Standardisation and approval of electrical equipment for use in hazardous atmospheres

As a result of the increasing use of electrical equipment in situations where there is a potential explosion hazard owing to flammable gases and vapours, there is considerable international activity in the preparation of new and revised standards for the design and use of such equipment. This review compares the present position in Britain with the position abroad, with regard both to methods of protection and application and to the equally important procedures of certification and approval of equipment. As it has recently been proposed that a new organisation should be set up to rationalise the procedures in Britain, the ways in which such an organisation can help to maintain the UK position in this field are examined. The review has been confined to the situation in the nonmining industries, although some of the matters discussed apply equally to the mining industry.