Quality Assurance for Testing the Protective Performances of Materials - An Essential Prerequisite in Substantiating Laboratory Competency

Abstract

Static electricity represents one of the potential ignition sources for the explosive atmospheres. The test methods for materials, in general, and especially the test methods for textile fabrics for assessment of the protective performances in static electricity, have known a permanent evolution alongside newly developed electrostatically dissipative materials. Within the National Institute of Research and Development for Safety in Mines and Explosion Protection (INCD-INSEMEX) new testing stands had been developed and new testing methods had been implemented for assessment of the charge dissipative capacity, in accordance with the European standards requirements. By modernizing the laboratory testing/research-development capacity, the physical tools for testing of materials are assured, having in view conformity assessment with the European Directives requirements, in the framework of the Notified Body for Conformity Assessment (OEC-INSEMEX). The paperwork presents aspects regarding competency testing provided in the RENAR policy for accredited or accrediting-in-progress laboratories, as requirement for proving and monitoring laboratory competency for testing/calibration in the field for which accreditation was applied for/granted.

Aspects regarding explosion risk assessment

“…An assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of an ignition source and its efficiency in igniting the explosive atmosphere; this requires detailed information on the flammability and explosion characteristics of the explosive atmosphere. Practically, first the areas where the explosive atmosphere may occur shall be defined, as well as the likelihood of its occurrence by applying a "Zoning" method; then the possible ignition sources shall be identified, taking into account normal operation conditions and the foreseeable and rare malfunctions [2].…”

“…Explosion risk may be defined as probability of occurrence of an explosive atmosphere simultaneously with occurrence of an efficient potential ignition source and the effects induced by it [2].…”