EXPLOSION-PROOF EQUIPMENT USED ON OFFSHORE PLATFORMS AND SHIPS IN EUROPE AND CHINA

On and offshore drilling of gas or oil is a high risk sector with respect to fire and explosion hazards. Therefore, the European Union has implemented Directive 92/91/EEC to protect workers on oil platforms. Additionally, to ensure the safety of operations in these potentially explosive atmospheres, Directive 94/9/EC regulates the usage of equipment and protective systems. But this legal framework is only valid onshore or for fixed platforms. Mobile offshore drilling units (MODU) and any equipment thereon are excluded, but of course explosion protected equipment is needed there too. Currently, in the Republic of China explosion-proof maritime or offshore equipment requires either the EX mark, ATEX or IECEx certification. However, starting in 2012 new requirements for some equipment including additional environmental and performance tests are adopted with test standard No.2012-96 "Standard for type approval test and examination for article of ships" notified by the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Korea. In our paper, we will explain current and new regulations for explosion-proof maritime or offshore equipment.