Hazardous area classification (fire and explosion prevention)
To assess the risk of fire and explosion, you must have a hazardous area classification wherever flammable liquids, vapours, gases and combustible dusts are used, stored and handled.
Hazardous area classification
A hazardous area is an area (three-dimensional space) in which flammable/explosive atmosphere is or may be expected to be present.
Fire and explosion can result in catastrophic consequences for people and property causing loss of life or serious injury and possible loss of business.
For this reason, electrical safety and work health & safety legislation imposes a duty of care on a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU).
The first step in order to control the risks is to conduct a hazardous area classification, to identify where flammable atmospheres may exist and either eliminate or control potential ignition sources.
View more information on controlling fire and explosion risks.
The Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 includes requirements for connecting or reconnecting electrical installations/equipment in hazardous areas to a source of electricity, including the requirement for such an installation to be accredited by a hazardous area auditor. A list of these hazardous area auditors is maintained by the Electrical Safety Office.
Hazardous area classification must be done by a suitably qualified person. Below is a list of auditors and engineers that may assist you in the classification of your area.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) and Electrical Safety Office (ESO) do not endorse the companies/organisations listed below and provides no assurance as to the quality of the courses/services/goods listed. The list is not comprehensive—there are likely to be other businesses which offer relevant services/supplies but which are not listed here.
If you would like your business listed as an accredited auditor, contact the Accredited Auditors team at accreditedauditors@oir.qld.gov.au. You will need to be an appointed Accredited Auditor for Hazardous Areas or provide a capability statement for work conducted in this area and outline relevant experience for consideration, as well as your preferred contact details.
PO Box 3349,
South Brisbane, QLD 4101
(07) 3846 6656
0435 193 456
Level 19, 10 Eagle Street,
Brisbane QLD 4000
(07) 3303 0197
0419 727 543
Collins Square, Level 10 Tower Two, 727 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3008
(03) 9653 8381
0418 331 178
Unit 18, 23 Ashtan Place,
Banyo, QLD, 4014
(07) 4955 0015
0418 794 116
PO Box 14005
Mount Sheridan, QLD 4868
(07) 3058 7000
0409 650 485
PO Box 530
Spring Hill QLD 4004
(07) 3058 7000
0409 650 485
7 Foreshore Close,
Elanora Qld 4221
1300 480 552
0421 856 516
Santos Place, Level 27, Turbot Street
Brisbane City, QLD, 4000
0491 137 988
13 - 15 Headland Close,
Edmonton QLD 4869
(07) 4033 3000
0412 774 663
98 Alto Terrace,
Yatala QLD 4207
(07) 3807 9749
0412 701 757
Level 14, 200 Mary Street,
Brisbane QLD 4000
(07) 3058 7000
0413 581 542
PO Box 1293,
Warners Bay NSW 2282
1300 600 790
0412 402 632
5/126 Margaret Street,
Brisbane CBD QLD 4000
1300 126 673
0417 724 107
58 Bonville Avenue,
Thornton NSW 2322
(02) 4028 5000
0488 493 436
27 Clarendon Street,
East Brisbane QLD 4169
0416 898 485
PO Box 5626,
Mackay Mail Centre QLD 4741
(07) 4951 0041
0417 196 314
PO Box 3349,
South Brisbane QLD 4101
(07) 3846 6656
0411 359 170
PO Box 3349,
South Brisbane QLD 4101
0410 684 338
Level 19, 10 Eagle Street,
Brisbane QLD 4000
0415 340 477
Unit 52/16 Arcadia Street,
Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113
0415 340 477
(07) 3282 8714
1/16 Metroplex Avenue,
Murarrie QLD 4172
0421 213 701
1/16 Metroplex Avenue,
Murarrie QLD 4172
0418 546 101
5/126 Margaret Street,
Brisbane CBD QLD 4000
0413 775 640