Course Description

   The oil and gas industry operates within inherently hazardous environments, where the presence of flammable gases, vapors, and combustible dusts necessitates stringent safety protocols and engineering controls. One of the most vital aspects of maintaining operational safety and regulatory compliance in such environments is the accurate and systematic classification of hazardous areas. This classification not only dictates the selection of appropriate equipment and electrical installations but also serves as a foundational pillar for developing effective explosion protection strategies. A well-executed hazardous area classification process helps minimize the risk of ignition, enhances process integrity, and ensures the safety of personnel and assets.

This comprehensive training course has been meticulously designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical insights into the principles and practices of hazardous area classification specific to oil and gas facilities. From understanding international classification standards and zoning methodologies to interpreting process data and mapping hazardous locations, participants will be equipped with the necessary skills to confidently assess and manage hazardous areas. The program also explores real-world applications and industry best practices to reinforce learning through contextual relevance.

 

Program Overview

This in-person, 5-day training course delivers an advanced understanding of hazardous area classification and its critical role in the safety management systems of oil and gas installations. Participants will explore the fundamental concepts of flammability, ignition sources, zoning, and classification techniques in accordance with international codes such as IEC 60079 and API RP 505/IEC standards. The training combines theoretical instruction with interactive case studies, allowing attendees to apply concepts in practical scenarios reflective of actual industry challenges.

 

 Objectives

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

 

• Understand the principles and definitions associated with hazardous areas in oil and gas environments.
• Identify the types and sources of flammable materials and their behaviors under different operating conditions.
• Apply international classification systems including IEC and NEC standards.
• Determine the extent and zoning of hazardous areas based on process data and risk analysis.
• Interpret safety data sheets (SDS) and process flow diagrams (PFDs) for classification purposes.
• Develop and document hazardous area classification drawings and reports.
• Evaluate compliance measures and mitigation strategies to ensure safety and integrity in classified areas.

 

Outline

 Day (1): Fundamentals of Hazardous Area Classification

• Introduction to hazardous areas and flammable atmospheres
• Properties of flammable gases, vapors, and dusts
• Sources of release and their classification
• Principles of explosion and ignition
• Overview of national and international classification standards
• IEC 60079 series
• NEC (NFPA 70), API RP 505
• Regulatory and legal frameworks in oil and gas environments

    

Day (2): Hazardous Zones and Extent of Classification

• Zoning concepts: Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2 (Gas) / Zone 20, 21, 22 (Dust)
• Release grading: continuous, primary, secondary
• Parameters affecting zone extent
• Ventilation
• Enclosure type
• Process conditions
• Practical methods for determining zone sizes
• Use of area classification decision trees and matrices

   

Day (3):Data Interpretation and Risk Assessment

• Interpreting Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and vapor pressure data
• Process flow diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs in hazardous area analysis
• Gas Grouping and Temperature Classification
• Quantitative vs. qualitative risk assessment
• Safety margins and conservative assumptions in classification

  

Day (4):Documentation and Equipment Selection

• Developing hazardous area classification drawings
• Symbols, notations, and color coding conventions
• Integration with design documentation (layouts, electrical schematics)
• Intrinsically safe systems and explosion-proof equipment
• Selection of equipment certified for hazardous areas
• ATEX, IECEx certifications

 

Day (5): Implementation, Compliance, and Review

• Verifying compliance with classification plans
• Inspection and maintenance in hazardous areas
• Modifications and change management impacts on classification
• Auditing hazardous area classification systems
• Lessons learned from incidents and non-compliance cases

 

 

  

Training Method

A highly interactive combination of lecture and discussion sessions will be managed to maximize the amount and quality of information, knowledge, and experience transfer. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. Course material through power point equipped with necessary animation, learning videos, and general discussion to provide the participant with full understanding concerning the subject course will be provided.

Flip chart – Lectures – Practical situations – Video – PowerPoint – Presentation –  style coach- led discussions – activities – Exercises - Quiz - Case study - Assessment.