The Explosion Protection Document (ATEX) is a document developed in accordance with Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX) and Presidential Decree 42/2003, aimed at “improving the health and safety protection of workers who may be exposed to risks from explosive atmospheres.” It is used to identify, assess, and control explosion risks in facilities where there is a potential presence of flammable gases, dust, or mixtures of these.
The Explosion Protection Document includes the following elements:
SolidBlue has conducted a series of ATEX studies in chemical industries, food production factories, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottling plants, facilities with energy storage units in batteries, warehouses for hazardous substance management, and more.
The implementation of HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Studies) involves a risk and operability analysis process used in industrial processes, facilities, or systems to identify and address potential hazards and failures.
Carrying out a HAZOP study is a crucial process that helps in recognizing and addressing risks and failures in industrial environments. By effectively applying the recommendations resulting from the HAZOP study, safety is increased, accidents are prevented, and the operability of systems is improved.
LOTO (Lockout-Tagout) studies refer to procedures involving the isolation and tagging of energy sources in facilities and equipment to prevent the accidental startup or release of energy during maintenance, repair, or emergency interventions. The purpose of these studies is to protect workers from exposure to hazardous situations and reduce the risk of accidents. SolidBlue provides services for creating guidelines and training staff on the proper implementation of these procedures.
The design of systems according to the ISO 45001 standard involves the development of an occupational health and safety management system. This standard provides a framework for the identification, control, and reduction of risks associated with work in order to ensure the safety and health of employees.
Infrared thermography is a form of non-destructive testing that measures the temperature variations of a component as heat (i.e., thermal radiation) flows through, from, or towards the component. Thermal radiation is directly related to temperature changes. As a component changes temperature, the amount of emitted radiation changes. Since this type of radiation is a form of electromagnetic waves that cannot be seen by the human eye, components must be analyzed using infrared cameras. Infrared cameras are capable of detecting and displaying the emitted, reflected, and transmitted infrared energy from a component. The thermal image can then be analyzed to provide a temperature indication for the component.
The purpose of mapping the temperature levels and fluctuations of a construction element is to detect any hot spots where the equipment may be weakened or fail. Infrared thermography is also capable of detecting damage such as corrosion, detachment, gaps, inclusions, and other defects that affect heat transfer. However, to detect these anomalies, there must be a sufficient temperature difference between the component and its environment.
Issues in electrical and mechanical equipment that are not identified and repaired early can lead to premature failures, resulting in property loss, production downtime, increased operational costs, dissatisfied customers, and lost profits. Infrared thermographic inspections (IR) are one of the most important preventive measures that a business can implement.
Implementing an infrared thermography program can lead to overall cost savings. In fact, such a program can yield savings many times greater than the cost required to perform the thermographic inspection.
This involves the preparation of Occupational Safety Plans (OSPs) & Occupational Risk Assessment Studies, as well as Safety Signage Studies.
SolidBlue Engineering provides services for Occupational Safety Plans (OSPs), Occupational Risk Assessment studies, and Safety Signage studies. These services are essential for ensuring the safety and health of workers during the execution of tasks.
The compliance audit with occupational health and safety legislation is a crucial factor for protecting workers and ensuring that work environments are healthy and safe. Occupational health and safety legislation includes laws, regulations, and guidelines that define the obligations of employers and employees to protect health and safety in the workplace.
Major Accident Hazard (SEVESO) studies are an essential part of safety programs across various sectors, such as industry, energy plants, transportation, chemical facilities, and large construction projects. These studies aim to identify, assess, and address the risks associated with the potential occurrence of major accidents, such as explosions, fires, hazardous substance leaks, and natural disasters. Addressing these risks is crucial for protecting human life, environmental integrity, and physical property.
Greek legislation, through Ministerial Decision 172058/2016 (Government Gazette 376 B), aligns with the European Seveso III Directive (Directive 2012/18/EU) and thoroughly outlines the obligations of operators of facilities where hazardous substances are present, in order to manage risks from major accidents.
The development of emergency response plans is an important measure for preparedness in addressing and reacting to emergencies, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, accidents, or other unforeseen events that can cause damage, injuries, or loss of life. SolidBlue Engineering has developed a series of Emergency Response Plans for a large number of industrial facilities.