IEC 60079-10-1:2015

Overview

IEC 60079-10-1:2015 - Explosive atmospheres: Classification of areas - Explosive gas atmospheres provides guidance for the systematic classification of locations where flammable gas or vapour may be present and where an ignition hazard could arise. The standard is intended to support the proper selection and installation of equipment for use in hazardous areas and to inform risk-based decisions about the likelihood, extent and persistence of a flammable atmosphere. This second edition (2015) cancels and replaces the first edition (2008) and contains technical revisions described in the Foreword.

Key topics

• Purpose of area classification - establishing a documented basis for identifying locations with potential ignition hazards from flammable gases or vapours to guide equipment selection and installation.
• Assessment principles - evaluating sources, release mechanisms, ventilation and persistence to determine the presence and extent of flammable atmospheres.
• Classification outputs - producing location categories that reflect the probability and duration of flammable gas or vapour presence to support protective measures.
• Scope and exclusions - applies where flammable gas/vapour mixed with air may create an ignition hazard but does not apply to:
  • mines susceptible to firedamp;
  • processing and manufacture of explosives;
  • catastrophic failures or rare malfunctions beyond the standard’s concept of abnormality;
  • rooms used for medical purposes;
  • domestic premises and certain low-pressure fuel gas appliance installations compliant with gas codes;
  • hazards arising solely from combustible dusts (see IEC 60079-10-2 for dust atmospheres).
• Documentation and rationale - requirements for recording the assessment, assumptions and rationale used in classification decisions.

Applications

IEC 60079-10-1 is used to:

• Inform design and layout of industrial plants where flammable gases or vapours may be present.
• Support selection and installation of electrical and mechanical equipment suitable for hazardous areas.
• Provide input to risk assessments, plant safety cases, and compliance demonstrations for regulators and insurers.
• Guide maintenance planning, inspection regimes and safe work permits in potentially hazardous locations.

Typical users include process, electrical and safety engineers, facility designers, asset owners, safety managers, certification bodies and equipment manufacturers responsible for hazardous-area installations.

Related standards

• IEC 60079 series - broader guidance on equipment, protection concepts and installation for explosive atmospheres.
• IEC 60079-10-2 - classification of areas where combustible dust hazards may arise (useful for hybrid mixtures and dust-related hazards).

Keywords: IEC 60079-10-1:2015, explosive atmospheres, classification of areas, flammable gas or vapour, ignition hazards, risk of explosions, hazardous areas.