ATEX (Explosive Atmosphere) Compliance
Mannvit can assist employers to fulfill ATEX requirements in the workplace. ATEX compliance is mandatory within the EU and in Iceland. Legal requirements for employers described in ATEX directive 99/92/EC are set to ensure employees the minimum level of protection from fires, explosions and similar events arising from potentially explosive atmospheres due to the presence of hazardous materials (gases, flammable liquid or dust) in the workplace. Mannvit can provide full ATEX compliance by carrying the following tasks:
- Conduct a risk assessment and identify the required control measures
- Provide guidance on the elimination and mitigation of the explosion / fire risk
- Carry out a full hazardous area classification and drawings
- Create an Explosion Protection Document (EPD) describing the measures taken for compliance
- Provide advice on equipment selection, appropriate training, working procedures and maintenance.
Explosion calculation and explosion venting
Mannvit uses computer models and analytical calculations based on internationally recognized standards to estimate the consequences of an explosion on the surrounding people and structures. Mannvit can also suggest and design mitigation measures such as explosion venting to reduce the consequences of an explosion.
Smoke atmospheric dispersion and plume trajectory analysis
Mannvit uses CFD and Gaussian dispersion models to simulate smoke atmospheric dispersion and plume trajectory analysis from large outdoor fires, with the following outcomes:
- Evaluation of smoke plume trajectory taking into account atmospheric conditions (wind speed and atmospheric stability)
- Calculation of pollutant substances concentrations based on distance from the source
- Toxicity consequences analysis by comparing toxic substances concentration levels against recognized toxicity threshold (AEGL, ERPG or IDHL).
Gas atmospheric dispersion from process venting or accidental discharge
Mannvit uses CFD and Gaussian heavy gas dispersion models to simulate gas atmospheric dispersion and threat zones analysis from process venting or accidental discharges, with the following outcomes:
- Characterization of the source according to the release scenario, such as leak release rate, and pool evaporation rate
- Evaluation of gas plume trajectory taking into account atmospheric conditions (wind speed and atmospheric stability)
- Calculation of chemical substances concentrations and threat zones including toxic gas clouds, fire and explosions
Toxicity consequences analysis by comparing toxic substances concentration levels against recognized toxicity threshold (AEGL, ERPG or IDHL).
To ensure the safety and health of employees at workplaces where there is a risk of an explosive atmosphere it is important to assess the risk in explosive risk areas, write procedures and instructions in compliance with ATEX directives.
Contacts
Sigurður Páll Steindórsson
Mechanical Engineer M.Sc., Mechanical Process Engineering
sigurdurp@mannvit.is
+354 422 3259