DEP SPECIFICATION

AREA CLASSIFICATION

DEP 80.00.10.10-Gen.

February 2011

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

DEM1

© 2011 Shell Group of companies

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, published or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior
written permission of the copyright owner or Shell Global Solutions International BV.
 DEP 80.00.10.10-Gen.
February 2011
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PREFACE

DEP (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of Shell Global
Solutions International B.V. (Shell GSI) and, in some cases, of other Shell Companies.
These views are based on the experience acquired during involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where deemed appropriate DEPs are based on, or reference
international, regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good design and engineering practice to be applied by Shell
companies in oil and gas production, oil refining, gas handling, gasification, chemical processing, or any other such
facility, and thereby to help achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where DEPs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition at
each locality. The system of DEPs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to adapt the
information set forth in DEPs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use DEPs, they shall be solely responsible for such use, including the
quality of their work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those
requirements not specifically covered, the Principal will typically expect them to follow those design and engineering
practices that will achieve at least the same level of integrity as reflected in the DEPs. If in doubt, the Contractor or
Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting from his own responsibility, consult the Principal.
The right to obtain and to use DEPs is restricted, and is typically granted by Shell GSI (and in some cases by other Shell
Companies) under a Service Agreement or a License Agreement. This right is granted primarily to Shell companies and
other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Company. Consequently, three
categories of users of DEPs can be distinguished:
1) Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or another Shell Company. The use of DEPs by
these Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorised to use DEPs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether as part
of a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI
disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or
person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any DEP, combination
of DEPs or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell GSI or other Shell
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affiliated to these companies, that may issue DEPs or advise or require the use of DEPs.
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implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the DEP Administrator in Shell GSI.
 DEP 80.00.10.10-Gen.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................4
1.1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS .........4
1.3 DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................4
1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES .............................................................................................4
1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES...............................................................................5
1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP .......................................................................................5
PART II GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.................................................................................6
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................6
2. APPLICABILITY OF IP 15 ..........................................................................................6
3. ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS....................................................................................6
PART III AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO IP 15......................................................7
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................7
3. THE DIRECT EXAMPLE APPROACH FOR CLASSIFICATION OF COMMON
FACILITIES IN OPEN AREAS....................................................................................7
3.3 ROAD TANKER LOADING.........................................................................................7
3.4 ROAD TANKER UNLOADING....................................................................................7
4. THE AREA CLASSIFICATION OF DRILLING RIGS EQUIPMENT AND WELL
OPERATIONS ............................................................................................................8
4.2 AREA CLASSIFICATION FOR DRILLING, WORKOVER AND WIRELINE
OPERATION IN OPEN AREAS..................................................................................8
4.3 SURFACE MUD SYSTEMS .......................................................................................8
5. CLASSIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL POINT SOURCES ............................................8
7. SELECTION, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND USE OF EQUIPMENT IN
HAZARDOUS AREAS ................................................................................................8
8. NON-ELECTRICAL SOURCES OF IGNITION...........................................................8
8.2 SOURCES OF IGNITION ...........................................................................................8
PART IV REFERENCES .........................................................................................................10
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PART I INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This DEP specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the determination of
hazardous areas in facilities handling flammable fluids. It is based on the Energy Institute
(previously called The Institute of Petroleum) Model Code of Safe Practice, Part 15, 3rd
edition, July 2005 (IP 15). Part III of this DEP amends and supplements specific clauses of
IP 15.
This DEP contains mandatory requirements to mitigate process safety risks in accordance
with Design Engineering Manual DEM 1 – Application of Technical Standards
This is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated January 2010; see (1.5) regarding
the changes.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this DEP is confined to Shell
companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers nominated
by them. Any authorised access to DEPs does not for that reason constitute an
authorization to any documents, data or information to which the DEPs may refer.
This DEP is intended for use in facilities related to oil and gas production, gas handling, oil
refining, chemical processing, gasification, distribution and supply/marketing. This DEP
may also be applied in other similar facilities.
When DEPs are applied, a Management of Change (MOC) process should be
implemented; this is of particular importance when existing facilities are to be modified.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements could be more
stringent than in this DEP, the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to the safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all
cases the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of
this DEP which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the objective
being to obtain agreement to follow this DEP as closely as possible.

1.3 DEFINITIONS
1.3.1 General definitions
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a
facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for it. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The capitalised term SHALL [PS] indicates a process safety requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.

1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references to other parts of this DEP are made, the referenced section
number is shown in brackets. Other documents referenced by this DEP are listed in
(Part IV).
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1.5 SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES

This DEP is a revision of the DEP of the same number dated January 2010. The following
are the main, non-editorial changes.

Old New Change

section section
Part II Part II Added a mention that the risk of large releases should be analysed
Section Section on individual basis.
1 1 Relocated part of the section to DEP 80.00.10.10 Informative.
Deleted hole size considerations as they are not part of the
introduction and are already covered in the relevant section.
Part II Part II Replaced “where necessary” by “where IP 15 is more stringent”.
Section Section
2 2
Part II Part II Relocated part of the section to DEP 80.00.10.10 Informative.
Section Section
3 3
Part III Relocated the section to DEP 80.00.10.10 Informative.
Section
1.7.3
Part III Deleted as already included in IP 15.
Section
2.3
Part III Part III Generalised “the depressurising vent of the lubricator” to
Section Section “depressurising vents”, due to the absence of mention of and
4.2.4 4.2.4 restriction to the lubricator vent in IP 15.
Part III Part III Relocated the PS requirement. Hole size determination SHALL [PS]
Section Section be based ..., and not “is based”. These criteria are considered
5.3.4.2 5.3.4.2 tolerable and ALARP..., and not “SHALL [PS] be considered”.
Part III Part III Rephrased for clarity and relocated the section to DEP 80.00.10.10
Section Section Informative.
5.4.5 5.4.5
Part III Part III Gave the possibility not to have at least 15 m distance, if a point
Section Section source or risk based approach shows that a lesser distance is
8.2 8.2 sufficient.
Part III Part III Paragraph 2: removed the PS requirement by changing SHALL [PS]
Section Section to shall.
8.2.1 8.2.1 Paragraph 3: added explanatory note in DEP 80.00.10.10
Informative.
Relocated part of the section to DEP 80.00.10.10 Informative.
Part III Part III Deleted the repetition of the requirement for fixed sources of ignition
Section Section and added a cross reference to the relevant section.
8.2.3 8.2.3

1.6 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP

Comments on this DEP may be sent to the Administrator at standards@shell.com, using
the DEP Feedback Form. The DEP Feedback Form can be found on the main page of
“DEPs on the Web”, available through the Global Technical Standards web portal
http://sww.shell.com/standards and on the main page of the DEPs DVD-ROM.
 DEP 80.00.10.10-Gen.
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PART II GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. INTRODUCTION
Area classification refers to normal operating conditions and does not apply to catastrophic
situations such as the rupture of a process vessel or large diameter pipe work. The risk for
such large releases should be analysed on individual basis and the mitigation SHALL [PS]
be carried out by proper layout, separation distances, facility sitings and proper design,
maintenance and operation of the plant.

2. APPLICABILITY OF IP 15
All new facilities that handle flammable fluids SHALL [PS] be classified in accordance with
IP 15, as amended and supplemented by section (III) of this DEP. Variations are allowed,
provided that they are formally authorised by the Principal, and only if they achieve a similar
level of safety.
In areas where national codes are available, or codes other than IP 15 are commonly used
(e.g. API RP 500, API RP 505, IEC 60079-10), the codes SHALL [PS] be reviewed and
supplemented where IP 15 is more stringent.
This DEP SHALL [PS] applied to existing installations if the current risk due to hazardous
area classification is not ALARP. If it is intended to reclassify an existing installation on the
basis of this DEP, reclassification should cover the whole installation and not just part of it.
This is to avoid the application of multiple standards within the same installation.

3. ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS
Each operating company shall have a formal hazardous area classification committee with
members drawn from process technology, engineering, operations, and technical safety.
Any modification to the hazardous area classification of an existing installation SHALL [PS]
be subject to a formal change procedure which shall include endorsement by the
committee.
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PART III AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO IP 15

This Part provides amendments and supplements to IP 15. The numbering in this section
corresponds to that in IP 15.
Clauses of IP 15 that are not amended by this DEP SHALL [PS] remain applicable as
written.

1. INTRODUCTION
1.7.3 Open Area
Add to the existing clause:
Open areas imply free access of the wind on at least two opposite sides. Obstructions such
as dense trees, cliffs or other buildings preclude an area being considered "open" unless it
can be shown that the wind velocities meet the criteria above within that particular area.

3. THE DIRECT EXAMPLE APPROACH FOR CLASSIFICATION OF COMMON FACILITIES

IN OPEN AREAS

3.3 ROAD TANKER LOADING

3.3.5 Top loading of road tankers – Class I, II and III
3.3.5.2 Classification of loading island and bay area during loading – vehicle present
Figure 3.9: Top loading of road tanker through open or vent fill covers
Add to the existing note:
Zone 0 inside compartments applies for all classes of flammable fluids that are suitable for
top loading through open or vent fill covers.

3.4 ROAD TANKER UNLOADING

3.4.3 Unloading of Class 0 i.e. LPG and similar flammable fluids
3.4.3.1 Road tanker classification
Figure 3.15: Typical composite hazardous area classification around an LPG road tanker
during unloading.
Modify the existing drawing such that:
A Zone 1 of 0.5 m radius SHALL [PS] be implemented around the pump. Around the Zone
1, there SHALL [PS] be a Zone 2 extending a further 1.5 meters (2 meter radius from the
pump). This replaces the 4 meter radius Zone 2 shown on the drawing.
The truck cabin and engine shall not be zoned unless in the 2 meter zone from the pump.
3.4.3.2 Unloading to underground storage tanks
Add to the existing penultimate paragraph:
The ullage space within the tank should be classified as Zone 0 unless the storage facilities
are purged with nitrogen or another suitable fluid prior to filling and emptying to ensure the
tank ullage never contains a flammable atmosphere due to air. In this case, the ullage
space may be considered as non-hazardous.
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4. THE AREA CLASSIFICATION OF DRILLING RIGS EQUIPMENT AND WELL

OPERATIONS

4.2 AREA CLASSIFICATION FOR DRILLING, WORKOVER AND WIRELINE OPERATION IN

OPEN AREAS
Add to the existing clause:
In populated areas, the hazardous area around a wellhead SHALL [PS] be fully contained
within a security fence extending 30 m from the wellhead, to keep out possible ignition
sources. That distance may be subject to other considerations.
4.2.4 Workover, snubbing coiled tubing and wirelining operations
Add to the existing clause for wirelining operations:
Depressurising vents SHALL [PS] be considered as a source of primary grade release.

4.3 SURFACE MUD SYSTEMS

4.3.4 Mud pits and active tanks
Add to the existing clause:
The area classification of a ditch or trench handling active mud SHALL [PS] be the same as
the area classification of the mud tank.

5. CLASSIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL POINT SOURCES

5.3.4.2 Secondary grade releases
Add to the existing clause:
A risk based approach (as highlighted in IP 15 Annex C, Parts 1 and 2) is used to
determine the hole size for secondary grade releases with unknown hole size.
Hole size determination SHALL [PS] be based on the Individual Risk (IR) Criteria as
defined in IP 15. These criteria are considered tolerable and ALARP for area classification
purposes unless there are more stringent criteria imposed by the local authority.
These criteria for risks to individuals SHALL [PS] be used for determining the frequency of
release (LEVEL) only.
5.4.5 Piping systems
Add to the first sentence:
Equivalent pipe work design codes and standards include DEP 31.38.01.11-Gen., DEP
31.38.01.12-Gen., DEP 31.38.01.15-Gen. and DEP 32.37.10.11-Gen.

7. SELECTION, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND USE OF EQUIPMENT IN

HAZARDOUS AREAS
Add to the existing chapter:
The selection of electrical equipment for use in hazardous areas SHALL [PS] be in
accordance with DEP 33.64.10.10-Gen. In case of conflicting requirements between IP 15
chapter 7 and DEP 33.64.10.10-Gen., the latter SHALL [PS] prevail.

8. NON-ELECTRICAL SOURCES OF IGNITION

8.2 SOURCES OF IGNITION

Add to the existing clause:
Fixed ignition sources SHALL [PS] be a at least 15 m away from hydrocarbon emission
points, unless a point source or risk based approach indicates that a lesser distance is
sufficient.
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8.2.1 Fired heaters and furnaces

Add to the existing clause:
Fired heaters SHALL [PS] be located in non-hazardous areas, at least 15 m away from
hydrocarbon containing equipment, except for the following:
1. The fuel gas KO drum for supply of fuel to fired heaters, and the process and liquid
and/or gaseous fuel piping going to the heaters/furnaces, may be located within the
15 m boundary; in this case the area classification shall only consider the possibility of
leaking flanges around the KO drum and hydrocarbon containing piping.
2. Furnace related equipment containing material above its auto-ignition temperature, such
as reactors and possibly heat exchangers, may be closer than 15 m from the furnace.
8.2.3 Vehicles-Road and Rail Traffic
Add to the existing clause:
Unrestricted roads (onsite and public) SHALL [PS] be considered fixed sources of ignition,
see (8.2).
The normal plant maintenance road may be located in a hazardous area zone, provided
vehicle movements are controlled by hot work permits and there are barriers at the entry
points.
8.2.4 Fixed combustion engines
Add to the existing clause:
Diesel and gas engines for use in hazardous areas SHALL [PS] be in accordance with
DEP 31.29.80.30-Gen. and DEP 31.29.90.30-Gen., respectively. In case of conflicting
requirements, the DEPs shall prevail.
8.2.5.4 Classification within the turbine enclosure
Add to the existing clause:
Electrical equipment/Instrumentation suitable for Zone 2 is permitted in gas turbine
enclosures provided the enclosure SHALL [PS] be adequately ventilated (at least 12
volume changes per hour) and the following additional requirements are met:
• There SHALL [PS] be gas detection inside the enclosure.
• There SHALL [PS] be temperature detection inside the enclosure.
• There SHALL [PS] be redundancy of ventilators (typically 2 x 100 %) and their power
SHALL [PS] be supplied from different substations.
• There SHALL [PS] be an (emergency) block valve in the fuel gas line located outside
the enclosure, and a vent to a safe location outside the enclosure.
• Trip systems SHALL [PS] be programmed for sufficient ventilation and “fuel gas
system” purging prior to start up and directly after shutdown. This includes (but is not
limited to):
- a valve test sequence SHALL [PS] be performed before each start-up to ensure
valves are functioning and not leaking,
- the enclosure and connected equipment SHALL [PS] be sufficiently ventilated (at
least four air changes) before fuel gas is introduced.
Any automatic valve in the fuel gas system inside the enclosure SHALL [PS] have a
packing leak off line vented to a safe location outside the enclosure.
 DEP 80.00.10.10-Gen.
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PART IV REFERENCES

In this DEP, reference is made to the following publications:

NOTES: 1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. The DEPs and most referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell
Wide Web) at http://sww.shell.com/standards/.

SHELL STANDARDS
Diesel engines DEP 31.29.80.30-Gen.
Spark ignited gas fuelled engines DEP 31.29.90.30-Gen.
Electrical engineering design DEP 33.64.10.10-Gen.
Piping – General requirements DEP 31.38.01.11-Gen.
Piping classes – Refining and chemicals DEP 31.38.01.12-Gen.
Piping classes – Exploration and production DEP 31.38.01.15-Gen.
Installation of on-line instruments DEP 32.37.10.11-Gen.

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for API RP 500
Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as
Class I, Division 1 and Division 2
Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for API RP 505
Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as
Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2
Issued by
American Petroleum Institute
Publications and Distribution Section,
1220 L Street, North West.,
Washington, D.C. 20005
USA

BRITISH STANDARDS
Model Code of Safe Practice, Part 15: Area Classification IP 15 (3rd edition, July 2005)
Code for Installations Handling Flammable Fluids
Issued by:
The Energy Institute,
61 New Cavendish Street,
London W1G 7AR
UK

ETC (ALPHABETIC)
- Part 10-1: Classification of areas – Explosive gas IEC-60079-10-1
atmospheres
- Part 10-2: Classification of areas – Combustible dust IEC-60079-10-2
atmospheres
Issued by:
Central Office of the IEC
3, Rue de Varembé
CH 1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Copies can also be obtained from national standards organizations.