Beyond The Zone: A Structured Workshop Approach to Explosive Atmosphere Identification and Zoning
The webinar will cover a novel approach to hazardous area classification (HAC) and zoning, introducing the format of a workshop-based method similar to those used for typical process safety studies. The webinar shall cover the methodology and how it has been developed, look at some of the templates used, discuss the benefits of the approach of bringing risk back into HAC and dive into some example industry case studies. The webinar will:
- Introduce an innovative approach to hazardous area classification, applying the principles of established process safety studies such as HAZOPs to the assessment of flammable and explosive atmospheres.
- Demonstrate how multidisciplinary workshops can improve risk identification, bringing together operations, engineering, maintenance, process safety and project stakeholders to challenge assumptions and capture practical operational knowledge.
- Provide a structured and auditable methodology that can improve consistency, transparency and traceability in hazardous area classification studies compared with traditional desk-based assessments.
- Explore the relationship between hazardous area zoning and risk management, helping organisations better understand the scenarios, safeguards and uncertainties that underpin classification decisions.
- Share practical templates and tools that attendees can adapt and apply within their own facilities and projects.
- Demonstrate how the methodology can support safer and more reliable operations by identifying vulnerabilities, operational deviations and safeguard dependencies that may not be evident through conventional zoning studies.
- Present real-world case studies illustrating how the approach has been applied across industry sectors (including oil and gas, pharmaceutical and food and beverage) and the benefits achieved in terms of stakeholder engagement, risk understanding and decision-making.
- Highlight opportunities to improve design, operational reliability and lifecycle management, ensuring hazardous area classification becomes an active risk management process rather than a one-time compliance exercise.
The webinar will be applicable Safety managers, operators working in Atmosphere Explosive (ATEX)/ Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) zoned areas, DSEAR responsible personnel, Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) leads.
Webinar Technical Level: Practitioner (with Introductory background given at the start)
To register for the webinar please click here.
Our presenter for the webinar is Dr. Rhiannon Chalmers-Brown
Rhiannon is a process engineer with a background in innovative process development, hazardous chemicals, explosive atmospheres and emergency response. She has worked in multiple industrial sectors both as a process engineer and a consultant, as well as working closely with the fire service training HAZMAT and chemical spill response. Rhiannon has extensive experience in developing and delivering training for working with hazardous substances for public and private sector clients. Rhiannon has experience in explosive atmosphere assessment (ATEX) and auditing, Hazardous Area Classification (HAC), emergency planning and response and alternative fuels including hydrogen, battery and EV safety and industrial decarbonization.
The webinar will start at 12:30 UK time and last for 75 minutes.
Starts
Wednesday, 16th December 2026 at 12:30pm
Ends
Wednesday, 16th December 2026 at 1:45pm