ATEX-oriented design for a safe learning environment

The Central Ostrobothnia Education Group (Kpedu) is modernising industrial learning environments with several major construction projects. The design process has been redesigned to be different from the usual, as ATEX design plays a significant role in the group's construction projects compared to other design activities. This ensures the safest possible learning environment for students and staff.

-In addition to guiding the rest of the design, preparing the design and tender documents, carrying out the actual construction, taking over the facilities and commissioning, ATEX orientation is simplified by Veli-Matti Isoaho from the Education Group, who works as a works manager and project manager.

As usual, construction projects start with a needs assessment, followed by project planning and the actual construction design once the investment decision is confirmed. In the early stages of the design process, it is important to find a common, realistic view of the space and equipment requirements, among other things. At the interface between the needs assessment and the project design, an architect is involved who, on the basis of the needs assessment, produces various sketch options for the project design, which is then used to select the option to be implemented.

-The description provided by the educational side gives us information on, among other things, what the activities involve, how many pupils and teachers are involved, and what their working hours are. It is also important to know if there is welding on the premises or if there is dust, fumes or sparks. This all provides the basis for the preparation of an ATEX document if the environment is found to be an ATEX environment," explains Isoaho.

Protect's ATEX designer is responsible for proposing implementation options and requirements for the handling and storage of flammable liquids, gases and dusts.-Dialogue with users increases staff's ATEX knowledge and commitment to a pre-designed operating procedure. Dialogue also helps to avoid costly subsequent modifications to the premises to meet ATEX requirements," continues Pertti Salo, Managing Director of Protect.

Together with Protect, Isoaho also goes through the equipment to be purchased for the facilities. "For example, the process laboratory handles different chemical substances that react strongly with each other, for which a classification with flammability and explosion limits must be applied for. We will describe the potential hazards that these substances can pose and discuss ways to reduce them. At this stage, we also assess whether to apply for classification for the entire facility or for a single piece of equipment, such as the inside of a fume cupboard with its associated systems.

Only when the above is complete will the building services engineering and electrical design, which are guided by the explosion protection document, be incorporated into the design. In addition to these, ATEX is central to gas design.

ATEX issues will also be discussed at the post-tender review with contractors and, if necessary, additional training for contractors will be agreed. As the commissioning phase approaches, for example, electrical commissioning inspection reports with certification checks will still be carried out, and the compliance of the gases will be assessed by an accredited inspector.

-The main designer has traditionally been an architect. However, as a result of ATEX, the whole has become so multi-dimensional that we have taken on the responsibility for the main design. This makes it easier to coordinate and control the cooperation between designers and to ensure that ATEX requirements are properly implemented at every stage. This will ensure an up-to-date and safe learning environment for everyone, and will also allow the project to be completed on schedule without surprises and delays from the authorities," stresses Isoaho.