Hazardous Area Safety
Hazardous Areas are where explosive atmospheres exist from flammable substances (defined under the Hazardous Substances regulations) and certain powders or dusts (e.g. flour, starch, milk powder) that are not usually hazardous but can be an explosion risk in certain circumstances.
Our Hazardous Area experts help you to conduct hazard areas classification to identify where the zones or areas are that an explosion can occur. Once this is done we can help you ensure your workplace practices and equipment adheres to safety design best practice and specific safety regulations.
Hazardous Area Standards
The AS/NZS 60079 series of standards specify in detail the requirements for hazardous area compliance. There are also many other national and international references for standards and best practice guides such as WorkSafe, OSHA, ATEX, NFPA, IEC, etc.
Once the presence of flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dusts within explosive concentrations has been identified, certain standards are required to be met. A hazardous area classification or zoning study as per AS/NZS 60079.10.1 (for gas) or AS/NZS 60079.10.2 (for dust) is required. This will then mandate specific requirements related to the Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas (EEHA) with any installed equipment to be done as per AS/NZS 60079.14. This EEHA must then be inspected and maintained as per AS/NZS 60079.17.
Our Approach To Hazardous Dust
Combustible dusts, such as flour, sugar, starch, and dairy powders pose a significant risk of fire and explosion in industrial environments. These risks are often underestimated, especially when it comes to non-electrical ignition sources like friction, static discharge, or mechanical heat. At TEG Risk, we specialise in identifying and mitigating these risks through comprehensive risk assessments and practical engineering solutions.
Our approach is grounded in the AS/NZS 4745 Code of Practice for Handling Combustible Dusts, which we apply to conduct detailed safety risk assessments tailored to your site and operations. We evaluate ignition sources, estimate the likelihood and consequences of fire or explosion, and recommend control measures such as explosion isolation, venting systems, and improved housekeeping practices.
We’ve supported clients across food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and packaging industries with dust hazard assessments, classification documentation, and awareness training. Our engineers have assessed thousands of assets and are experienced in managing dust risks in complex environments, including flour silos, powder mixing plants and thermal drying systems.
By engaging TEG Risk early in your project lifecycle, you can reduce the extent of hazardous zones, lower your compliance costs, and ensure your site is both safe and legally compliant.
To make sure you adhere to these safety standards we recommend seeking expert advice. TEG Risk can help in this space. Issues relating to hazardous areas are often overlooked and engaging with expert advice will keep your team safe and ensure you meet legal requirements.
Hazardous area safety management requires certification in unit standards relating to hazardous substances and hazardous areas. Our degree qualified electrical engineers can advise on specification and design of hazardous areas.
Combustible Dust Services
- Hazardous Areas Classification to AS/NZS 60079.10.2
- Dust Risk Assessment to AS/NZS 4745
Our Approach To Hazardous Vapours
Flammable gases and vapours, such as ammonia, ethanol, and LPG require a systematic and expert-led approach to risk management. These substances can form explosive atmospheres under certain conditions and managing them effectively is critical to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
TEG Risk applies structured methodologies such as HAZOP (Hazard and Operability) studies to assess process risks and identify control measures. Our certified engineers conduct hazardous area classifications in accordance with AS/NZS 60079.10.1 and design EEHA systems to AS/NZS 60079.14 standards. We also provide on-site verification and documentation to support regulatory approvals.
Our team has extensive experience across industries including petrochemical, dairy, pharmaceutical, and food manufacturing. We’ve supported clients with ammonia refrigeration systems, ethanol handling, and gas-based drying processes, ensuring that all electrical and non-electrical risks are addressed.
With TEG Risk, you gain an expert partner who understands the intricacies of hazardous vapour management and delivers world class solutions that are both compliant and practical.
Gases And Vapours Services
- Hazardous Areas Classification to AS/NZS 60079.10.1
- Specification and Design services to AS/NZS 60079.14
What Is An Example Of A Hazard Area?
An example of a hazardous area is a chemical storage room where flammable liquids and toxic substances are kept, posing risks of fire, explosion, or exposure.
Another example is a manufacturing facility with heavy equipment and moving parts, which can cause crushing or entanglement injuries if safety protocols aren’t followed.
What Is A Hazardous Area In Safety?
A hazardous area (or zone) in a manufacturing facility is any location where a potentially explosive or ignitable cloud of dust or vapour can be present hence present fatal risks to staff.
These areas require special safety measures like protective equipment, maintenance and procedural controls or restricted access to minimise the risk of accidents.
What Are Hazardous Dusts?
Hazardous dusts are fine solid particles that can become airborne during processes like filling, drying or handling bulk materials.
They pose risks of fire or explosion.
What Are Hazardous Vapours?
Hazardous vapours are gases released from volatile liquids such as fuels, solvents, or chemicals that can spread quickly in the air.
They present risks of fire, explosion, without proper controls.
Why Choose TEG Risk To Manage Your Hazardous Area Safety?
We Are Safety Engineering Experts
When it comes to safety engineering, TEG Risk's world class team is highly skilled in technical, industrial workplace health and safety.
Our Engineers have extensive, specialist and practical industry experience supported by a variety of industry leading training and certifications in machinery, functional safety, HAZOP and Hazardous Areas.
We Are Experienced Engineers
We have decades of experience between us, and pride ourselves on practical solutions.
As experts in specification, planning, prioritisation and project management, we always suggest solutions and programmes that not only comply, but are practical and make the best use of your resources and budget.
We Add Value To Your Workplace Safety
Our team identifies and prioritises risks using structured assessments and advanced tools like MinRisk, then translates findings into cost-effective, actionable plans.
Whether it's machine guarding, hazardous area compliance, or safety in design, we help clients reduce incidents, meet regulatory obligations, and protect their most valuable asset: their people.
We Work As Part Of Your Health And Safety Team
We tailor our processes and reporting to suit your team's requirements. Stakeholder engagement is a priority for us and we spend time on the factory floor, talking to your operators and understanding your processes to deliver the exact solutions your company needs.
We establish your objectives and how best to deliver those, so we work efficiently and effectively, minimising disruption and providing results or outcomes that you can more easily integrate into your existing systems.