Correct maintenance and installation of luminaries in hazardous areas

This alert is limited to luminaires not installed in accordance with the relevant clauses of AS/NZS 3100 Approval and test specifications-General requirements for electrical equipment.

An incident in a New South Wales mine prompted the NSW Department of Primary Industries to issue a safety alert about the correct installation, inspection and maintenance of luminaires in certified hazardous areas.

The alert highlighted three factors concerning the plug of the device which contributed to an electrical shock being received from the outside surface of the luminaire:

• an internal "O" ring seal was missing
• a cracked flamepath collar
• unearthed gland

The faulty equipment could also have caused ignition had flammable and explosive gases been present in the mine.

The recommendations arising from the investigation of the incident could be applicable to other light fittings and other hazardous area installations. They included:

• the training and competence requirements of persons responsible for maintenance of the light fitting to include:
• preventing incorrect assembly
• identifying cracks in the flameproof assembly
• ensuring adequate earthing
• the inspection, testing and maintenance of all electrical equipment to include the checking of the integrity of earthing of exposed metal parts by earth continuity testing
• manufacturers of light fittings and end users should also review the risks to safety from their products and to promptly stipulate earthing, protection, m aintenance and inspection requirements to their customers

These recommendations highlight the importance of proper and ongoing regular maintenance and inspection of this equipment of this type in hazardous area.