scope:

This Standard sets out requirements for the inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment designed for use in hazardous areas in and around underground coal mines.

Section 2 provides general requirements that are fundamental to the safe use of electrical equipment in hazardous areas. Section 3 provides specific requirements for each type of explosion-protection technique.

This Standard is intended to be applied where there is a potential risk due to the presence of explosive gas, dust mixtures and combustible dust layers. It does not apply to-

(a) surface infrastructure, typically Group II or Group III classified areas, other than gas drainage and borehole dewatering areas that could negatively impact on an underground mine workings;

(b) areas where a risk can arise due to the presence of hybrid mixtures;

(c) areas where small quantities of flammable materials are introduced for maintenance purposes; or (d) shotfiring activities and associated equipment.

This Standard does not include-

(i) electrical installation and inspection requirements not directly associated with an explosion-protection technique;

(ii) the regulatory compliance assessment of electrical equipment; or

(iii) the permanent repair, reclamation and overhaul of explosion protected equipment.