What makes a certificate?

I often find myself explaining to customers what goes into the IECEx certificate that they’re looking at. Usually this is to explain a difference between Australian requirements and European requirements (ATEX), or to explain why it is important that the certificate number be marked on the equipment to prove that the certificate applies. It is Read More …

Standards Awards 2023

We are pleased to announce that our director, Jason McGee, received the Standards Australia Emerging Leader award last week. He is honoured to receive the award in recognition of his contributions to domestic and international standardisation in the explosive atmospheres field. The Standards Australia press release can be found here, and a bio on all Read More …

New editions of AS/NZS 60079.14 & AS/NZS 60079.10.1

In late June 2022 new editions of AS/NZS 60079.14 and AS/NZS 60079.10.1 were published, along with a new supplement to AS/NZS 60079.10.1. The headline change is that the AU/NZ requirements are now shown (mostly) in-line! AS/NZS 60079.14:2022 Australian/New Zealand variations shown within the document This "new" revision of the HA design and installation standard is Read More …

Order of Australia

As part of the Queen’s Birthday honours in June 2022, Ralph Wigg was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to standards development and conformity assessment. Induction to the Order of Australia is an incredibly well-deserved reward for Ralph’s 40+ years of contribution to the explosive atmospheres field, including spearheading Read More …

Certification requirements for Australia

Australia uses the AS/NZS 60079 series for Ex Equipment, most of which are identical adoptions of the IEC 60079 series. Ex Equipment needs to satisfy 4.4 of AS/NZS 60079.14:2017. The same requirements apply to associated equipment, such as zener barriers or galvanic isolators for intrinsic safety. The only exception is for simple apparatus in an Read More …

So you think you have a hazardous area?

We are often approached by clients who have just discovered (or been informed about) the world of hazardous areas. Typically an electrician or regulator has noticed that they handle flammable materials and asked a question such as "Can I see your HA verification dossier?" or "What is the hazardous area classification?" Alternatively, a contract or Read More …

Hazardous Area Installation Standard

With the publication of the latest Hazardous Area installation standard AS/NZS 60079.14 the concept of Equipment Protection Levels [EPLs] has been implemented. This is designed to give larger companies the facility to apply an extended risk assessment and use a different level of protection than that which would normally be required by the zone of Read More …

Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000

With the publication of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000 in December 2012, the AS/NZS 2381, AS 2381 and AS 1076 series have been withdrawn. These standards may still be in use for existing sites and projects, however for new designs AS/NZS 3000 now directs the user to AS/NZS 60079.14 for hazardous area equipment selection and Read More …