Hazardous Area Inspection and Testing
CompEx certified Ex inspections, clear reporting, and practical remedials
CompEx Competence
CompEx Ex01–Ex04 covers installation, inspection, and maintenance of Ex electrical equipment for gas and vapour hazardous areas.
IEC 60079-17 Aligned Approach
IEC 60079-17 covers inspection and maintenance of hazardous area electrical installations, including initial and ongoing inspection routes.
Defect Reporting You Can Act On
Clear defect log with priorities, photos, and recommended remedials, suitable for dutyholder and insurer files.
Remedials and Planned Follow-Ups
From minor fixes to structured remedials, with a practical plan that fits shutdown windows and permits.
CompEx Services, Inspection and Testing
Hazardous area inspections protect the Ex features, not just the function
IEC 60079-17 is explicit about the point many sites miss, correct functional operation does not mean the integrity of explosion protection features has been preserved.
Your inspection regime should be built around:
- your hazardous area classification (zones, gas groups, dust risk)
- environment and deterioration risks, corrosion, vibration, washdown, UV, impact
- usage and maintenance history
- the quality and consistency of records, Ex register, drawings, tags, certificates
HSE explains that hazardous area classification is a technique for assessing the probability of a flammable atmosphere and its likely duration, used to decide whether equipment needs special protective features. DSEAR also places duties on employers to protect people from fire and explosion risks, and requires the classification of places where an explosive atmosphere may occur.
What we inspect, in practical terms
- correct Ex markings, suitability against site documentation, signs of unauthorised modifications
- enclosures, seals, cable entries, glands, plugs, and stopping systems
- earthing and bonding continuity, including corrosion and mechanical damage points
- mechanical integrity, missing bolts, loose fixings, damaged cables, degraded glands
- signs of overheating, water ingress, dust accumulation, impact, vibration damage
- segregation and integrity of intrinsically safe circuits where present
- documentation gaps that make future maintenance risky
HSE highlights that recently installed equipment should be appropriately marked for explosive atmospheres and comply with UK product regulations, including conformity assessment marking and Declaration of Conformity.
Inspection levels, matched to risk and access
IEC 60079-17 defines inspection levels including:
- Close inspection: includes visual aspects, plus defects apparent using access equipment and tools, normally without opening enclosures or de-energising.
- Detailed inspection: includes close inspection aspects, plus defects only apparent by opening enclosures and using tools and test equipment.
We will advise what level and sampling makes sense for your site, based on risk and downtime constraints.
Call us today: 01698 883232
Get a quote for hazardous area inspection and testing
Tell us what zones you have, how many items you want inspected, and any shutdown windows, we’ll recommend the right inspection level and provide a clear plan.
Email: info@wbelectrical.co.uk
CompEx certified inspection support, clear reporting, practical remedials.
Where hazardous area inspection and testing makes sense
Hazardous areas exist anywhere explosive atmospheres may form, DSEAR requires dutyholders to manage these risks.
Distilleries and bonded warehouses
High-risk areas around spirit storage, tank farms, cask warehouses, and process spaces. Regular inspections help prevent deterioration, damage to glands and enclosures, and undocumented modifications.
Chemical and pharmaceutical sites
Complex process environments where documentation, consistency, and controlled change matter. Ex inspections support dutyholder records and help keep upgrades compliant and traceable.
Paint, coating and spray areas
Solvents and vapours can create higher risk zones, plus frequent washdown and heavy use. Inspections focus on enclosure integrity, correct cable entries, and maintaining safe isolation points.
Paper, packaging and converting plants
Dust and fibres can build up around equipment, plus vibration and continuous operation can loosen fittings. Ex inspections help protect integrity of enclosures, cable entries, and bonding.
Fuel storage and dispensing areas
Forecourts, bulk storage, bunds, and pumping equipment need reliable, well-maintained Ex installations. Inspections help identify corrosion, impact damage, and compliance gaps before they become unsafe.
Waste, recycling and AD facilities
Harsh conditions, vibration, and continuous operation can accelerate deterioration. Regular inspections help manage damaged containment, loose terminations, water ingress, and equipment wear.
Water and wastewater treatment sites
Hazardous areas can exist around certain process spaces and enclosed areas. Inspections focus on maintaining Ex integrity in damp environments and ensuring equipment remains suitable and properly documented.
Manufacturing and process lines
Frequent additions and alterations can introduce risk, especially when plant layouts change. Ex inspections help control “site creep”, identify unauthorised modifications, and keep the Ex register aligned with what’s actually installed.
Hazardous Area Inspection and Testing across Scotland
Protect safety, reduce ignition risk, strengthen compliance
Send your site details and we’ll recommend an inspection approach aligned to IEC 60079-17, with a clear defect log and practical remedial plan.
Trusted Electrical Experts
Fully Accredited & Fully Compliant
Our engineers are trained to the highest standards and certified across key industry schemes. Giving you peace of mind that your electrical systems are in safe hands.
Got a question about Hazardous Area Inspection and Testing?
Ask our expert team and we’ll help you scope the right inspection level and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other services you may be interested in
Hazardous Area Installations
Ex compliant installs, additions, and alterations delivered by CompEx certified engineers.
Planned Preventative Maintenance
Reduce unexpected downtime with structured maintenance and scheduled remedials.
Thermal Imaging and Condition Monitoring
Early warning checks for distribution and plant outside hazardous zones.
Locations we cover
Central Scotland and beyond, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Motherwell, Airdrie, Coatbridge, Livingston, Bathgate, Falkirk, Stirling, Cumbernauld, Paisley, Renfrew, Clydebank, Dumbarton, Greenock, Ayr, Kilmarnock, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Perth