practical use of the iecex system & schemes john francis waudby senior inspector of electrical...
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Practical Use of the IECEx System & Schemes
John Francis WaudbySenior Inspector of Electrical EngineeringMine Safety Operations
Overview
Introduction – NSW Mine & Onshore Petroleum Regulator
Electrical equipment – our involvement
Regulation and the use of the IECEx System and Schemes
Present
Future
Conclusions
NSW Safety Legislation
Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regs
Mine Health & Safety Act and Regs
Coal Mine Health & Safety Act and Regs
Petroleum (Onshore) Act, Regulation and Schedule
Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act & Regulation may apply
Safety approach
Risk based
Risk to be tolerable and ALARP
Catastrophic risk – coal mine explosion
High level of regulatory intervention to prevent explosions
Risk profile changing
Increasing exposure to Petroleum exploration and extraction
Electrical Engineering Safety Performance - Explosions / major gas ignitions
8/1/1979 - West Wallsend
24/7/1979 – Appin
28/6/1995 – Endeavour
12/12/1997 - Munmorah
Experience with Electrical Equipment
Approval of Electrical Ex Equipment, Ex workshops & people
Equipment:Ex ‘d’, ‘i’ & ‘e’ + others (no ‘n’)Substations, Switchgear & Control gearRotating MachinesLuminairesGlands
Workshops:Facilities & associated Management systemsEx competencies
Evolution of approvals
Equipment approved that was not Ex
Approval processes were not good enough
Opportunity allowed ceasing of many categories of approval
A new strategic direction was required for Ex electrical equipment
Risk & Ex equipment
Coal mine & other facility explosions are high risk events.
Ex is a critical risk control
Additional credible scrutiny is needed.
The scrutiny must be applied at the most effective point
Ex equipment must be Ex throughout its life
Ex supported by the correct regulatory requirements
Consistent with contemporary OHS Management
No increase in risk
Ex equipment - Credible scrutiny
Set standard
Consistent and repeatable
Competent people
Proper procedures
Fit for purpose equipment & facilities
Managed work environment
Ethical work environment
IECEx Equipment Certification
The IECEx System and equipment scheme satisfied DII.
The industry was ready and prepared and the regulator was committed
From 1999 to 2007 the industry has transitioned to equipment certification and full IECEx acceptance
A regulator using IECEx – the future
Opportunities with the IECEx System & schemes
Acceptance of IECEx service facilities certification
Acceptance of IECEx competency certification
IECEx will dominate for equipment certification
Commitment to participating in IECEx system & schemes
Credibility of the scheme is paramount
Plan to expand “Ex philosophy” to surface hazardous areas
Conclusions
IECEx System and Schemes are important in preventing explosions
IECEx Systems and Schemes provide:
An end users minimum expectation
Confidence in hazardous area risk controls
A tool to assist OHS Management
Participate to:
Drive improvements
Maintain credibility
Information & contact details
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/minerals/safety/resources/electrical-engineering/guidance
material
Email: [email protected]