SMB/4966/R

IEC/TC or SC

Secretariat

TC 31 SC 31G
SC 31J SC 31M

UK

STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN (SBP)

Date 2012-12-17

Please ensure this form is annexed to the Report to the Standardization Management Board if it has been prepared during a meeting, or
sent to the Central Office promptly after its contents have been agreed by the committee.

Title of TC
TC 31 Equipment for explosive atmospheres
SC 31G Intrinsically-safe apparatus
SC 31J Classification of Hazardous Areas and installation requirements
SC 31M Non-electrical equipment and protective systems for explosive atmospheres
A Background
The committee TC 31 was established in July 1948 to address the need to develop techniques for
ensuring electrical equipment would not provide an explosion risk when used explosive
atmospheres in involving gases, vapours and mists. The scope was subsequently expanded to
include combustible dusts.
Over the more than 60 years of its operation there have been a variety of sub-committees
established and disbanded when changes have occurred to working procedures and priorities.
The most recently established sub-committee was SC 31M in 2007. This sub-committee is a joint
ISO-IEC subcommittee and can publish ISO or ISO/IEC dual logo standards covering the nonelectrical field. This represents a significant expansion in the scope of TC 31 and a corresponding
increase in standards.
The following shows the scope for the main committee and each of the current subcommittees:
TC 31 - To prepare and maintain international standards relating to equipment for use
where there is a hazard due to the possible presence of explosive atmospheres of gases,
vapours, mists or combustible dusts.
SC 31G - To prepare and maintain international standards relating to intrinsically safe
electrical apparatus and systems for use where there is a hazard due to the possible
presence of explosive atmospheres of gases, vapours, mists or combustible dusts.
SC 31J - To prepare and maintain international standards relating to the use of equipment
including area classification, the selection and installation, inspection and maintenance,
repair, overhaul and reclamation of equipment where there is a hazard due to the possible
presence of explosive atmospheres of gases, vapours, mists or combustible dusts.
SC 31M - To prepare and maintain international standards relating to non-electrical
equipment and protective systems for use where there is a hazard due to the possible
presence of explosive atmospheres of gases, vapours, mists or combustible dusts.
Note: For the purposes of this sub-committee non-electrical equipment is defined
as "equipment which can achieve its intended function mechanically".
For the purposes of this sub-committee, 'Protective system' is defined as "devices
other than components of the equipment which are intended to halt incipient
explosions immediately and/or to limit the effective range of an explosion".

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B Business Environment
B.1 General
The standards of this Technical Committee are used in any industry where explosive atmospheres
of gas, vapour, mists and dusts may be present. Typical industries include oil and gas, chemical,
plastics, grain, pharmaceutical, shipping, mining and coal industries.
The standards produced cover the life-cycle of equipment through design, manufacture, installation,
maintenance and repair. There are also standards dedicated to installations such as those on area
classification and inspection. One of the latest standards published is a quality standard for
manufacturers of Ex equipment.
Improved safety in environments where explosive atmospheres may occur is of primary concern,
but there is also need for uniform operational practices in these areas to promote free trade of the
products used and to assist economic development.
Risk management has taken on a greater emphasis in the business environment and is an
underlying principle in many OHS regulatory requirements. This approach is being increasingly
addressed by TC 31.
A paper published by IECEx put the annual value of the Ex market at tens of billions of US dollars
in new equipment alone.
B.2 Market demand
The market demand of the TC31 standards has been increasing significantly in recent years, with
the increased adoption of the standards throughout the world.
They are used by designers, manufacturers, installers, maintenance and repair personnel,
equipment users, regulators, standards bodies, accreditation bodies, certifiers and testing bodies.
Other IEC and ISO committees need to utilize the standards developed by TC 31. Formal liaisons
have been put in place, to avoid duplication and contradiction, and to ensure good cooperation is
achieved.
The standards produced by TC 31 are now widely adopted throughout the world, frequently without
modification. In many instances they form the basis for legislated requirements in this field. This
particularly occurs in applications such as coal mines, and ship and offshore installations. Many
countries also have mandatory requirements for equipment used in explosive atmospheres in
above-ground industries.
Most countries in the world now use the TC 31 standards; either unchanged or with some defined
national differences. The IECEx System Bulletin provides a useful reference for the defined
differences. The only major body of standards with significant differences are those produced in
the USA. However, the USA is actively involved in the work of TC 31 and is gradually moving
closer to adoption of the IEC standards. Some countries too, tend to work with older editions of the
IEC standards, although again there is a significant amount of work going on in some countries to
adopt later editions.
The above has seen the use of the standards for local and regional certification and for
international certification using the IECEx System which is growing rapidly.
The standards are also extensively used by multinational companies. These may be users such
as those in the petrochemical industries, or manufacturers building or marketing their products
throughout the world.
The above impacts on the work of the committee through:
Greater pressure on TC 31 to produce acceptable documents in shorter time frames.
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Larger and more active representation at meetings and more critical comments on
documents as countries or groups of countries seek to have their practices and preferences
included.
Increased scrutiny of standards as they are used for certification and testing.
Pressure to expand the scope of the standards produced by the committee.

The United Nations has recently published a Common Regulatory Framework for Equipment to
Used in Environments with an Explosive Atmosphere. Referred to as Common Regulatory
Objectives (CROs) these were developed through the United Nations Economic Commission for
Europe. These CROs recognised the TC 31 standards and the IECEx System which uses those
standards as best practice. The CROs state that Any Member State that has not regulatory
framework in the explosive equipment sector can use the model as a blueprint for legislation. If
this occurs, an increased use of TC 31 in those can be expected to occur. TC 31 will be examining
methods to encourage the implementation of the CROs and consequence adoption of TC 31
standards.
In the past few years the IEC System has implemented the IECEx Scheme for Certification of
Personnel Competencies (CoPC). Many of these competencies specified in this scheme use the
TC 31 standards as a basis. This scheme is creating a lot of interest and is likely to lead to an
increase in use of TC 31 standards.
B.3 Trends in technology
The technology used in the protective design standards is fairly mature and stable. Hence
significant development is not required in these areas. However, there is still a need to cater for
trends in areas such as electronic devices, fibre optics, manufacturing techniques and materials
development.
Liaison has been established with IEC TC 2 Rotating machinery, IEC TC 18 Electrical installations
of ships and of mobile and fixed offshore units, TC 27 Industrial electroheating and electromagnetic
processing, SC 65A Industrial-process measurement, control and automation - System aspects,
SC 65B Industrial-process measurement, control and automation - Measurement and control
devices, TC 101 Electrostatics, IEC TC 105 Fuel cell technology, TC 109 Insulation co-ordination
for low-voltage equipment, ISO/TC 21 Equipment for fire protection and fire fighting, ISO/TC
176/SC 2, Quality systems, ISO/TC 45 Rubber and rubber products, ISO/TC 197 Hydrogen
technologies, and the Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee of IEEE to help keep pace with
trends in technology or to ensure the standards produced can meet the needs of the market.
There is a move towards use of Functional Safety methodologies for complex systems. This is
starting to impact on TC 31 standards, for example, work is well advanced on a standard on
functional safety of fixed gas detection systems.
The inclusion of a standard on pressurization of rooms has introduced a new approach of
verification in the field.
Work is nearing completion on a standard on Ex s (special protection) which looks at the
philosophical approach of using risk assessment for verification of equipment. Risk assessment
(ignition hazard assessment) is also being introduced in the new standards being produced for
non-electrical equipment.
The movement for exploration for oil and gas in the arctic and other very cold regions is expected
to bring a further examination of how explosion protection techniques apply at very low ambient
temperatures. TC 31 has established a working group to look at this topic and the potential impact
on TC 31 standards.
The technology in industry is moving fast in the development of improved electrochemical cells and
batteries. TC 31 has formed a working group to investigate the impact of this development on the
TC 31 standards.
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TC 31 established a working group that investigated the need for a standard on safety devices
related to explosion risk. Based on the recommendation of the group, TC 31 has now tasked the
group with developing a draft standard for this topic.
A project team has been formed within Subcommittee SC 31G to develop a standard using the
concept of electronically controlling the spark duration; referred to as the "Power-i" concept. This
concept can provide a significant increase of the available effective power taking into consideration
the principles of type of protection Intrinsic Safety which a technique that is based on limited
energy.
There are a limited number of countries throughout the world with a comprehensive range of
standards relevant for non-electrical equipment, although they have been available in Europe for
some years. However, there is an increasing awareness of the risk that non-electrical equipment
can present. The new standards on non-electrical equipment being produced by SC 31M are
expected to fill a gap in this area technology of non-electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres.
B.4 Market trends
The market trend for demand for the standards of TC 31 is expected to continue to increase. It is
anticipated that this trend will also occur for the new non-electrical standards that will be produced.
As noted earlier, the impact of the UNECE CROs and the implementation the IECEx Scheme for
Certification of Personnel Competencies are likely to lead to an increased demand for TC 31
standards.
B.5 Ecological environment
The TC 31 standards contribute to safer and more efficient operations in the industries concerned,
and prevent loss of life and destruction to the environment. Major environmental problems can
occur as a result of explosions rupturing vessels, for example, an explosion on a super tanker or
an oil rig, and the resultant release of materials into the environment due to that explosion.
C System approach aspects
TC 31 and its sub-committees operate mainly in a systems role, producing standards that may be
used in their entirety or that may be referenced by other committees. Often standards produced in
one area of TC 31 may be used by other areas of TC 31, for example general requirement
documents.
Component committees
TC 2
(TC 31 and its subcommittees - TC 14
role of customer)
TC 20
TC 21
TC 22
TC 27

Rotating machinery
Power transformers
Electric cables
Secondary Cells and batteries
Fuses
Industrial electroheating and electromagnetic
processing
Lamps and related equipment
Primary cells and batteries
Insulators
Instrument transformers
Electronic tubes
Semiconductor devices
Piezoelectric and dielectric devices for
frequency control and selection
Winding wires
Industrial-process measurement, control and
automation
Degrees of protection provided by enclosures

TC 34
TC 35
TC 36
TC 38
TC 39
TC 47
TC 49
TC 55
TC 65
TC 70
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TC 86
TC 101

Fibre optics
Electrostatics (there is a joint WG with this
committee)
TC 104
Environmental conditions, classification and
methods of test
TC 18
Electrical installations of ships and of mobile
and fixed offshore units
Other system committees
ISO/TC 197 WG Hydrogen Detectors
(TC 31 and its subcommittees 13
role of a supplier)
IECEx
ExMC, ExTAG, and ExPCC committees
IEC TC 105
Fuel cell technologies
PCIC
The Petroleum and Chemical Industry
Committee of IEEE
Other committees
CISPR
International special committee on radio
interference
D Objectives and strategies
D.1 Previous Objectives
The following were the major objectives for TC 31 listed in the first edition of the TC 31 SBP. These
are now completed or well advanced.
Objective 1
To integrate gas and dust requirements into the same standards where feasible.
Most of the dust requirements have now been incorporated in standards also covering gas
requirements. The latest revision to pressurization standard is now well advanced and
once this is published with requirements for dust this objective will be complete.
Objective 2
To incorporate equipment protection levels (EPLs) into all relevant standards
Most standards now have the EPLs incorporated in them and all new standards being
developed incorporate them where appropriate.
Objective 3
To prove the process of production of dual logo/dual badged standards in SC 31M
The process has been proved done with the publication of the first dual logo/dual badged
standard ISO/IEC 80079-34: Explosive atmospheres Part 34: Application of quality
systems for equipment manufacture
Objective 4
To integrate standards requirements for intrinsic safety and FISCO/FINICO into one standard
This occurred with the publication of edition 6 for IEC 60079-11.
Objective 5
To continually improve the effectiveness and relevance of TC 31, and its subcommittees, project
teams, maintenance teams and working groups
This is ongoing. TC 31 continues to maintain its Good Working Practice document and the
schedule of meetings. The close contact with IECEx continues.
D.2 New or Continued Objectives
The following are the latest objectives for TC 31. See action plan in section E for the strategies.
Objective 1 - new
Provide clearer information on the significance of changes that occur when a standard is revised
Objective 2 - new

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Jointly with UNECE and IECEx market the UNECE CROs incorporating adoption of TC 31
standards
Objective 3 - new
Publish first dual logo non-electrical standards covering equipment requirements
Objective 4 - new
Publish first IEC/IEEE standards for electrical resistance trace heating
Objective 5 - continued
To continually improve the effectiveness and relevance of TC 31, and its subcommittees, project
teams, maintenance teams and working groups
Objective 6 - new
Investigate the issues associated with the influence of environmental factors in adverse service
conditions related to equipment, installation and maintenance in the IEC 60079 series and ISO/IEC
80079 series.
E Action plan
The following is the action plan incorporating the objectives, strategies and target dates.
Objective 1

Provide clearer information on the significance of changes that occur when a

standard is revised

Strategies

Form a working group to

methodology
Obtain approval from the TC 31

Objective 2
Strategies

propose

a This occurred at the TC 31

CAG meeting in April 2012.
This occurred at the TC 31
plenary meeting in October
2011.
Obtain approval from SMB for the approach
Received from the SMB March
2012 (SMB/4722A/RV).
Finalise the approach and have it agreed with Done at TC 31 CAG in April
TC 31 chairmen, secretaries and convenors
2012.
Implement the program for existing standards The
program
will
be
(where needed) and new standards
implemented for all relevant
new editions of standards.
For identified standards I-SHs
will be issued. This should be
completed in 2013.
Jointly with UNECE and IECEx market the UNECE Common Regulatory
Objectives (CROs) incorporating adoption of TC 31 standards
Foster close ties with UNECE
In conjunction with UNECE and IECEx target
regions where it would be appropriate to hold
seminars/conferences
TC 31 Chair and other representatives of TC The TC 31 Chair delivered a
31 to attend seminars/conferences where paper at the IECEx conference
feasible
in Dubai on 20 March 2012.
Foster ongoing relations with countries with an
identified opportunity to utilise TC 31 standards
and the CROs
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Objective 3

Publish first dual logo non-electrical standards covering equipment requirements

Strategies

Establish SC 31M PTs utilising the drafts This occurred in 2009.

developed by Ad Hoc WGs. The following
standards are to be covered:
ISO 80079-36: Explosive atmospheres
Part 36 Non-electrical equipment for
use in explosive atmospheres Basic
method and requirements
ISO 80079-37: Explosive atmospheres
Part 37 Non-electrical equipment for
use in explosive atmospheres Non
electrical
type
of
protection
constructional safety ch, control of
ignition source bh, liquid immersion
kh
ISO/IEC
80079-38:
Explosive
atmospheres Part 38 Equipment and
components in explosive atmospheres
in underground mines

Objective 4

Ensure consistency between the standards and This has been achieved to date
appropriate cross referencing
through joint meetings where
appropriate and synchronising
the circulation of drafts where
feasible. This approach will be
ongoing to publication.
Finalise technical content of the standards
This was done with the
circulation of the CDVs in June
2012.
Publish standards
2013.
Publish first IEC/IEEE standards for electrical resistance trace heating

Strategies

Establish joint MT with IEEE 515

Objective 5
Strategies

Agreed at TC 31 plenary
meeting in 2009.
Arrange series of meetings to achieve These occurred 2010-2012.
agreement on the format of the two standards,
based on existing IEC standards IEC 6007930-1 and 60079-30-2
Circulate CDs for input from IEC and IEEE
CD2 for both standards
circulated June 2012.
Obtain approval from IEC and IEEE
2013.
Publish standards
2014.
To continually improve the effectiveness and relevance of TC 31, and its
subcommittees, project teams, maintenance teams and working groups
Ensure the TC Good Working Practice Last review occurred at TC 31
document provides the key to consistent and CAG in April 2012 and included
training for convenors.
effective practices within TC 31
Version 5 was issued June
2011.
Next review and revision is
planned for 2012.

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Actions will be ongoing and

coupled with periodic training
of convenors using the Good
Working Practice document.
Ensure that there is a schedule of meetings There is a schedule of
published and maintained to assist TC 31 meetings maintained on the
officers and convenors in planning for meetings IECEx website and linked from
the IEC website, TC 31
dashboard.
The TC 31 Secretary maintains
this schedule.
Maintain close contact with IECEx to ensure The TC 31 Chairman is a
TC 31 standards remain relevant for the IECEx member of the IECEx ExMC
System
and an ex-officio member of
the IECEx ExTAG.
He has attended all the ExMC
and ExTAG meetings in the 13
years he has been Chairman of
TC 31.
This is planned to be ongoing
and he will be attending the
meeting in Calgary, Canada in
September 2012 and will also
present
a
paper
at
a
symposium run in conjunction
with those meetings.

Objective 6

Strategies

For many years, there is a

standing agenda item at all TC
31 plenary meetings and full
TC 31 CAG meetings for an
IECEx Update. This is planned
to be ongoing.
Investigate the issues associated with the influence of environmental factors in
adverse service conditions related to equipment, installation and maintenance in
the IEC 60079 series and ISO/IEC 80079 series.
Form an ad-hoc working group to initially This occurred at the TC 31
consider low temperatures and prepare a draft Plenary meeting in October
document.
2009 in Tel Aviv with
establishment of AHG34: Very
low temperatures.
Report of AHG34 to TC 31
The final report of AHG34 was
made to the TC 31 plenary
meeting in October 2012 in
Oslo. The group was then
disbanded.
Established a horizontal working group on At the TC 31 plenary meeting
adverse service conditions.
in October 2012 in Oslo WG39:
Adverse service conditions was
formed.
Establish work program and time frames for To be done at the first meeting
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WG
Implement the outcomes of the WG into for
existing standards (where needed) and new
standards

of W39 in March 2013

To be done in accordance with
program developed by the WG
and can also be expected to be
ongoing.

F Useful links to IEC web site

IEC TC 31 dashboard includes the TC/SC Officers, Scope, Liaisons, WG/MT/PT structure,
Membership, Publications issued and Work and Maintenance Programmes and similar information
for SCs.
Name or signature of the secretary
Mick Maghar

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