Objective Of Testing; Testing Before Initial Commissioning; Scope Of The Test; Testing The Plausibility Of The Explosion Protection Plan And Measures - Binder VDL Series Operating Manual

7.3

Objective of testing

Determine the suitability and functionality of safety-related measures. When testing the explosion safety
of the system, evaluate the explosion protection plan and compare the target state derived from it with the
actual state of the system (according to available test records):
• Assess the completeness and plausibility of safety-related documents (such as the explosion protec-
tion document, installation plans, zone plans, safety-related figures)
• Determine whether the system has been set up in accordance with national regulation (GefStoffV for
Germany) and is safe for use with regard to explosion protection
• Technical measures are suitable and functional for explosion protection,
• Technical organizational measures necessary for explosion protection are suitable
• The deadline for the next recurring test was correctly set in accordance with national regulations (in
accordance with § 3 Para. 6 BetrSichV for Germany).
Performing tests
The tests can be divided into the verification of the documentation and a technical examination.
7.4

Testing before initial commissioning

Proceed according to country-specific regulations (for Germany in particular: TRBS 1201 Part
1; BetrSichV).
Before the initial commissioning of the Ex system, perform the explosion safety test. It serves to deter-
mine the explosion safety of the system, including the work equipment and the working environment.
The test represents a comprehensive consideration of the explosion safety of the Ex system with regard
to the protection of employees and other persons in the hazard area, including all functional units relevant
to explosion protection and their interactions. The test of explosion safety is based on the explosion pro-
tection plan from the employer in accordance with the specifications in the explosion protection document
and its implementation in the Ex system. Equivalent test results according to other legal regulations can
be considered. It is also permissible to refer to tests that have already been carried out.
7.4.1

Scope of the test

7.4.1.1

Testing the plausibility of the explosion protection plan and measures

Verification of the traceability and plausibility of the explosion protection plan given in the explosion pro-
tection document and the measures derived from this in consideration of underlying constraints.
The test does not apply to systems for which this test has already been carried out in the course of a
permit or approval process.
7.4.1.2

Verifying the implementation of measures

Verification of the measures described in the explosion protection document with regard to their imple-
mentation includes a holistic examination of the technical and organizational measures in accordance
with the specifications of the explosion protection document. Typical test aspects (examples):
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