On-Demand Webinar: Hazardous Area Classification (HAC)
When to Go Beyond Simple Zoning: Practical Guidance & Scenario-Based Exercises
10:00am (EDT) Thursday July 24, 2025
Hazardous Area Classification (HAC) studies are essential for identifying locations within a facility where ignition sources must be controlled—either by design or operational restrictions.
In the United States, HAC assessments are normally carried following NFPA 497 (for gases and vapors) and NFPA 499 (for combustible dusts). In Europe and other regions, IEC and ATEX standards apply. Regardless of the standard, the goal is the same: to minimize ignition risks by correctly defining hazardous zones.
This HAC webinar will explore:
The standard approach to area classification
What to do when the outcome indicates challenging zone boundaries (e.g., entire rooms zoned)
How to apply practical evaluations to refine your results and reduce overly conservative zoning
We’ll also walk through real-world examples and demonstrate how studies like Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), and ventilation assessments can support a more precise and realistic HAC outcome.
What You’ll Learn in the HAC Webinar
How HAC Works: Understand the basics of NFPA 497/499 and how to classify areas based on material properties and operational factors.
Common Challenges in HAC Outcomes: Learn what to do when entire rooms or critical areas fall under hazardous zones.
Supporting Evaluations: See how combining HAC with DHA, PHA, or ventilation studies can offer more refined and manageable outcomes.
Real-Life Exercises: Walk through scenarios to learn how nuanced data can change the classification of specific areas.
Who Should Attend the Webinar?
This session is tailored for professionals working in facilities that handle flammable or combustible materials, especially those involved in design, safety, or regulatory compliance. Ideal attendees include:
Process Safety Engineers
Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Professionals
Compliance and Regulatory Managers
Project and Design Engineers
Maintenance and Reliability Teams
Hazardous Area Classification and Risk Assessment Specialists
Whether you’re conducting your first HAC study or re-evaluating existing zoning due to process changes, this webinar will help you approach area classification more practically and effectively.
Register for free
Technical Speaker – Vinicius Simoes, Process Safety Consulting Lead
Vinicius Simoes, a Chemical Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree from Universidade Federal Fluminense (2002) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, brings over 24 years of expertise in safety, engineering, and process safety. His extensive experience spans industries such as chemical processing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, mining, and energy.
Vinicius excels at delivering customized solutions to meet complex process safety requirements. With a strong technical foundation and a collaborative approach, he has worked with clients across North and South America to mitigate risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance operational safety in diverse industrial environments.
