9 replies to this topic

[clym]

I see the spark sometimes when I click the button of my cell phone in the darkness. But we were allowed to use cell phone when I worked the field in an oil refinary. We also can take cell phone in the gas staion but not be allowed to use it there.
I have been curious about this question for a few years. I suppose it is kind of dangerous. I don't know how it is handled in your location. I hope people here could give some introduction. Thanks in advance.

[Qalander (Chem)]

I see the spark sometimes when I click the button of my cell phone in the darkness. But we were allowed to use cell phone when I worked the field in an oil refinary. We also can take cell phone in the gas staion but not be allowed to use it there.
I have been curious about this question for a few years. I suppose it is kind of dangerous. I don't know how it is handled in your location. I hope people here could give some introduction. Thanks in advance.

Dear,I really do not know your refinery/field regulations;however the reasons for not permitting
are based on
'Not being Intrinsically Safe' i.e. generated sparks most usually provide sufficient ignition energy.
However the walkie-talkie sets and/or cellphones with tested and proven as'Intrinsically Safe' may be permissible;subject to site policies.
Hope this helps
qalander

[gvdlans]

In the European Economic Area (EEA), as per the ATEX directives for all locations where there is a possibility of having an explosive atmosphere, an area classification shall be done. Inside areas that are classified zone 0, 1 or 2 (or zone 20, 21 or 22 for dust), only equipment that is certified to be suitable for that particular zone shall be used.

Many companies outside the EEA use a similar approach, e.g. based on API RP 500/505 or NFPA 497.

In your gas plant or oil refinery, I expect that large parts of the process areas will be classified at least zone 2. A standard mobile phone is not suitable for such a zone and shall therefore not be used. There are special mobile phones on the market that can be used, but that comes at a cost... (see for example http://www.octapc.com.au/prod1034.htm )

[clym]

Thank Qanlander and gvdlans for your information. It really helps. I haven't seen the staff use intrinsicly safe mobile phone in the chemical plant so far. But I will make a survey.

[Qalander (Chem)]

Thank Qanlander and gvdlans for your information. It really helps. I haven't seen the staff use intrinsicly safe mobile phone in the chemical plant so far. But I will make a survey.

Dear clym Hello/Good Morning,
Your spirit for safety is worty of Respects indeed.
I belive if educative update on the issue is initiated at your place, this will help you and everyone;
Since Accidents do not tell before happening.
Additionally for 'Fire'as a result of Ignition my oher post's attachments can be eductive.

http://www.cheresour...x...=&pid=23359

Best regards
Qalander

[mhameran]

I see the spark sometimes when I click the button of my cell phone in the darkness. But we were allowed to use cell phone when I worked the field in an oil refinary. We also can take cell phone in the gas staion but not be allowed to use it there.
I have been curious about this question for a few years. I suppose it is kind of dangerous. I don't know how it is handled in your location. I hope people here could give some introduction. Thanks in advance.

Dear,I really do not know your refinery/field regulations;however the reasons for not permitting
are based on
'Not being Intrinsically Safe' i.e. generated sparks most usually provide sufficient ignition energy.
However the walkie-talkie sets and/or cellphones with tested and proven as'Intrinsically Safe' may be permissible;subject to site policies.
Hope this helps
qalander

It's a major violent in my refinery if you caught bringing handphone.

[alzour]

I see the spark sometimes when I click the button of my cell phone in the darkness. But we were allowed to use cell phone when I worked the field in an oil refinary. We also can take cell phone in the gas staion but not be allowed to use it there.
I have been curious about this question for a few years. I suppose it is kind of dangerous. I don't know how it is handled in your location. I hope people here could give some introduction. Thanks in advance.

Dear,I really do not know your refinery/field regulations;however the reasons for not permitting
are based on
'Not being Intrinsically Safe' i.e. generated sparks most usually provide sufficient ignition energy.
However the walkie-talkie sets and/or cellphones with tested and proven as'Intrinsically Safe' may be permissible;subject to site policies.
Hope this helps
qalander

It's a major violent in my refinery if you caught bringing handphone.

Cellphones should not be used in Refinery or gas processing plant.
In fire triangle, oxygen is always there, combustible material is always there (chances of leak, spill, vapor release) and by using Non IS cell phones fire triangle will be completed by providing source of ignition; and at refineries, gas processing plants this triangle must not be completed. Here at our side Cellphones are not allowed even for taking snaps by digital camera a hot work permit is essentially required.

[davebartran]

Cell phones are or can be hazardous when they ring.

A number of serious incidents have occurred here when the cell phone rang in a pants pocket while the individual was fueling his car.

If the electronic gear is not rated for the aera classification then don't use it.

[JoeWong]

gvdlans has given you the background and definition of requirement of Intrinsically Safe electrical device in explosive environment...

Some may argue that the explosion may not be the cell phone as you can read from http://www.esdjourna...c/cell/cell.htm, but it does not eliminate cell phone will not be the root cause.

In a chemical plant, some area may be non-explosive area and you may allow to use "normal phone". I.e. utilities area.... However, there are area classified as "explosive" i.e. zone 0 , 1, 2 present in chemical plant i.e. VCM, LPG, storage area, reactor, etc. You may have define clearly which area is possible and which area is not.

Having say that, to ease proper management and ensure absolute safety, a normal cell phone should not be use in a plant.

[Qalander (Chem)]

gvdlans has given you the background and definition of requirement of Intrinsically Safe electrical device in explosive environment...

Some may argue that the explosion may not be the cell phone as you can read from http://www.esdjourna...c/cell/cell.htm, but it does not eliminate cell phone will not be the root cause.

In a chemical plant, some area may be non-explosive area and you may allow to use "normal phone". I.e. utilities area.... However, there are area classified as "explosive" i.e. zone 0 , 1, 2 present in chemical plant i.e. VCM, LPG, storage area, reactor, etc. You may have define clearly which area is possible and which area is not.

Having say that, to ease proper management and ensure absolute safety, a normal cell phone should not be use in a plant.

Dears, In my personal observation the issue gets complicated mainly on two accounts.

1) Sub-standard/Poor Quality Cell phones marketed and used as per low cost; although the spark energy mininmization and

2) Flammable/Combustible gas& vapours ingress protection may also not be upto the mark.

Thus dangerous situations encountered without real logical co-relationship with static charges discharge,but something else.
Best Regards
Qalander