AS/NZS 2430.3.

4:2004
AS/NZS 2430.3.4

Australian/New Zealand Standard™

Classification of hazardous areas

Part 3.4: Examples of area

classification—Flammable gases
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 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004
This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint Technical
Committee MS-011, Classification of Hazardous Areas. It was approved on behalf
of the Council of Standards Australia on 31 March 2004 and on behalf of the
Council of Standards New Zealand on 30 April 2004. It was published on
20 May 2004.

The following are represented on Committee MS-011:

Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce
Australian Association of Certification Bodies
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Gas Association
Australian Industry Group
Australian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association Limited
Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation
Certification Bodies (Australia)
Department of Labour New Zealand
Department of Natural Resources and Mines (Qld)
Electricity Supply Association of Australia
Gas Association of New Zealand Inc
Institute of Electrical Inspectors
Institute of Instrumentation and Control Australia
Institution of Engineers Australia
LPG Association of New Zealand (Inc)
Ministry of Economic Development (New Zealand)
National Electrical and Communications Association
New Zealand Association of Marine, Aviation and Power Engineers
New Zealand Chemical Industry Council Inc
New Zealand Oil Companies
Victorian WorkCover Authority
WorkCover New South Wales

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the on-line catalogue.
Accessed by PCT ENGINEERS on 26 Apr 2006

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details of all current Standards. For more frequent listings or notification of
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This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 03561.

 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004

Australian/New Zealand Standard™

Classification of hazardous areas

Part 3.4: Examples of area

classification—Flammable gases

Originated in Australia as part of AS 1076.2—1977.

Originated in New Zealand as part of NZS 6101P:1972.
Previous edition AS/NZS 2430.3.4:1997.
Second edition 2004.
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COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written permission of the
publisher.
Jointly published by Standards Australia International Ltd, GPO Box 5420, Sydney, NSW 2001
and Standards New Zealand, Private Bag 2439, Wellington 6020
ISBN 0 7337 5971 8
 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004 2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee MS-011, Classification of Hazardous Areas, to supersede
AS/NZS 2430.3.4:1997, Classification of hazardous areas, Part 3.4: Examples of area
classification—Flammable gases
The objective of the AS/NZS 2430.3 series of Standards is to provide guidance to the
industries and statutory authorities concerned with the classification of hazardous areas.
Changes to the 1997 edition include—
(a) incorporation of the issued amendment;
(b) addition of Clause 8 - High pressure gas transmission systems;
(c) rewording of Clauses 1, 5.1, 6.1, 6.2.4, 7.1, 7.2.7 and 7.2.12;
(d) correction of typographical errors;
(e) alteration of the symbols for hazardous areas zones (to align with AS/NZS 60079.10);
and
(f) update of referenced documents.
This series of Standards details examples of area classification of commonly occurring
situations, based on the principles of AS/NZS 60079.10, Electrical apparatus for explosive
gas atmospheres, Part 10: Classification of hazardous areas.
The AS/NZS 2430.3 series is as follows:
AS/NZS
2430.3 Classification of hazardous areas—Examples of area classification
2430.3.1 Part 3.1: General
2430.3.2 Part 3.2: Vehicle workshops, vehicle parking, fuel dispensing stations and
aircraft hangars
2430.3.3 Part 3.3: Flammable liquids
2430.3.4 Part 3.4: Flammable gases (this Part)
2430.3.5 Part 3.5: Refineries and major processing plants
2430.3.6 Part 3.6: Laboratories including fume cupboards and flammable medical
agents
2430.3.7 Part 3.7: Landfill gas, sewage treatment and sewage pumping plants
2430.3.8 Part 3.8: Surface coatings and adhesives
2430.3.9 Part 3.9: Miscellaneous
The AS 2430 series of Standards for classification of hazardous areas used to be formed by
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AS 2430.1, AS 2430.2 and AS 2430.3.

AS 2430.2 was replaced by AS/NZS 61241.3 in 1999 and AS 2430.1 was replaced by
AS/NZS 60079.10 in 2004.
In 1997, AS 2430.3 was split into a Series of nine Parts – 3.1 to 3.9; these initial nine Parts
have been superseded by this 2004 edition.
 3 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004

CONTENTS

Page
1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 4
2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS.................................................................................. 4
3 DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................ 5
4 GAS INDUSTRY CODES—CONSUMER INSTALLATIONS ................................. 5
5 GAS INDUSTRY CODES—DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ........................................ 6
6 LIGHTER-THAN-AIR FLAMMABLE GASES—OTHER INSTALLATIONS......... 7
7 HEAVIER-THAN-AIR FLAMMABLE GASES—OTHER INSTALLATIONS ...... 10
8 HIGH PRESSURE GAS TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS ........................................... 18
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 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004 4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

Australian/New Zealand Standard

Classification of hazardous areas

Part 3.4: Examples of area classification—Flammable gases

1 SCOPE
This Standard provides examples of area classification for areas associated with the
production, processing, handling and storage of heavier-than-air and lighter-than-air
flammable gases. It is Part of the AS/NZS 2430.3 series which recommends the
classifications of several commonly occurring situations and should be read in conjunction
with AS/NZS 2430.3.1.
Caution should be exercised when considering gases with densities close to that of air, or
any lighter-than-air gas which may be cooled substantially below ambient air temperature
(e.g. by expansion from a compressed liquefied, or refrigerated liquefied state); such gases
may behave as either heavier-than-air gases or lighter-than-air gases and therefore the
applicable Clauses should be considered.
For flammable gases in refineries and major processing plants reference should be made to
AS/NZS 2430.3.5, which uses the Generalized Method of classification.
All pressures quoted in this Standard are gauge pressures unless specified otherwise.

2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1697 Gas transmission and distribution systems (known as the SAA Gas pipeline
code)
3814 Industrial and commercial gas-fired appliances
5601 Gas installations
AS/NZS
1596 The storage and handling of LP Gas
2430.3 Classification of hazardous areas—Examples of area classification
2430.3.1 Part 3.1: General
2430.3.3 Part 3.3: Flammable liquids
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2430.3.4 Part 3.4: Flammable gases

2430.3.5 Part 3.5: Refineries and major processing plants
2885 Pipelines
2885.1 Part 1: Design and construction
60079 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres
60079.10 Part 10: Classification of hazardous areas
NZS
5223 Code of practice for high pressure gas and petroleum liquids pipelines
5223.1 Part 1: High pressure gas pipelines
5258 Gas distribution networks
5261 Gas installation

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 5 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004

UK IP (UK Institute of Petroleum)

15 Area Classification Code—Chapter 6—Variation in ventilation conditions
AG (The Australian Gas Association)
603 Gas distribution code

3 DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Standard the definitions in AS/NZS 60079.10 and
AS/NZS 2430.3.1 apply. Adequately and inadequately ventilated areas/locations are
detailed in AS/NZS 2430.3.1, Appendix B.
NOTE: A more detailed analysis of ventilation requirements may be found in publication IP 15.

4 GAS INDUSTRY CODES—CONSUMER INSTALLATIONS

4.1 Scope
This Clause is intended for consumer installations covered—
(a) in Australia, by AS 3814 (AG 501), AS 5601 (AG 601) and AS/NZS 1596, which are
administered by the relevant authority; and
(b) in New Zealand, by NZS 5261 or other acceptable Standard, which is administered by
the relevant authority.
This Clause covers typically those gases reticulated or supplied in tanks or cylinders to
consumers, primarily for cooking or heating purposes and it specifically covers natural gas.
The classifications given in Clause 4.2 are not representative examples of the storage and
use of flammable gases for—
(i) cylinders having an aggregate gas capacity not exceeding 30 m 3; or
(ii) disposable containers stored in an adequately ventilated area.
NOTES:
1 Under some circumstances, particularly in confined spaces, caution should also be taken with
small quantities of flammable gases as these may give rise to hazardous areas.
2 The exemption for gas appliances and equipment covered by gas industry codes is based on
the premise that these codes provide, by equipment design and instructions, an installation
that produces a non-hazardous environment. In some instances, particularly for larger
industrial equipment, the installer needs to ensure that this premise is justified. If there is any
doubt, the appropriate parts of the AS/NZS 2430.3 series of Standards should be consulted,
e.g. for refineries see AS/NZS 2430.3.5.
4.2 Classification of hazardous areas within consumer premises
4.2.1 Pressure relief device and vent pipe discharge points
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Within a cylinder of 1 m diameter having its axis on the line of discharge and extending
from 0.5 m behind the point of discharge to a distance of 1.5 m in front of the point of
discharge .................................................................................................................Zone 2
Where the diameter of the vent pipe or relief valve exceeds 50 mm at the point of discharge,
increase the above dimensions in proportion to the diameter in millimetres divided by 50.
4.2.2 Pits
Within pits and similar below ground enclosures containing gas equipment, if not
adequately ventilated, entire pit................................................................................Zone 1
4.2.3 Cylinders
For natural gas cylinders, in adequately ventilated locations, classification is as follows:
(a) Aggregate gas capacity not exceeding 30 m3 ........................................................ NH

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 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004 6

(b) Aggregate gas capacity exceeding 30 m3 but not exceeding 90 m3

Within space 1.5 m above and 1.5 m laterally ..................................................Zone 2
(c) Aggregate gas capacity exceeding 90 m3 but not exceeding 600 m 3
Within space 3 m above and 3 m laterally........................................................Zone 2
(d) Aggregate gas capacity exceeding 600 m3
Within space 3 m above and 5 m laterally........................................................Zone 2
4.2.4 Compressors
For natural gas cylinder filling compressors, in adequately ventilated locations,
classification is as follows:
(a) Rated capacities not exceeding 10 m 3/h ................................................................ NH
(b) Extending in all directions from a potential source of release to—
0.5 m for rated capacities greater than 10 but not exceeding 100 m3 /h ..............Zone 2
1.0 m for rated capacities greater than 100 but not exceeding 500 m3/h ............Zone 2
2.0 m for rated capacities greater than 500 m3/h...............................................Zone 2
NOTE: Potential sources of release include shaft seals and threaded or flanged joints on pipes and
fittings up to and including the flexible connection to fixed pipework.
4.2.5 Natural gas cylinder filling hoses
Slow fill hoses connected to compressors rated at greater than 10 m3 /h and all fast fill
hoses, within 3 m of the end of the filling hose .........................................................Zone 2
4.2.6 Other areas
All other areas .............................................................................................................. NH

5 GAS INDUSTRY CODES—DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

5.1 Scope
This Clause is intended for gas distribution systems covered—
(a) in Australia, by AS 1697, AG 603 or other acceptable Standard, which is
administered by the relevant authority; and
(b) in New Zealand, by NZS 5258 (which includes gas measurement systems) or other
acceptable Standard, which is administered by the relevant authority.
NOTE: The limited hazardous area associated with gas handling equipment covered by the Codes
mentioned above is based on the premise that these codes provide, by equipment design and
instructions, an installation that produces a non-hazardous environment. In some instances,
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particularly for larger installations, the installer needs to ensure that this premise is justified. If
there is any doubt, Clauses 6 or 7 of this Standard should be consulted.
5.2 Classification of hazardous areas within gas distribution systems
5.2.1 Pressure relief device discharge points
Within a cylinder of 1 m diameter having its axis on the line of discharge and extending
from 1 m behind the point of discharge to the distance in front of the point of discharge as
follows:
(a) 1.5 m when the pressure to the relief device is not greater 1000 kPa.................Zone 2
(b) 2 m when the pressure to the relief device is greater than 1000 kPa ..................Zone 2

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5.2.2 Above ground enclosure containing distribution gas pressure control equipment
Within enclosure, if not adequately ventilated, entire enclosure ................................Zone 1
5.2.3 Pits
Within pits and similar below ground enclosures containing gas equipment, if not
adequately ventilated, entire pit................................................................................Zone 1
5.2.4 Other areas
All other areas .............................................................................................................. NH

6 LIGHTER-THAN-AIR FLAMMABLE GASES—OTHER INSTALLATIONS

6.1 Scope
This Clause includes areas other than those covered by Clauses 4 and 5 and in which
lighter-than-air flammable gases are produced, processed, handled, stored or used.
All volumes of gas detailed are volumes at metric standard conditions (MSC).
The classifications given in Clause 6.2 are not representative examples of the storage and
use of flammable gases for—
(a) cylinders having an aggregate gas capacity not exceeding 30 m 3 when in use; or
(b) disposable containers stored in an adequately ventilated area.
NOTE: Under some circumstances, particularly in confined spaces, caution should also be taken
with small quantities of flammable gases as these may give rise to hazardous areas.
6.2 Classification of hazardous areas
6.2.1 Pressure storage tank, inadequately ventilated
Within space from tank shell to 3 m in all directions.................................................Zone 2
6.2.2 Tank filling or discharge connections, inadequately ventilated
Classification is as follows:
(a) Dry hose, contents discharged to atmosphere
Within an area 3 m radius around the connection and 3 m above the ground .....Zone 1
(b) Dry hose, contents bled away to a safe place before uncoupling—
(i) within an area 1 m in all directions around the connection ......................Zone 1
(ii) within an area 2 m radius around the connection and 3 m above the ground.......
.............................................................................................................Zone 2
6.2.3 Gas equipment in adequately ventilated locations
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Classification is as follows:
(a) Sampling, drain or other points designed to release gas during normal operation
Distances are as follows:
(i) Operating pressures not exceeding 700 kPa
Within 0.5 m in all directions from the source ........................................Zone 1
(ii) Operating pressures exceeding 700 kPa
Within 1.0 m in all directions from the source ........................................Zone 1

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 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004 8

(b) Gas boosters, fans, blowers or compressors (see Figure 6.1)

Distances are as follows:

Delivery pressure Distance from point

of potential leakage
kPa m
≤ 100 0.25
> 100 ≤ 700 0.50
> 700 ≤ 2000 1.00
> 2000 ≤ 5000 1.50
> 5000 2.00 ..............................Zone 2
(c) Piping with flanged or threaded joints, meters or regulators and valves other than
relief valves
Within a sphere extending from the point of potential leakage as follows:

Operating pressure Radius from point of

potential leakage
kPa m
≤ 100 0.25
> 100 ≤ 700 0.50
> 700 ≤ 2000 1.00
> 2000 ≤ 5000 1.50
> 5000 2.00 ..............................Zone 2
(d) Pressure relief device discharge points
The area contained by a cylinder having its axis on the line of discharge and
extending from 1 m behind the point of discharge to the distance in front of the point
of discharge as follows:

Maximum Cylinder Distance in

discharge rate diameter front of point
of discharge
(actual) m3/h m m
≤ 10 2 3
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> 10 ≤ 50 5 6
> 50 ≤ 100 6 8 ................ Zone 2

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DIMENSIONS IN METRES

FIGURE 6.1 GAS COMPRESSOR, DELIVERY PRESSURE ≤100 kPa

6.2.4 Pits
6.2.4.1 Covered pits
Within covered pits and similar covered below ground enclosures containing gas
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equipment, if not adequately ventilated, entire pit.....................................................Zone 1

6.2.4.2 Open pits
Within pits and similar below ground enclosures containing gas equipment, which do not
have covers that restrict the natural dispersion of gas, entire pit ................................Zone 2
6.2.5 Gas equipment in inadequately ventilated locations
For pumps, compressors, regulators, valves, and pipe or equipment joints intended to be
disturbed, classification is as follows:
(a) Room housing the equipment ..........................................................................Zone 1
(b) Within an external zone extending 3 m laterally and 4 m vertically from any opening
in the room .....................................................................................................Zone 2

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 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004 10

6.2.6 Compressed gases in cylinders

Classification is as follows:
(a) Cylinder filling, in adequately ventilated locations
(i) Within 1.5 m in all directions from the filling connection ......................Zone 1
(ii) Within 1.5 m in all directions from the Zone 1 area ...............................Zone 2
(b) Cylinder filling, in inadequately ventilated locations
(i) Interior of structure ...............................................................................Zone 1
(ii) Within a space extending 1 m laterally and from ground level to 3 m vertically
above any opening in the structure .........................................................Zone 2
(c) Cylinders installed for use, in inadequately ventilated locations
(i) Gas capacity of, or less than 30 m 3 .............................................................. NH
(ii) Gas capacity exceeding 30 m3
Within space extending in all directions from cylinder as follows:
Aggregate gas Distance from
capacity cylinders
m3 m
> 30 ≤ 90 1.5
> 90 ≤ 600 3.0
> 600 5.0 ..............................Zone 2
(d) Cylinders, in adequately ventilated locations, whether in storage or installed for use
(i) Gas capacity of, or less than 30 m 3 .............................................................. NH
(ii) Gas capacity exceeding 30 m3
Within space extending in all directions from cylinder as follows:
Aggregate gas Distance from
capacity cylinders
m3 m
> 30 ≤ 90 1.0
> 90 ≤ 600 2.0
> 600 3.0 ..............................Zone 2
(e) Cylinder storage in an inadequately ventilated sheltered structure
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For cylinders with a gas capacity exceeding 30 m3 the following applies:

(i) Interior of sheltered structure .................................................................Zone 1
(ii) Exterior, within distance given in Item (d) (ii), measured laterally from any
opening and from ground level to 1.5 m vertically above any opening in the
structure ................................................................................................Zone 2

7 HEAVIER-THAN-AIR FLAMMABLE GASES—OTHER INSTALLATIONS

7.1 Scope
This Clause includes areas in which flammable gases, having a density greater than that of
air at MSC, are produced, processed, handled, stored or used.

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 11 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004

Cryogenic (refrigerated) storage tanks operating at predominantly atmospheric pressure are

treated as flammable liquid tanks (refer to AS/NZS 2430.3.3).
The classifications detailed in Clause 7.2 are not representative examples of the storage and
use of flammable gases for—
(a) cylinders having an aggregate capacity not exceeding 25 L when in use; or
(b) disposable containers stored in an adequately ventilated area.
NOTE: Under some circumstances, particularly in confined spaces, caution should also be
taken with small quantities of flammable gases as these may give rise to hazardous areas.
7.2 Classification of hazardous areas
7.2.1 Pressure storage tank, other than buried or mounded tanks
Within space from ground level to 1 m vertically above the tank shell and laterally to a
distance of—

Capacity of tank Lateral distance

kL m
0.5 1.5
1.0 2
2.0 4
5.0 5
8.0 6
10.0 7
15.0 8
20.0 9
≥ 50.0 10 ................................Zone 2
NOTES:
1 The distances specified may be interpolated for intermediate tank capacities.
2 Capacities over 50 kL are subject to the approval of the relevant authority.
7.2.2 Tank filling or discharge connections
Classification is as follows:
(a) Dry hose, contents discharged to atmosphere
Within an area 6 m radius around the connection and 3 m above the ground .....Zone 1
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(b) Dry hose, contents bled away to a safe place before uncoupling—
(i) within an area 1.5 m in all directions around the connection ...................Zone 1
(ii) within an area 6 m radius around the connection and 3 m above the ground ......
.............................................................................................................Zone 2
(c) Wet hose, limited loss coupling—
(i) within an area 1.5 m radius around the connection..................................Zone 1
(ii) within an area 6 m radius around the connection and 3 m above the ground ......
.............................................................................................................Zone 2

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 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004 12

7.2.3 Gauging (ullage) vent valve on tank

The area within 3 m in all directions from vent valve................................................Zone 1
NOTE: Where storage tank is less than 1 kL capacity, all distances for this item may be reduced
to those required under Clause 7.2.1.
7.2.4 Tank safety relief valves
The area contained by a cylinder having a diameter of 1.5 m, with its axis on the line of
discharge and extending from 1.5 m behind the point of discharge to the distance in front of
the point of discharge of 3 m....................................................................................Zone 1
7.2.5 Hydrostatic relief valves
The area contained by a sphere having a diameter of 1 m centred on the point of discharge
...............................................................................................................................Zone 2
7.2.6 First stage regulator in connection with tank
Within area to 0.5 m above and 1 m laterally from regulator .....................................Zone 2
7.2.7 Valve, flange or threaded connection
Classification is as follows:
(a) In liquefied gas piping, in inadequately ventilated locations
Entire room or enclosure.................................................................................Zone 2
(b) For valves and fittings in liquefied gas piping, in adequately ventilated locations
Within 1.5 m in all directions from valve, flange or threaded connection .........Zone 2
(c) Gas piping with flanged or threaded joints, meters or regulators and valves other
than relief valves
Within a sphere extending from the potential source of release, distances as follows:

Operating pressure Radius from point of

potential leakage
kPa m
≤ 100 0.25
> 100 ≤ 700 0.50
> 700 ≤ 2000 1.00
>2000 ≤ 5000 1.50
> 5000 2.00 ..............................Zone 2
(d) In vapour piping between first stage regulator and tank
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Within space to 0.5 m above and 1.5 m laterally from valve, flange or threaded
connection......................................................................................................Zone 2
(e) Piping between first stage regulator and appliance—
(i) installations in Australia complying with AS 5601 and AS/NZS 1596 and in
New Zealand complying with NZS 5261 or other acceptable Standard ......... NH
(ii) installations not complying with the code or Standards given in Item (i),
classification is the same as Item (c) ......................................................Zone 2

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7.2.8 Pumps
Classification is as follows:
(a) Pumps in inadequately ventilated locations
(i) Interior of structure ...............................................................................Zone 1
(ii) Exterior Within distance shown below in Item (b)(ii), measured laterally from
any opening below roof level of structure, and to a height of 1.5 m above
ground level ..........................................................................................Zone 2
(b) Pumps in adequately ventilated locations
(i) Within 1.5 m laterally from the pump and extending from ground level to a
height of 1 m above the pump ................................................................Zone 1
(ii) Outside the Zone 1 area, but within the space extending vertically from ground
level to a height of 1.5 m above the pump and extending laterally from the
pump to a distance of—

Pump capacity Lateral distance

L/s m
≤5 3
>5 5 ................................Zone 2
7.2.9 Compressors in adequately ventilated locations
Within 10 m laterally and to a height of 3 m above the unit, from ground level..........Zone 2
7.2.10 Vaporizers
Classification is as follows:
(a) Direct gas-fired vaporizers including gas and liquid piping equipment and
connections ......................................................................................................... NH
NOTE: Attention is drawn to the hazards which may exist prior to or during ignition of gas
fired vaporizers.
(b) Vaporizers other than direct gas-fired
(i) In structure inadequately ventilated:
Interior of structure ...............................................................................Zone 1
Exterior of structure, within 3 m laterally from any opening below roof level in
structure, and to a height of 1.5 m above ground.....................................Zone 2
(ii) In adequately ventilated locations:
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Within 1.5 m laterally and to a height of 1 m above the unit from ground level
.............................................................................................................Zone 1
Outside of Zone 1 but within space to 5 m laterally from unit and to a height of
1 m above ground level..........................................................................Zone 2
7.2.11 Bleed vent or drain valve in liquid piping system, in adequately ventilated locations
Classification is as follows:
(a) Where diameter of opening is not larger than 1.5 mm
Within 1.5 m in all directions from discharge opening .....................................Zone 1
(b) Where diameter of opening is larger than 1.5 mm—
(i) within 3 m in all directions from discharge opening................................Zone 1

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(ii) outside Zone 1 but within space to 1 m above and 5 m laterally from discharge
opening and extending down to ground level (see Figure 7.1). ................Zone 2
(c) Drain valves connected directly to tanks with point of termination outside the zone
specified in Clause 7.2.1 and intended for emergency use only ............................. NH
7.2.12 Pits where explosive atmospheres may accumulate (e.g. connected to, or containing
pumps, compressors, regulators or valves in liquid or vapour lines)
Within pit, if not adequately ventilated, entire pit .....................................................Zone 1
7.2.13 Cylinder filling (other than in situ)
Classification is as follows:
(a) Filling without gas bleeding, adequately ventilated
Within space 0.5 m above and 1.5 m laterally from the cylinder being filled and
extending to a distance of 1.5 m laterally at the base of the cylinder (see Figure 7.2)
......................................................................................................................Zone 2

NOTE: Diameter of opening is larger than 1.5 mm.

DIMENSIONS IN METRES

FIGURE 7.1 BLEED, VENT OR DRAIN VALVE

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DIMENSIONS IN METRES

FIGURE 7.2 FILLING WITHOUT GAS BLEEDING

IN ADEQUATELY VENTILATED LOCATION

(b) Cylinder filling with gas bleeding (decanting), adequately ventilated

Within space 0.5 m above and 2.0 m laterally from the supply (decanting) cylinder
and extending to a distance of 5 m laterally at the base of the cylinder (see Figure 7.3)
......................................................................................................................Zone 1
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DIMENSIONS IN METRES

FIGURE 7.3 FILLING WITH GAS BLEEDING

IN ADEQUATELY VENTILATED LOCATION

(c) Filling from tank supply (decanting), adequately ventilated

Within space 0.5 m above and 2 m laterally from the decanting point and extending to
a distance of 5 m laterally at the base (see Figure 7.4) .....................................Zone 1

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DIMENSIONS IN METRES

FIGURE 7.4 FILLING FROM CYLINDER OR TANK SUPPLY,

IN ADEQUATELY VENTILATED LOCATION

(d) Filling in sheltered structure

Inadequately ventilated, entire structure ..........................................................Zone 1
7.2.14 Cylinder filling (in situ)
Cylinders filled in situ, in adequately ventilated locations, with gas bleeding, classification
is the same as Clause 7.2.13(b) ................................................................................Zone 1
7.2.15 Cylinders installed for use in inadequately ventilated locations
Within space to 0.5 m above and 2 m laterally from any cylinder valve and extending to
floor level................................................................................................................Zone 2
7.2.16 Cylinders, adequately ventilated, whether in storage or installed for use, exchange
type (see Figure 7.5)
Within space 0.5 m above and 0.5 m laterally from any cylinder valve, extending to a
distance of 1.5 m laterally at the base of the cylinder ................................................Zone 2
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 17 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004

DIMENSIONS IN METRES

FIGURE 7.5 EXCHANGE CYLINDER

7.2.17 Cylinders, whether in storage or installed for use, adequately ventilated, in situ fill
type (with limited gas bleeding for contents checking) (see Figure 7.6)
Within space 0.5 m above and 1.5 m laterally from any cylinder valve, extending to a
distance of 3.5 m laterally at the base of the cylinder ................................................Zone 2
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DIMENSIONS IN METRES

FIGURE 7.6 IN SITU FILL CYLINDER

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 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004 18

7.2.18 Bulk cylinder storage, inadequately ventilated structure

For an aggregate capacity ≥110 L, classification is as follows:
(a) Entire sheltered structure ................................................................................Zone 2
(b) Exterior within distance measured 1.5 m laterally from any opening below roof level
and to height of 1 m above cylinders ...............................................................Zone 2

8 HIGH PRESSURE GAS TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS

8.1 Scope
This Clause includes areas associated with the transport of heavier and lighter than air
flammable gases at pressures at or above 20 barg via high pressure (HP) transmission
systems.
Caution should be exercised when considering lighter-than air gases with densities close to
that of air which may be cooled substantially below ambient air temperatures when the
pressure is reduced and hence behave as heavier-than-air gases, when released to the
atmosphere.
For sections of the pipeline within processing plant refer to AS/NZS 2430.3.5.
8.2 Classification of hazardous areas
8.2.1 General
The examples shown below are adequate for typical conditions in HP gas transmission
systems and gas handling stations; where unusual conditions are required to be met, an
increase in zonal classification should be considered. (In these circumstances, detailed
calculations may be necessary).
Where gas preheaters are used in gas transmission systems it may be more appropriate to
classify hazardous areas using AS/NZS 60079.10.
8.2.2 Closures on pig receivers, launchers and filter separator vessels, adequately
ventilated
Within a radius of 3 m centred at the point of discharge:
(a) Opened less than 10 hours/annum ...................................................................Zone 2
(b) Opened more than 10 hours/annum .................................................................Zone 1
8.2.3 Compressor, adequately ventilated
Within a radius of 5 m around the periphery of the equipment...................................Zone 2
8.2.4 Valves and fittings (flanged or threaded), adequately ventilated
Within a radius of 2 m centred on the point of discharge ...........................................Zone 2
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8.2.5 Meter or pressure regulator, adequately ventilated

Within a radius of 2 m centred on the point of discharge ...........................................Zone 2
8.2.6 Pits and sumps containing gas handling equipment ........................................Zone 1
8.2.7 Pits and sumps not containing gas handling equipment
Where explosive atmospheres may accumulate .........................................................Zone 1
8.2.8 Low velocity vents (e.g. instrument vents), adequately ventilated
Within 0.5 m in all directions from the point of discharge .........................................Zone 1
Outside Zone 1 and within 1.0 m in all directions from the point of discharge ...........Zone 2

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 19 AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004

8.2.9 Pressure relief device and blowdown discharge, adequately ventilated

Within a 6 m diameter cylinder having its axis on the line of discharge from 1 m behind the
point of discharge to a distance 8 m in front of the point of discharge .......................Zone 2
8.2.10 Buildings, inadequately ventilated
Inadequately ventilated buildings containing a source of release:
(a) Inside building ...............................................................................................Zone 1
(b) 3 m radially and 4 m vertically from any opening in the building .....................Zone 2
8.2.11 Buildings, adequately ventilated
Adequately ventilated buildings containing a source of release:
Inside building.........................................................................................................Zone 2
8.2.12 Buildings—Adjacent to hazardous area
Buildings without source of release if vapour-tight:
Provided it can be shown that no flammable, combustible or explosive materials can enter
the building .................................................................................................................. NH
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AS/NZS 2430.3.4:2004
20

NOTES
 Standards Australia
Standards Australia is an independent company, limited by guarantee, which prepares and publishes
most of the voluntary technical and commercial standards used in Australia. These standards are
developed through an open process of consultation and consensus, in which all interested parties are
invited to participate. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth
government, Standards Australia is recognized as Australia’s peak national standards body.

Standards New Zealand

The first national Standards organization was created in New Zealand in 1932. The Standards
Council of New Zealand is the national authority responsible for the production of Standards.
Standards New Zealand is the trading arm of the Standards Council established under the Standards
Act 1988.

Australian/New Zealand Standards

Under an Active Co-operation Agreement between Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand,
Australian/New Zealand Standards are prepared by committees of experts from industry,
governments, consumers and other sectors. The requirements or recommendations contained
in published Standards are a consensus of the views of representative interests and also take
account of comments received from other sources. They reflect the latest scientific and industry
experience. Australian/New Zealand Standards are kept under continuous review after publication
and are updated regularly to take account of changing technology.

International Involvement
Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand are responsible for ensuring that the Australian
and New Zealand viewpoints are considered in the formulation of international Standards and that
the latest international experience is incorporated in national and Joint Standards. This role is vital
Accessed by PCT ENGINEERS on 26 Apr 2006

in assisting local industry to compete in international markets. Both organizations are the national
members of ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International
Electrotechnical Commission).

Visit our web sites

www.standards.org.au www.standards.co.nz
www.standards.com.au
Accessed by PCT ENGINEERS on 26 Apr 2006

GPO Box 5420 Sydney NSW 2001 Level 10 Radio New Zealand House
Administration 155 The Terrace Wellington 6001
Phone (02) 8206 6000 (Private Bag 2439 Wellington 6020)
Fax (02) 8206 6001 Phone (04) 498 5990
Email [email protected] Fax (04) 498 5994
Customer Service Customer Services (04) 498 5991
Phone 1300 65 46 46 Information Service (04) 498 5992
Fax 1300 65 49 49 Email [email protected]
Email [email protected] Internet www.standards.co.nz
Internet www.standards.org.au

ISBN 0 7337 5971 8 Printed in Australia

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