Understanding how to set up and maintain a fire and gas safety system in hazardous environments can help you protect workers, processes and facilities. By Aaron Paterson, flame product line manager, Det-Tronics Editor’s Note: This article is adapted from a white paper, “Best practices for fire protection in hazardous locations.” Visit http://bit.ly/2krlVo6 to download the full technical white paper to get details about 10 proven procedures for detecting combustible gas, smoke and flames. The danger of fire in processing and manufacturing facilities often stems from the very production processes taking place, which frequently involve volatile and potentially flammable materials. Industrial facilities need to know and follow best practices for life-safety fire systems. Best practices are defined as professional procedures that have been shown by research and experience to W W W.ROCKWELLAUTOMATION.COM/THEJOURNAL produce optimal results. A number of organizations such as the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA®) prescribe specific procedures in their standards related to fire and gas detection, and some best practices can be affirmed through years of practical experience. So, let’s examine three best practices that can help you reduce fire-related risks to personnel, processes and facilities. Best Practice #1: Be Aware of Standards and Certifications An important preliminary step is reviewing applicable standards, such as the fire standards from the NFPA. In particular, plant operators should review NFPA 70® (also O

Research from the NFPA reported that almost 65% of combined industrial or manufacturing facility structure fires occurred specifically in manufacturing properties. known as the NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®, or NEC ®) and NFPA 72®: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®. Chapter 5 of the NEC addresses “special occupancies.” Within that chapter, Article 500 stipulates that locations be classified based on flammables that could be present, as well as their concentration or quantity. Hazardous-area classifications specific to electrical equipment are considered in this section. Class I areas are...