Explosion-Proof Requirements for Lab Electrical and Ventilation

During laboratory safety inspections, storage rooms for easily explosive chemicals and temporary storage rooms for hazardous chemicals are always of paramount importance. Many clients have reported: "We know explosion-proof is necessary, but which specific equipment needs to meet the standards? What regulations should we refer to?" As a service provider with years of experience in laboratory safety, ZOYET, combining national, industry, and group standards, has clarified the electrical and ventilation explosion-proof requirements for these hazardous areas—not just "explosion-proof," but also "compliant implementation."

Whether designing a new laboratory or upgrading an existing facility for safety, the following three standards are the core guidelines.

T/CCSAS 005-2019（T/CCSAS 011-2021）：

1. First, determine the "hazard level": If the temporary storage room belongs to Zone 0-2 of explosive gas atmosphere (e.g., storing flammable gases) or Zone 20-22 of explosive dust atmosphere (e.g., certain easily explosive dusts), all electrical equipment, from fume hoods and lighting fixtures to electrical instruments, must be matched with the corresponding explosion-proof rating.

2. "Default requirements" for storing flammable materials: Rooms dedicated to storing flammable liquids/gases must, unless professionally assessed and verified, be equipped with explosion-proof electrical equipment at least according to Zone 2 gas hazard zones; simplification is not permitted.

3. Additional reminders: Anti-static measures (e.g., anti-static flooring, anti-static clothing for operators) must be provided simultaneously. Open flame heating and electric furnaces are prohibited. Explosion-proof refrigerators must be used when storing low flash point chemicals.

SH/T 3103-2019：

1.Fans & Ducts: For areas where hazardous chemicals are temporarily stored, such as reagent rooms and sample storage rooms, the exhaust system must use explosion-proof fans, and the ducts must be made of metal (to avoid the risk of static electricity buildup).

2.Electrical Details: All switches, sockets, and light fixtures in the rooms must be explosion-proof. Where electrical wiring passes through partitions, it must be isolated and sealed (to prevent the spread of flammable gases through gaps in the wiring).

GB 51283-2020：

Ventilation system: If the exhaust air from the temporary storage room/laboratory may contain flammable and explosive substances, explosion-proof fans and motors should be selected as the preferred type to eliminate the risk of sparks during the exhaust process.

We have found that many laboratories do not neglect explosion protection, but rather tend to have problems with the "details":

1. Replacing only the fan without replacing the switch – assuming that installing an explosion-proof fan is sufficient, neglecting small components such as sockets and lighting fixtures. In reality, any non-explosion-proof electrical equipment can become an ignition source.

2. Skipping the "hazard level assessment" – directly selecting equipment based on the lowest standard without determining the specific explosion-proof level according to the type of stored chemicals (gas/liquid/dust), resulting in a mismatch between equipment and risk.

3. Neglecting supporting measures – failing to implement "auxiliary requirements" such as anti-static measures and wiring sealing significantly reduces the effectiveness of the explosion-proof equipment.

To address these issues, ZOYET's solutions consistently revolve around "full-chain compliance": from the initial hazardous area delineation and equipment selection guidance, to the mid-term installation and acceptance, and finally to the later regular inspections and maintenance, ensuring that every step complies with regulations.

1. Customized Risk Assessment: Based on the types of chemicals stored and the layout of temporary storage rooms, accurately determine the explosion hazard level of the area, avoiding "over-explosion protection waste" or "inadequate standards leaving hidden dangers";

2. Equipment Selection Consulting Service: Provide a selection list and compliance basis for explosion-proof electrical equipment and fans, assisting companies in selecting products that meet standards (avoiding the purchase of "pseudo-explosion-proof" equipment);

3. Full-Process Acceptance Control: After equipment installation, conduct item-by-item inspections against specifications, including details such as electrical sealing and anti-static measures, ensuring first-time acceptance;

4. Regular Safety Inspections: Provide periodic inspections according to the company's needs, promptly identifying problems such as aging explosion-proof equipment and ineffective wiring seals, and eliminating risks in advance.