PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Hazardous Area Classification

(Supplements/Amendments to International
Standards)

PTS 16.71.01
January 2017

© 2017 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the permission of the copyright
owner. PETRONAS Technical Standards are Company’s internal standards and meant for authorized users only.
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FOREWORD

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) has been developed based on the accumulated knowledge,
experience and best practices of the PETRONAS group supplementing National and International
standards where appropriate. The key objective of PTS is to ensure standard technical practice across
the PETRONAS group.

Compliance to PTS is compulsory for PETRONAS-operated facilities and Joint Ventures (JVs) where
PETRONAS has more than fifty percent (50%) shareholding and/or operational control, and includes
all phases of work activities.

Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers who use PTS are solely responsible in ensuring the quality of
work, goods and services meet the required design and engineering standards. In the case where
specific requirements are not covered in the PTS, it is the responsibility of the
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established
standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.

In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in PTS. The Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers shall
ensure accuracy and completeness of the PTS used for the intended design and engineering
requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
codes and technical standards before start of any work.

PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording or
otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior written
consent of PETRONAS.

The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information to
PETRONAS that this requirement is met.
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ANNOUNCEMENT

As part of the recent transformation exercise, the PTS numbering system has been revised to 6-digit
numbers and drawings, forms and requisition to 7-digit numbers. All newly revised PTS will adopt this
new numbering system, and where required make reference to other PTS in its revised numbering to
ensure consistency. Users are requested to refer to PTS 00.01.01 (PTS Index) for mapping between
old and revised PTS numbers for clarity. For further inquiries, contact PTS administrator at
ptshelpdesk@petronas.com.my
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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 5
1.1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS..................................................................................................... 5
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES ............................................................................................... 7
2.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENT ....................................................................................... 8
2.1 TECHNICAL CONSIDERATION ......................................................................................... 8
2.2 KEY TECHNICAL CHANGES BETWEEN THE THIRD AND LATEST EDITION OF EI15 .......... 8
3.0 AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO EI15 ................................................................. 9
4.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................... 12
APPENDIX 1: HAC SCHEDULE TEMPLATE ......................................................................... 13
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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This PTS provides the minimum technical requirements to ensure safe operation and integrity
of the equipment at PETRONAS assets.

This PTS adopts the Energy Institute (formerly Institute of Petroleum) Model code of safe
practice, Part 15, Area classification for installations handling flammable fluids, 4th edition,
June 2015 (EI15) with additional requirements as amendments and supplements based on
PETRONAS lessons learnt and best practices.

Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) is an assessment for division of a plant or installation into
hazardous areas and non-hazardous areas and its further sub-division of the hazardous areas
into zones. This classification is based on the flammability of materials which may be present
and the probability of a flammable atmosphere occurring.

1.1 SCOPE

1.1.1 This PTS specifies minimum requirements and recommends practices for the determination
of hazardous areas in facilities handling flammable fluids mainly based on EI15 and other
related international standards where EI15 is insufficient.

1.1.2 EI15 does not cover facilities handling cryogenic fluids and combustible dust. Area
classification for combustible dusts can be referred to IEC 60079-10-2 while cryogenic fluids
area classification requires modelling.

1.1.3 This PTS for area classification is applicable to new facilities handling flammable fluids and for
reclassifying of existing installed facilities.

1.1.4 For requirements on the inspection and maintenance, management, selection of Ex

equipment, refer to PTS 13.40.01, PTS 13.40.02 and PTS 13.42.01.

1.1.5 For Ex Management Guidelines, refer to PTS 13.40.01.

1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

1.2.1 General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

Refer to PTS 00.01.03 for PTS Requirements, General Definition Of Terms, Abbreviations &
Reading Guide.

1.2.2 Specific Definition of Terms

No Terms Description

1 Area Classification Area classification is the assessed division of a facility into

hazardous areas and non-hazardous areas, and the
subdivision of the hazardous areas into zones.

2 Grade of release Three grades of release are defined in terms of their likely
frequency and duration:
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No Terms Description

Continous grade release – A release that is continuous or

nearly so, or that occurs frequently and for short periods.

Primary grade release – A release that is likely to occur

periodically or occasionally in normal operation i.e. a
release which, in operating procedures, is anticipated to
occur.

Secondary grade release – A release that is unikely to

occur in normal operation and, in any event, will do so
only infrequently and for short periods, for example as
might result from operator error or foreseeable
equipment failure, such as leaking resulting from failure of
flange gasket, or seal on a pump or valve.

3 Hazard radius The extent at which the concentration of flammable

vapour in air has fallen to the lower flammable limit.

4 Hazardous Area A three-dimensional space in which a flammable

atmospthere may be expected to be present at such
frequencies as to require special precautions for the
design and construction of equipment, and the control of
other potential ignition sources.

5 Point Source Approach For installation or processes (due to variabilities of

temperature, pressure, equipment and the degree and
type of ventilation) the extent of flammable release that
would occur may very greatly making individual
assessment necessary. This is know as ‘point source
approach’.

6 Risk Based Approach For systems where release rate is of an unknown,

unspecified and variable quantity, the risk-based
approach is proposed to determine the hole size to be
used for a secondary grade of release.

7 Ventilation Ventilation comprises the movement of air within and

through a volume to achieve the introduction of fresh air
into, and removal of contaminated air from, the volume
and the mixing of air and contaminants within the volume.
Table 1.1: Specific Definition of Terms
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1.2.3 Specific Abbreviations

No Abbreviations Description

1 EI Energy Institute

2 HAC Hazardous Area Classification

3 IEC Independent Electoral Commision

4 PSI Process Safety Information

5 SIPROD Simultaneous Production

Table 1.2: Specific Abbreviations

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This PTS 16.71.01(January 20176) replaces PTS 16.71.01 (March 2014).

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2.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENT

2.1 TECHNICAL CONSIDERATION

2.1.1 Area classification should be based on the normal operating conditions and does not apply to
catastrophic situations such as the rupture of a process vessel or large diameter pipe work.
The risk mitigation for such large releases will be be carried out by proper layout, separation
distances, facility sitings and proper design, maintenance and operation of the plant. For
specific operating modes such as SIPROD, the area classification will be addressed on a case
to case basis.

2.1.2 HAC shall (PSR) be undertaken for all new and exiting facilities that handle flammable fluids
in accordance with EI15 and its associated related standard, as amended and supplemented
by Section 3 of this PTS. In areas where national codes are available or codes other than EI15
are commonly used (as listed in Section 3), the codes should be reviewed and
supplemented where necessary.

2.1.3 Variations from any part of EI15 and/or this PTS shall be formally authorized by the Technical
Authority, and only if they achieve a similar level of safety.

2.1.4 HAC shall be updated through Management of Change (MOC) as a Process Safety Information
(PSI).

2.2 KEY TECHNICAL CHANGES BETWEEN THE THIRD AND LATEST EDITION OF EI15

2.2.1 This PTS is based mainly on EI15 and any changes to the publication will require updates to
this PTS. The latest edition reflects the work by the industry to provide better clarity to the
classification of hazardous areas and this includes:

i. Emphasis on the point source approach methodology and includes more details
on the risk based approach.

ii. Further details on Hazard Radii from liquid pool spills and Hazard Radii for some
LNG releases.

iii. Revised equivalent hole sizes for frequency bands (LEVEL I - III) and expanded
guidance on ventilation and releases within enclosed areas, based on evidential
data from the UK HSE.

iv. Amended, or more detailed, definitions of terms such as adequate ventilation,

grades of release and limits of applicability.
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3.0 AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO EI15

This section provides the amendments and supplements to the main reference standard, EI15,
where the numbering of clauses in this part corresponds to the numbering in EI15. Clauses of
EI15 that are not mentioned below shall remain applicable as written.

1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 LIMITS OF APPLICABILITY

“Add to the existing clause – last sentence”: For conditions and parameters not stated
explicitly in this standard e.g. flammable cryogenic material, ambient temperature of more
than 30 °C, release pressure of more than 100 bar(a), or release hole diameter of more than
10 mm, dispersion modelling shall be conducted.

2 THE TECHNIQUE OF AREA CLASSIFICATION

2.6 THE AREA CLASSIFICATION DRAWING

“Amend the word DRAWING to DELIVERABLES”

"Add to the last paragraph”: The Hazardous Area Classification deliverables shall include:

a) Hazardous Area Classification Schedule – see Appendix 1

b) Level of Release Frequency calculation (for risk based approach)

c) Hazardous Area Classification Drawings (both plan and elevation view)

3 THE POINT SOURCE APPROACH FOR CLASSIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL SOURCES OF

RELEASE

3.3.1 Identify point sources

"Add after the last paragraph”:

(PSR)
The equipment below shall be included as sources of releasein the hazardous area
classiftion study:

3.3.1.1 The possibility of leaking flanges around the hydrocarbon-containing supply of fired
heaters and furnaces.

3.3.1.2 Fuel gas engines, unless a leak detection system is provided which will stop incoming
fuel supply and bleed off the remaining fuel in the line.

3.3.1.3 Fixed combustion engines with a 4 barg fuel supply.

3.3.1.4 Standby turbine enclosures and will be indicated as a Note on the HAC Drawing.
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3.3.1.5 Cooling towers as per Figure 28 and section 9.2.4 of API RP 505. Cooling tower pump
pits located in unclassified locations need not be classified since cooling tower pumps
are not considered sources of release.

4 EFFECT OF VENTILATION ON AREA CLASSIFICATION

4.2.1 Open Area

"Add to the existing clause": Open areas imply free access of the wind to at least two opposite
sides.
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ANNEX D THE DIRECT EXAMPLE APPROACH FOR CLASSIFICATION OF COMMON

FACILITIES IN OPEN AREAS

D3.2.1 Fixed roof and horizontal cylindrical tankage – Classes I, II(2), III(2) and Unclassified
products

"Add to the existing clause" at Figure D4(a): Bunded tanks – Cone or dome

Note 3 may be ignored if the tank(s) involved are provided with at least one high liquid level
alarm and are well maintained (ref. EI15 chapter 1.4.2), because it is then highly unlikely
that the total bunded area will be covered with stored product in the event of a tank
liquid overfill or mechanical failure of tank haul or bottom (ref. EI15 chapter 1.4.1).

D7.2 AREA CLASSIFICATION FOR DRILLING, WORKOVER AND WIRELINE OPERATION IN

OPEN AREAS

"Add to the existing clause": In populated areas i.e. onshore, the hazardous area around a
wellhead shall (PSR) be fully contained within a security fence extending 30 m from the
wellhead, to keep out possible ignition sources. That distance may be subject to other
considerations.

D7.2.4 Workover, snubbing coiled tubing and wirelining operations

"Add to the existing clause for wirelining operations”: The depressurising vent of the lubricator
shall (PSR) be assigned as a source of primary grade release.

D7.3 SURFACE MUD SYSTEMS

D7.3.4 Mud pits and active tanks

"Add to the existing clause": The area classification of a ditch or trench handling active
mud shall (PSR) be the same as the area classification of the mud tank.
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4.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

In this PTS, reference is made to the following Standards/Publications. Unless specifically

designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
supplements / revisions thereto:

PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Index to PTS and Guideline PTS 00.01.01
PTS Requirements, General Definition of Terms & Reading Guide PTS 00.01.03
Ex Management, Inspection & Maintenance (Ex MIM) PTS 13.40.01
Ex Equipment Repair Requirement (Ex ERR) PTS 13.40.02
Ex Equipment Selection Requirement (Ex ESR) PTS 13.42.01

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for API RP505
Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as
Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2.
The Energy Institute Model code of safe practice, Part 15, Area EI15
classification for installations handling flammable fluids
International Electrotechnical Commision, Electrical Apparatus for IEC 60079-10
Explosive Gas Atmosphere – 60079 series Part 10: Classification of
Hazardous Areas
International Electrotechnical Commision, Electrical Apparatus for IEC 60079-10-2
Explosive Gas Atmosphere – 60079 series Part 10-2: Classification of
Areas where Combustible Dusts are or may be present.
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APPENDIX 1: HAC SCHEDULE TEMPLATE

OPU Name:
Project Title:
Doc. Title:

Auto Ignition
Temperature

Flash point

Temp. (deg

Ventilation
Gas

Pressure
Fluid Category Hazard Radius, R1 (m) Hazard Radius, R2 (m)

Type of
(deg C)

(deg C)
Grade of

(bar A)

/Level
Source of Group;

C)
No. Tag Number Item Description Unit P&ID No Fluid Release Remarks
Release Temp.
Gas Liquid (Zone)
Class IP 15 Calculated IP 15 Calculated
phase phase

Note:
1. Reference from "IP15, Area Classification Code for Installations Handling Flammable Fluids", July 2005, 3rd Edition.