AS NZS IEC 60079.10.1-2022 PDF

Full title and description

AS/NZS IEC 60079.10.1:2022 — Explosive atmospheres, Part 10.1: Classification of areas — Explosive gas atmospheres. This joint Australian/New Zealand adoption implements the international IEC 60079‑10‑1 requirements for classification of locations where flammable gases or vapours may be present, and is intended to support design, selection, operation and maintenance of equipment in hazardous areas.

Abstract

This standard provides methodology and criteria for hazardous‑area classification for explosive gas atmospheres (zone concept). It establishes principles for assessing sources and grades of release, ventilation and dilution, and for assigning Zones 0, 1, 2 (and areas of negligible extent) to indoor and outdoor installations. The document adopts the technical content of IEC 60079‑10‑1 (2020) as the basis for area classification in the AS/NZS context.

General information

• Status: Current (adopted national standard).
• Publication date: 24 June 2022.
• Publisher: Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (joint adoption of the IEC document).
• ICS / categories: Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres — ICS 29.260.20 (explosive atmospheres / electrical equipment).
• Edition / version: First AS/NZS edition (adopts IEC 60079‑10‑1:2020 technical content).
• Number of pages: 103 pages (main publication).

Scope

The standard specifies procedures and criteria for the classification of areas where flammable gas or vapour hazards may occur, including: identification and assessment of sources of release, grading of release, the effect of ventilation and dilution, determination of the type and extent of hazardous zones (Zones 0/1/2 and zones of negligible extent), and documentation requirements for area classification dossiers. It is applicable to both indoor and outdoor situations except where other industry‑specific exclusions apply (for example mines and explosive manufacture), and it is intended to be used together with related installation and equipment standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Area classification methodology: source‑of‑release, ventilation/dilution assessment, and simplified methods for routine installations.
• Definition and treatment of grades of release (continuous, primary, secondary) and summation rules for multiple sources.
• Determination of Zone extent (vertical and horizontal) for indoor and outdoor releases; guidance for elevated pipelines, openings and enclosures.
• Introduction and use of the "zone of negligible extent" (NE) concept and associated limits and risk considerations.
• Ventilation and dilution calculations, nomograms and worked examples (annexes) to support practical assessment.
• Requirements for competence of personnel and for preparation and retention of area classification dossiers and drawings.
• Extensive informative annexes and examples (case studies, schematic approaches, calculation methods) to demonstrate application in industry-specific contexts.

Typical use and users

Used by process, mechanical and electrical engineers, safety / risk assessors, hazardous area consultants, gas industry designers, plant operators, certifying bodies and regulators to identify hazardous zones, specify appropriate equipment protection techniques and to prepare area classification dossiers that support safe installation and maintenance of plant and electrical equipment.

Related standards

Part of the AS/NZS/IEC 60079 series on explosive atmospheres. Commonly used alongside: AS/NZS IEC 60079‑0 (general equipment requirements), AS/NZS IEC 60079‑14 (installation of electrical equipment in hazardous areas), and relevant EN/IEC parts on gas detection, protection methods and selection of equipment. National wiring rules and gas industry codes (for example AS/NZS 3000 and jurisdictional gas codes) are frequently referenced when applying this standard.

Keywords

hazardous area classification; explosive atmospheres; gas atmospheres; zone classification; grade of release; ventilation and dilution; IEC 60079‑10‑1; AS/NZS; area classification dossier; NE (negligible extent).

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: A joint Australian/New Zealand adoption of IEC 60079‑10‑1 that provides principles and methods for classification of areas where flammable gas or vapour atmospheres may occur (zone concept).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers identification and assessment of sources of release, grading of release, ventilation/dilution considerations, procedures to determine Zones 0/1/2 (and negligible extent), and documentation and competence requirements, with informative annexes and worked examples.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Process and electrical engineers, hazardous‑area consultants, safety/risk assessors, plant designers and operators, and regulatory authorities involved in specifying and approving equipment and installations in potentially flammable gas atmospheres.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The AS/NZS IEC 60079.10.1:2022 publication is the current joint national adoption (published 24 June 2022). Supplements and rulings (technical clarifications) may be issued; users should check for any supplements, rulings or amendments when applying the standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 10.1 of the broader IEC/AS/NZS 60079 series addressing explosive atmospheres; the series includes parts on general requirements, protection methods (e, d, p, i, etc.), installation (60079‑14), and gas detection standards among others.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Hazardous area classification, Zone 0/1/2, negligible extent (NE), grade of release, ventilation and dilution, area classification dossier, explosive gas atmospheres, IEC 60079‑10‑1, AS/NZS adoption.