AS NZS 2430.3.5-2004 PDF

Full title and description

AS/NZS 2430.3.5:2004 — Classification of hazardous areas, Part 3.5: Examples of area classification — Refineries and major processing plants. Provides worked examples and guidance for classifying hazardous (explosive) atmospheres associated with the production, processing, handling and storage of flammable liquids and gases in refineries and major processing facilities.

Abstract

This part of the AS/NZS 2430.3 series uses a Generalized Method to illustrate typical area-classification situations found in refineries and major processing plants. It gives example classifications for heavier‑than‑air and lighter‑than‑air gases and vapours, addresses open and enclosed structures, compressor buildings and surrounding areas, and is intended to be used in conjunction with the general guidance of AS/NZS 2430.3.1 and the Source of Release methods in AS/NZS 2430.3.3 and AS/NZS 2430.3.4.

General information

• Status: Superseded (see Related standards).
• Publication date: 20 May 2004.
• Publisher: Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand.
• ICS / categories: 13.100 (Occupational safety, industrial hygiene); 13.230 (Explosion protection); 29.260.20 (Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres).
• Edition / version: 2nd edition (2004).
• Number of pages: 8 (concise guidance / example illustrations).

Scope

The standard provides example area classifications for situations common to refineries and major processing plants where flammable liquids and gases are produced, processed, handled or stored. It demonstrates how to determine extent and zoning of hazardous areas for different release scenarios (heavier‑than‑air and lighter‑than‑air substances), and covers open air, enclosed and open structures, compressor buildings and enclosures with plenum or safe atmosphere. It is illustrative and intended to be read with the general rules in AS/NZS 2430.3.1; it does not replace a full site‑specific risk assessment or the Source of Release methods provided in related parts of the 2430.3 series.

Key topics and requirements

• Examples of area classification for refineries and major processing plants (heavier‑ and lighter‑than‑air gases and vapours).
• Guidance on extent of hazardous areas for open air, enclosed and open structures, and plenum/enclosed safe atmospheres.
• Example treatment of compressor enclosures and ventilated vs inadequately ventilated process areas.
• Use of the Generalized Method for example classifications (illustrative rather than prescriptive).
• Requirement to apply authority‑having‑jurisdiction rules and to consult source‑based methods in other parts of the series for detailed calculations.
• Cross‑references to AS/NZS 2430.3.1 (general), AS/NZS 2430.3.3 (flammable liquids) and AS/NZS 2430.3.4 (flammable gases) and to electrical apparatus standards for explosive atmospheres.

Typical use and users

Used by process and chemical engineers, refinery design and operations personnel, hazardous‑area assessors, electrical and instrumentation engineers, safety and compliance officers, certifying authorities and consultants involved in zoning/area classification, equipment selection and safe design of refineries and major processing plants.

Related standards

Key related and successor documents include AS/NZS 2430.3.1 (Examples of area classification — General), AS/NZS 2430.3.3 (Flammable liquids), AS/NZS 2430.3.4 (Flammable gases), and the AS/NZS 60079 series (Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres). AS/NZS 2430.3.5:2004 has been superseded by AS/NZS 60079.10.1:2009 (and later consolidated revisions of the 60079 series covering area classification and explosive atmospheres).

Keywords

hazardous area, area classification, refineries, processing plants, flammable liquids, flammable gases, generalized method, zoning, compressor enclosures, explosive atmospheres, AS/NZS 2430, AS/NZS 60079.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS/NZS 2430.3.5:2004 is a part of the AS/NZS 2430.3 series providing example area classifications specifically for refineries and major processing plants dealing with flammable liquids and gases.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers illustrative examples showing how hazardous (explosive) areas commonly arise in refinery/process plant settings, addressing heavier‑ and lighter‑than‑air vapours, open vs enclosed structures, compressor buildings and ventilation considerations, using a Generalized Method of classification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Process engineers, electrical and instrumentation engineers, safety officers, hazardous‑area assessors, plant designers and regulatory/certifying bodies use it for guidance when zoning refineries and major processing installations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is superseded for current area‑classification practice; users should consult the AS/NZS 60079 series (notably AS/NZS 60079.10.1 and later editions) and the most recent national/industry guidance for up‑to‑date requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3.5 of the AS/NZS 2430.3 series (Examples of area classification). It is intended to be read with AS/NZS 2430.3.1 (General) and other parts addressing Source of Release methods (for flammable liquids and gases).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Hazardous area, area classification, refineries, flammable vapours, generalized method, zoning, AS/NZS 2430, AS/NZS 60079.