders, petrol, flammable liquids, mining and other dangerous substances.
Industries that hold high-risk rates in relation to danger from fire, explosive atmospheres and exothermic reactions etc will need to comply with these regulations.
The offshore sector requires equipment that is capable of operating in a potentially hazardous environment. For electrical equipment this is largely covered under existing equipment certification for Zone 1 and Zone 2 equipment. However there are applications, such as the use of internal combustion engines that are not covered and there is no clear solution to these types of application.
On the day the presentations which were made were:
- ATEX and Associated Regulations, A Regulatory Perspective
- ATEX Compliance and the Role of a Notified Body
- The Assessment of Existing Mechanical Equipment Installed in Hazardous Areas of Offshore Installations
- Identification of Hazardous Zones and Methodology
- Diesel Engines: The Contrast of Meeting ATEX vs. Emissions Regulations
- Operational Experience with ATEX Offshore
- Development of a Crude Oil Heating System for BP
- ATEX Air Compressor Case Study
The seminar was very well attended with a total of 121 people, including the nine speakers:
- Operators – 27
- Contractors – 49
- Certifying authorities – 9
- Suppliers – 26
- Students and others – 10
The topics were well presented and the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre was a good choice. The facilities, both for the seminar and for the supporting catering and hotel accommodation justified the selection. It was felt necessary to have this seminar in the operation area, rather than in London as the target audience would not have travelled to London. It might be possible to hold another similar event in London at a later date, but the content might need to be adjusted for the more contractor-based audience.
The format of the meeting was that the authorities spoke in the morning session, with a question and answer session before lunch. In the afternoon there were case studies from both suppliers and operators. These gave details of the challenges that ATEX brings to the offshore industry. By having the panel discussion sessions at the end of both the morning and afternoon sessions it was possible to absorb any run over on the allocated times for each speaker.
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