Based on the feedback from other SAFTENG members, I have made this article public for the next 30 days.
Much like the process safety debates around valve/equipment labeling, no RAGAGEP specifically requires a unique identifier on every valve or piece of equipment. Yet, labeling valves/equipment within the covered process is necessary to manage the process’s safety. Another debate we have on a FAR TOO OFTEN frequency: labeling/demarcating Hazardous Locations (HAZLOCs). Having a HAZLOC drawing where the distances and heights are specified is one thing; having these areas labeled/demarcated in the plant is very different and much needed.
Growing up in the petrochemical and semiconductor industries, my facilities always had HAZLOCs marked by barriers and/or colored floor striping, as well as signage. On one side of the line, you were NOT in the HAZLOC, but as soon as you stepped over the floor line, rope/cable/chain, or passed through the door, you knew you had entered the HAZLOC. These markings were critical in managing our HAZLOCs, especially for on-site contractors. Without these markings, it is usually easy to find safety concerns on how the HAZLOCs are managed, from improper equipment installed to workers using improper tools/equipment in the areas.
These signs/markings need to be more than just a painted line or a rope/cable/chain; we need to specify the area’s actual classification clearly:
Class 1, Div 1 or 2, Group, and Temp
Class 2, Div 1 or 2, Group, and Temp
Class 3, Div 1 or 2, Group, and Temp
The reason for specificity is so that anyone wanting to install equipment can clearly understand the area classification, as well as the horizontal boundaries of the area. They will need to consult the official drawings to understand the vertical boundaries(e.g., the height of the HAZLOC). However, those workers entering the area to perform work will be able to know what the area classification is and compare those specifications to the tools/equipment they will carry into the area.
So, step 1 is identifying the HAZLOC’s “boundaries,” but step 2 is posting the HAZLOC classification details.
Without these two steps, we shouldn’t be surprised or mad when we find workers working in or passing through the HAZLOC with improper tools or equipment or without their Flame-Retardant Clothing.
As many of us know, the tool/equipment being brought into the HAZLOC(s) MUST be marked/labeled/identified as being approved for that specific HAZLOC. In 99% of the situations, the HAZLOC signs will contain the Class, Div, Group, and Temp, and the tools/equipment will have an NRTL approval that MUST match the sign.
By the way, what is the concern with a sign like this?
SAFTENG members can read the other 29 articles on HAZLOCs and using NFPA 497, 499, and 70 (NEC, Articles 500-505).