Why Reading Certificates Of Conformity Is Important

Published 16 Jun '19
Read Time: 10 mins

Certificates of Conformity contain vital information for the safe use of both Hazardous Area Apparatus (equipment designed to be in a hazardous area) and Associated Apparatus (equipment designed to be connected to other equipment in a hazardous area, but which is not explosion protected in itself. This relates only to the Intrinsic Safety technique).

Finding ANZEx, IECEx and ATEX Certificates of Conformity

ANZEx certificates of conformity and issues can be found on the following website:

https://www.anzex.com.au/certificates/

IECEx certificates of conformity and issues can be found at the following website:

http://iecex.iec.ch/iecex/exs.nsf/ex_eq.xsp?v=e

ATEX EC-Type (or EU-Type) Examination Certificates have no central database and must be obtained either from the manufacturer’s website (if available) or by contacting either the manufacturer or their local agent.

Vital Information Contained in Certificates of Conformity

The following information will always appear in these certificates:

• The certificate and issue number
• The equipment type and model(s) certified. This may vary from issue to issue of the certificate. Be wary
• The manufacturers name and address
• The Testing Station and Accredited Certification Body who raised the certificate
• The standards applied
• Whether there are any conditions of safe use (marked with an “X” at the end of the certificate number.)
• Whether or not the equipment is a Complete Equipment or simply a Component. Components are marked with a “U” at the end of the certificate number. Further – Components will not have  temperature classification allocated to them and must be assessed with other equipment as a system, in order to be used. The common vehicle for this is to compile a Fitness for Purpose report. Example – a Flameproof Enclosure which is empty and has no temperature classification, but which is fitted internally with a non-explosion protected device, such as a relay or even associated apparatus such as a barrier, can be considered as a complete equipment once the effect of the internal equipment has on temperature rise, pressure piling and the like, has been determined
• The certified Marking Code. For example Ex d IIB Gb T4 and perhaps the Ingress Protection (IP) code, say, IP66. The flameproof explosion protection technique does not require an IP code, but most other techniques do
• The Report Number upon which the certificate is based. They may be more than one
• Description of the certified product and its intended function
• Maximum Ratings, including Intrinsically Safe parameters where appropriate
• Conditions of Safe Use/Specific Conditions of Use, or some other similar title
• An ANNEX may also be present, which must also be considered (IECEx particularly) as this is an essential part of each certificate

Other Installation Considerations

As well as the information contained with the Certificate of Conformity, other information which may not be contained within this certificate should be reviewed as well:

• The manufacturers data sheets and manuals
• The information, certification data and warnings on the Certification Label. Ensure that this aligns with information in the certificate of conformity. If it does not, contact the manufacturer or their agent
• Site installation procedures/instructions and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
• Observe the requirements within AS/NZS 60079.14 for the installation of the device in terms of what is required for the explosion protection technique being used by the equipment.
• Ensure compliance with AS/NZS 3000

Reading the Certificate of Conformity

LANGUAGE

Not all certificates may have been originally written in English. Some may have been written in French, German or Italian (or some other language).

Always insist on a certified English translation of any certificate. However, also be aware, that the translators may not be technical persons. Some inadvertent and unfortunate translation errors can (and has) lead to incorrect interpretations of what the equipment installation requirements are.

Always check the installation requirements in AS/NZS 60079.14 and if still in doubt, discuss with senior staff and perhaps the manufacturer for an interpretation. All such interpretations, when received, should be obtained in writing and included with the installation records.

CONDITIONS OF SAFE USE OR SIMILAR & RATINGS

• Conditions of Safe Use are MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS, for the safe use of the apparatus.
• Maximum equipment ratings MUST be adhered to and not exceeded
• A Component Certification, that is one marked with a “U” after the certificate number, CANNOT be installed as an equipment in its own right, without further consideration. 

Conclusions

• Always read the certificate and all its issues and check the marking plate on the equipment to ensure the model to be installed is listed on the certificates
• If the equipment is listed on early certificates and not on the latest couple, it may still be certified, depending on when the equipment was purchased or built. Large equipment often has a date of manufacture stamped on it. Failing that, the serial number will allow the manufacturer or his agent to provide this information
• Always read, in conjunction with the certificate, the manufacturers data sheet and manual, regarding installation requirements.
• Always install equipment in accordance with AS/NZS 60079.14 and AS/NZS 3000

This material is produced by HAZ. The information is of a general nature only and should not be relied upon.  Each set of circumstances associated with compliance of hazardous areas and Type B compliance is unique and expert advice on your particular circumstances should be sought.  HAZ accepts no liability for any reliance on the information published on this website.