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Polo  
#1 Posted : 25 January 2016 11:19:17(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Polo

Hi We've been asked by one of our Contractors for permission to use a touch screen tablet device (I-pad type) in our plant, part of which has electrically zoned areas. We could allow under a permit and use a gas detector, but I was wondering if other forum members had the same issue and how they dealt with it? Thanks
Ian Bell2  
#2 Posted : 25 January 2016 12:58:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell2

Is the contractor really in a 'zoned' area or just close by? The whole point of hazardous area classification is to identify the extent of such areas, so the correct equipment can be used/specified. Often zoned areas are much more than a few meters in dimensions.
Ian Bell2  
#3 Posted : 25 January 2016 13:32:46(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell2

Often zoned areas AREN'T much more than a few meters in dimensions. Edit function required!!
Ron Hunter  
#4 Posted : 25 January 2016 15:26:58(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

The onward march of technology! See: http://www.ipesearch.co....bj_id=676340&sid=166 What happens if you drop that tablet into a proper zone though?
saferay  
#5 Posted : 25 January 2016 15:51:22(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
saferay

Maybe you should be insisting on Zone 1 & 2 protected devices (link below) https://www.ecom-ex.co.u...g/tablets/tab-ex-series/ I shudder to think how much these cost (elf 'n' safety and all!)
douglas.dick  
#6 Posted : 25 January 2016 16:12:40(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
douglas.dick

I checked out the cost of a case for my Iphone that is atex approved. Just £880 plus vat!
Ian Bell2  
#7 Posted : 25 January 2016 18:58:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell2

ATEX rated equipment is only required if actually inside a hazardous classified area, that's the whole point in determining the extents of hazardous areas.
bleve  
#8 Posted : 25 January 2016 19:39:31(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bleve

Ian Bell2 wrote:
ATEX rated equipment is only required if actually inside a hazardous classified area, that's the whole point in determining the extents of hazardous areas.
What about overlapping zones? Blanket zoning, could cover entire room Presumably gas/vapour atmosphere. What zone 0, 1 or 2 and what is the gas group?
bleve  
#9 Posted : 25 January 2016 19:56:30(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bleve

Even assuming zone 2 and allowing for ignition by permissible single fault, the device is not compliant with Directive 1994/9 and so should not be used within a potentially explosive atmosphere. Furthermore, the risk of ignition should have been considered as a part of 13 potential ignition sources under Directive 1999/92 and using EN 1127 Regards
Ian Bell2  
#10 Posted : 25 January 2016 20:52:59(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell2

BLEVE wrote:
Ian Bell2 wrote:
ATEX rated equipment is only required if actually inside a hazardous classified area, that's the whole point in determining the extents of hazardous areas.
What about overlapping zones? Blanket zoning, could cover entire room Presumably gas/vapour atmosphere. What zone 0, 1 or 2 and what is the gas group?
Both of your posts are correct - hence why I said check the extents of the hazardous areas. Blanket zoning is quite common, even though a location might not actually need zoning. What point were you trying to make?
bleve  
#11 Posted : 25 January 2016 22:29:59(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bleve

Simply replying to the OP based on extensive experience and expert opinion. Not trying to make any point at all. Thought it was clearly made tbh
Ian Bell2  
#12 Posted : 26 January 2016 00:14:22(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell2

Ok
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