IEC 60079-10-2:2015

Overview - IEC 60079-10-2:2015 (Explosive dust atmospheres)

IEC 60079-10-2:2015 provides guidance for the identification and classification of areas where explosive dust atmospheres and combustible dust layers may be present, enabling correct assessment of ignition hazards and selection of appropriate protective measures. The standard treats dust clouds and dust layers separately (Clause 4 and Clause 7) and is intended for use under normal atmospheric conditions. It assumes effective housekeeping in the examples; where housekeeping is inadequate the classification must account for dust layers becoming sources of dust clouds.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Area classification procedure (Clause 4): step‑by‑step method to identify hazardous locations and determine appropriate zones for dust atmospheres.
• Sources of release (Clause 5): identification, grading and containment of dust releases, with emphasis on dust containment and continuous versus occasional releases.
• Zones for dust atmospheres (Clause 6): provision for classifying locations into Zone 20, Zone 21 and Zone 22 and guidance on the extent of these zones (see Table 1 and Clause 6.3).
• Dust layers (Clause 7): considerations for when layers can act as a release source or be re‑entrained into a cloud; housekeeping levels affect classification.
• Documentation and drawings (Clause 8): requirements for record keeping, preferred symbol keys for area classification, and the need to note Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs) on drawings.
• Competence of personnel (Clause 4.3): guidance that area classification must be performed by competent staff.
• Reference to related technical data sources (for example IEC 80079-20-2 for dust characteristics) is included where appropriate.

Practical applications

IEC 60079-10-2 is used to:

• Identify and map hazardous areas in facilities handling powders, dusts, fibres or flyings.
• Inform selection and installation of electrical and mechanical equipment suitable for dust zones (via EPLs and Ex-rated equipment).
• Design ventilation, containment and housekeeping programs to reduce ignition risks.
• Prepare area classification drawings, safety documentation and operational procedures.
• Support risk assessments for manufacturing, processing, storage and packaging operations (food, chemical, pharmaceutical, wood, metal powders, grain, etc.).

Who should use this standard

• Safety and process engineers performing area classification and risk assessments
• Plant designers and electrical engineers specifying Ex equipment
• Maintenance, operations and EHS teams responsible for housekeeping and documentation
• Certification bodies and consultants advising on combustible dust hazards

Related standards

• IEC 60079 series (Explosive atmospheres)
• IEC 80079-20-2 (referenced for dust characteristics)
• National/regional regulations and guidance on combustible dust safety

Keywords: explosive dust atmospheres, combustible dust layers, ignition hazards, area classification, Zone 20, Zone 21, Zone 22, IEC 60079-10-2.