ATEX and Explosive Atmosphere Safety Signs in India: PESO, OISD, and IS 5572 Requirements
Where a Spark Can Mean Disaster
Any facility handling flammable gases, vapours, dust, or liquids must display hazardous area (ATEX) signage. In India, this is regulated by PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) under the Explosives Act 1884, OISD (Oil Industry Safety Directorate) for petroleum refineries and installations, and the general IS 5572 standard for classification of hazardous areas.
Hazardous Area Classification Signs
The first signage requirement is to clearly identify the hazardous zone classification:
| Zone | Definition | Sign Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Explosive atmosphere present continuously or frequently | Red danger sign + zone number |
| Zone 1 | Explosive atmosphere likely during normal operation | Yellow warning sign + zone number |
| Zone 2 | Explosive atmosphere unlikely but possible | Yellow caution sign + zone number |
| Zone 20 | Combustible dust present continuously | Red danger sign + zone number |
| Zone 21 | Combustible dust likely during normal operation | Yellow warning sign + zone number |
| Zone 22 | Combustible dust unlikely but possible | Yellow caution sign + zone number |
Industries Requiring ATEX Signs in India
- Oil and Gas: Refineries, pipelines, gas processing plants, LPG bottling plants
- Chemical Manufacturing: Solvent handling, reactor areas, distillation columns
- Pharmaceutical: Solvent processing, flammable API handling
- Paint and Coatings: Spray booths, solvent mixing, thinning areas
- Grain and Food: Flour mills, grain silos, sugar factories (combustible dust)
- Mining: Coal mines, mineral processing with flammable dust
- Automotive Paint Shops: Paint booths, solvent storage
Essential Signs for Hazardous Areas
- "Explosive Atmosphere — No Ignition Sources"
- "No Smoking" and "No Naked Flame" — these are absolute prohibitions, not suggestions
- "No Mobile Phones / Electronic Devices" — in Zone 0 and Zone 1
- "Use Only Intrinsically Safe Equipment"
- "Earth/Ground All Equipment Before Use"
- "Static Discharge Point" identification
- Gas detector location signs
- Emergency shutdown (ESD) button identification
PESO Licence Requirements
Facilities holding PESO licences for petroleum, explosives, or compressed gas storage are audited for signage compliance. Key requirements:
- Distance markers from storage to boundaries
- Maximum quantity storage signs on each tank/vessel
- Emergency procedure boards at each storage location
- "No Unauthorised Vehicles Beyond This Point" at petroleum installations
We supply ATEX-zone signage for refineries, chemical plants, and hazardous installations across India. Browse hazardous area signs or contact us for site-specific zone classification signage.