Intrinsically Safe Mobile Devices and their use while performing Inspections and Operator Rounds – By combining intrinsically safe mobile devices and inspection software solutions, maintenance operations can be initiated before installations are completely damaged, costs are saved, and security is greatly improved. Using intrinsically safe mobile devices to perform safety inspections and to record incidents, hazards and near misses as part of a safety management software solution means that industries such as oil and gas, chemical and mining can now avail of the benefits of mobility that are commonplace in other industries.
Hardware and the right applications help to digitize the inspection work due to less paperwork and less time to write reports and documentation that is needed. Thanks to mobile network technologies, captured data and photographs taken to document potential damage can be released in real time. Engineers at the headquarters can better and more easily analyze the data obtained, which leads to faster decision-making and increased workplace safety.
Intrinsically Safe Mobile Devices – Zone / Divisions
Safety is highest priority
At all places where flammable substances are produced, processed, transported or stored, safety is extremely important – especially in the chemical industry, petrochemical industry, in oil and natural gas production and in mining.
In order to provide the highest level of safety possible, most states legislations have developed corresponding conditions in the form of laws, regulations and standards. These now have to be implemented by companies because the operator of a plant is solely responsible for safe operation in accordance with the directive 1999/92/EC.
The cause of an explosion:
Three elements are required to cause an explosion: Fuel (gas or dust), Oxygen O2 and any ignition source (e.g. electric sparks, hot surface, short-circuit, …).
The risk of an explosion is based on the probability of a fuel and oxygen (air) mixture occurring over time.
Intrinsically safe mobile devices and equipment ensure that potential ignition sources are removed or prevented. By doing so, the risk of an explosion is completely eliminated.
The Zone Division in the International Electrotechnical Commission or IEC.
Areas subject to gas explosion:
Zone 0
Area in which an explosive atmosphere with a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or fog is present, either constantly or in the long term.
Zone 1
Area in which it must be assumed that an explosive atmosphere with a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or fog arises during normal operation.
Zone 2
Area in which it must be not assumed that an explosive atmosphere with a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or fog arises during normal operation and if so, then only rarely and for a short time.
Areas with Flammable Dust:
Zone 20
Area in which there is an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of flammable dust in the air, constantly, in the long term or frequently.
Zone 21
Area in which is must be assumed that an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of flammable dust in air sometimes occurs during normal operation.
Zone 22
Area in which is must not be assumed that an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of flammable dust in air sometimes occurs during normal operation, and if this happens, then only for a short time.
The North American Division System:
The North American Division System considers only two possible likelihoods of explosive Fuel/Oxygen mixtures occurring:
Division 1
A mixture of flammable gas, dust or vapor occurs permanently or occasionally. The same as Zone 1 and 0.
Division 2
The mixture occurs only rarely and for a short amount of time. The same as Zone 2.
IMEC Technologies provides Safety Management Software to increase worker safety and aid compliance. IMEC’s Safety Management Software will manage inspections and audits, provides hazard identification, incident reporting, management of corrective and preventative actions from generation to closure. IMEC provides lock out tag out software solutions that will allow users to create lockout tagout procedures using an intuitive Mobile App and Manage Lockout Tagout Procedures, also the Review and Execution of those Lockout Tagout Procedures using the Mobile App. Annual Lockout Tagout Procedures audits are conducted using a Mobile App. The Mobile Inspection App allow users to perform inspections and audits, for example the system can be used as a Fire Extinguisher Barcode Inspection Software system to manage monthly fire extinguisher inspections and general fire safety inspections and also to record safety observations and manage corrective actions, anywhere and anytime. The solution can be used as a fire extinguisher barcode inspection software system or life safety inspection system to aid compliance in Higher Education, Healthcare, Industrial and Commercial Organizations. Benefits from a Fire Extinguisher Barcode System include the elimination of paperwork and reducing the burden of compliance with regulations such as NFPA, The Joint Commission. The Incident Reporting App allows users to easily and quickly report incidents, hazards and near-misses, these are then sent to the appropriate people for action and are managed to closure. Web Apps provide features such as, setup, management, scheduling tools, analysis, reporting and dashboards etc with the ability to report incidents to government bodies such as OSHA and RIDDOR. HazMat T&T is a hazardous waste management software solution designed for Environmental Service Companies and companies who generate a large quantity of hazardous waste. The solution tracks hazardous waste from cradle to grave aiding compliance, providing accurate waste inventory, increasing waste handling efficiency, reducing risk and also helps manage waste costs. HazMat T&T Hazardous Waste Management Software can be deployed in a number of deployment scenarios, from Large Hazardous Waste Generators, tracking their hazardous waste at their site to Environmental Service and Waste Management Companies using it track and manage hazardous waste at transfer and disposal sites. For more information visit our website www.imectechnologies.com