Practical Use of the IECEx System & Schemes John Francis Waudby Senior Inspector of Electrical Engineering Mine Safety Operations

Overview Introduction – NSW Mine & Onshore Petroleum Regulator Electrical equipment – our involvement Regulation and the use of the IECEx System and Schemes Present Future Conclusions

NSW Safety Legislation Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regs Mine Health & Safety Act and Regs Coal Mine Health & Safety Act and Regs Petroleum (Onshore) Act, Regulation and Schedule Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act & Regulation may apply

Safety approach Risk based Risk to be tolerable and ALARP Catastrophic risk – coal mine explosion High level of regulatory intervention to prevent explosions Risk profile changing Increasing exposure to Petroleum exploration and extraction

Electrical Engineering Safety Performance - Explosions / major gas ignitions 8/1/ West Wallsend 24/7/1979 – Appin 28/6/1995 – Endeavour 12/12/ Munmorah

Experience with Electrical Equipment

Approval of Electrical Ex Equipment, Ex workshops & people Equipment: Ex ‘d’, ‘i’ & ‘e’ + others (no ‘n’) Substations, Switchgear & Control gear Rotating Machines Luminaires Glands Workshops: Facilities & associated Management systems Ex competencies

Evolution of approvals Equipment approved that was not Ex Approval processes were not good enough Opportunity allowed ceasing of many categories of approval A new strategic direction was required for Ex electrical equipment

Risk & Ex equipment Coal mine & other facility explosions are high risk events. Ex is a critical risk control Additional credible scrutiny is needed. The scrutiny must be applied at the most effective point Ex equipment must be Ex throughout its life Ex supported by the correct regulatory requirements Consistent with contemporary OHS Management No increase in risk

Ex equipment - Credible scrutiny Set standard Consistent and repeatable Competent people Proper procedures Fit for purpose equipment & facilities Managed work environment Ethical work environment

IECEx Equipment Certification The IECEx System and equipment scheme satisfied DII. The industry was ready and prepared and the regulator was committed From 1999 to 2007 the industry has transitioned to equipment certification and full IECEx acceptance

A regulator using IECEx – the future Opportunities with the IECEx System & schemes Acceptance of IECEx service facilities certification Acceptance of IECEx competency certification IECEx will dominate for equipment certification Commitment to participating in IECEx system & schemes Credibility of the scheme is paramount Plan to expand “Ex philosophy” to surface hazardous areas

Conclusions IECEx System and Schemes are important in preventing explosions IECEx Systems and Schemes provide: An end users minimum expectation Confidence in hazardous area risk controls A tool to assist OHS Management Participate to: Drive improvements Maintain credibility

Information & contact details engineering/guidance material