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: john.waudby@industry.nsw.gov.au