Quartzelec highlights importance for IECEx Certified Service Facility Scheme to carry out repairs on 'Explosive Environment' (Ex) machines
18/02/2013 Quartzelec Ltd (Cegelec Industrial Controls)
Quartzelec is embarking upon a series of technical presentations across the UK, highlighting the responsibilities of equipment owners and operators and the need for vigilance when it comes to the refurbishment of 'Explosive Environment' (Ex) machines. This follows an increased awareness of the fact that some operators simply don't have the procedures in place to identify, monitor, inspect or overhaul the equipment or understand their responsibility to meet current legislation and HSE guidelines.IECEx certification demonstrates competence in refurbishing equipment from areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere. However asset operators are continually cutting back on maintenance schedules and inspections in the ongoing pursuit of reduced maintenance expenditure. Operators also sometimes don't fully appreciate the requirements or unknowingly use uncertificied technicians/ repair facilities to carry out repairs on Ex equipment. What is not commonly known is that should anything go wrong, such as the equipment being the cause of a fire, the asset owner is held directly liable.
"There are no second chances when it comes to servicing with Ex equipment, even inadvertantly cutting corners may lead to catastophic and costly occurances," explained Matt Brown, General Manager of Quartzelec's Grimsby/ Sheffield Operations. "It was good to see so many people take time out of their busy week to attend our technical presentation and learn about this potentially dangerous area. As a market leader Quartzelec's accreditations give any company the assurance that their ATEX Directive 94/9/EC certified equipment repairs are being met and will ultimately result in a safer industry."
The first of these presentations was recently held in Grimsby's Heritage Centre and companies operating in the water, petroleum, gas, chemical and other related sectors attended. It identified many of the responsibilities and potential pitfalls for Ex asset owners and led to in-€‘depth discussions around practical and cost effective solutions. Other guest speakers were also invited, covering IE2/IE3 motor specifications and repairs.
There are various EX design concepts associated to electrical rotating plant, for Ex'd' certified equipent the repair process entails an initial series of inspections and tests followed by a complete strip down and inspection of all components, ensuring all critical surfaces and flame paths meet the original equipment certification or the relevant standard. All necessary parts are replaced (including all flamepath retaining bolts on Ex'd') to appropriate certification standards, the outer surfaces often require shot blasting before the equipment is re-assembled and new bearings fitted before final test and painting.
Quartzelec draws on over 100 years of experience in delivering excellence and its IECEx certification ensures its repair facilities and personnel meet the high standards required. This gives industry the assurance that all repairs and overhaul to Ex equipment will be undertaken according to the strict requirements of the IECEx Scheme to the International Standard IEC 60079-19.
For details of when and where each of the planned presentations will be held please call T: +44 (0) 1788 512512 or Email: jane.badger@Quartzelec.com or visit www.quartzelec.com
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