The Critical Importance of Certification of Products and Systems in Hazardous Areas
In industries where flammable gases, combustible dusts, or volatile vapours are part of everyday operations, safety is not merely a regulatory checkbox - it is a foundational principle that influences every design decision, operational procedure, and piece of installed equipment.
From offshore drilling platforms and refineries to chemical plants, processing facilities, and energy infrastructure, the environments classified as hazardous demand uncompromising standards.
The true guardian of this safety is not only the skill of the installer or the robustness of the equipment, but the certification framework that ensures products and systems are proven, documented, and verified to function safely under defined risk conditions
Certification framework in hazardous areas
Certification serves as the formal guarantee that equipment intended for hazardous areas meets the stringent requirements needed to prevent ignition sources. These requirements include mechanical strength, electrical integrity, enclosure protection, temperature control, material compatibility, and adherence to recognized protection concepts such as Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, Ex p, and others.
Without proper certification, even a small component - an improperly selected cable gland, an uncertified luminaire, or a connector not rated for explosive atmospheres - can introduce catastrophic risk, affecting both human life and high‑value assets. Certification ensures that each component has been scrutinized under controlled conditions, tested according to established international standards, and approved by accredited bodies that operate independently from manufacturers and end users.
But certification is not merely about the product itself; it is equally about maintaining the integrity of the entire system. Hazardous area classification is based on expected behaviour of gases or dust under specific operational conditions.
Certified systems are designed to contain, isolate, or eliminate ignition sources even during faults, installation variations, or environmental stress. A product that is certified on its own may not provide the intended protection if installed incorrectly, combined with incompatible accessories, or modified without proper assessment.
This is why certification regimes cover not just the initial equipment evaluation but also:
- documentation
- traceability,
- installation guidelines
- and ongoing maintenance requirements
With more than 50 years of experience in the hazardous areas, BARTEC can support you throughout the whole process with our certified products and solutions.
Certification for organizations in hazardous areas
For organizations, certification plays an additional strategic role. It ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards, acting as a tangible demonstration of due diligence.
Authorities such as ATEX in the EU, IECEx internationally, and NEC / CEC in North America provide structured frameworks that help unify expectations across regions and industries. Operating with certified equipment streamlines audits, simplifies procurement, and reinforces confidence among customers, partners, and regulatory stakeholders. It reduces the risk of project delays, operational shutdowns, or costly re‑engineering caused by the discovery of non‑compliant equipment late in a project cycle.
Certification as communication tool in hazardous environments
Certification also acts as a communication tool. Labels, markings, documentation, and codified product information give installers, inspectors, and engineers clear insight into where and how equipment may be safely used.
A technician in the field can quickly assess whether a component is suitable for Zone 1 or Zone 2, gas group IIC or IIB, temperature class T4 or T6, or intended for dust atmospheres rather than vapor‑based ones. This transparency allows for safer decision‑making and helps ensure that products are used correctly throughout their operational lifespan.
Certification for safety
Finally, the importance of certification is reflected in the broader culture of safety that modern industries strive to build. Certification frameworks drive innovation, encouraging manufacturers to refine designs, improve materials, and develop smarter, safer, and more reliable solutions for hazardous environments. They promote consistency and global alignment, helping companies operate across borders with shared terminology and shared expectations of what safe equipment truly means. Most importantly, certification reinforces the idea that safety is not an afterthought—it is engineered into the product from the very beginning.
In a world where hazardous area operations continue to increase in complexity, the role of certification has never been more vital.
It is the cornerstone that supports:
- safe work practices
- reliable equipment performance
- regulatory compliance
- and operational excellence.
When lives, environment, and mission‑critical operations are at stake, certification is not optional—it is essential.
BARTEC’s certified equipment delivers trusted safety and reliability in hazardous environment, ensuring protection is never left to chance.
Steinar Grøndal, Vice President Quality & Certification at BARTEC
