Planning electrical work in ATEX zones without disrupting ongoing operations is a careful balance of rigorous safety procedures, detailed project planning, and technical competence. At Arrow Electrical, we specialise in delivering safe, compliant, and efficient electrical services in potentially explosive atmospheres, including gas plants, chemical facilities, paint stores and petrol regulation workshops. Our engineers are not only CompEx-qualified but also have extensive experience in both the installation and maintenance of systems in hazardous environments.
Minimising disruption during electrical work in ATEX zones begins with intelligent design. From the outset, every effort should be made to reduce the number of electrical components within hazardous areas. This approach not only reduces the risk of ignition but also cuts down long-term maintenance requirements and associated downtime.
For those components that must remain within hazardous zones, selection and installation must adhere strictly to ATEX requirements. All equipment must be certified for its zone classification and be installed following the relevant standards. We pay particular attention to earthing, bonding, cable gland specification and zoning to ensure installations are compliant and robust. Every component must also undergo an Initial Detailed Inspection to confirm it hasn’t been compromised during installation, which could otherwise invalidate certification and create a hazard.
Coordination with the client is essential. We work closely with plant managers and HSE advisors to develop phased installation and maintenance plans. These plans are carefully scheduled around production cycles or planned shutdowns to reduce downtime. Where shutdowns are not possible, temporary zonal reclassifications and use of hot work permits may be employed to carry out essential tasks safely, with full risk assessments and control measures in place.
Compliance isn’t a one-off task. Electrical systems in hazardous areas must be inspected and maintained regularly in line with standards such as BS EN 60079-17 and BS 7671. Unfortunately, many sites overlook ongoing electrical testing once the initial ATEX inspections are complete. At Arrow Electrical, we emphasise the equal importance of both, offering a full service that covers inspection, testing, certification, and documentation to ensure continued legal and safety compliance under DSEAR and the UKCA Ex Regulation.
Ensuring that those involved in the design, installation and maintenance of electrical systems in ATEX areas are fully competent is vital. Inadequate training or unclear project scopes can easily lead to non-compliance. That’s why we recommend early-stage design reviews, comprehensive documentation, and clear delineation of responsibilities. Our team is not only fully trained but also works closely with manufacturers and third-party inspectors to safeguard equipment integrity from specification to commissioning.
Ultimately, effective planning of electrical work in ATEX zones is about understanding both the environment and the risks and then applying that knowledge with precision and care. Arrow Electrical, brings years of expertise, industry-best practice, and a considered approach to every hazardous area project, ensuring safety, compliance and business continuity go hand-in-hand.