Design and Separation
To ensure compliance, MECS designed the layout so that all electrical control cabinets were installed in a dedicated service room. This separation provided a clear barrier between live electrical equipment and the compressor space, minimising the risk of ignition from flammable vapours.
Fire Sealing and Room Treatment
The compressor room was fully sealed to meet hazardous area requirements. This approach not only reduced fire risk but also created a controlled environment that will support equipment longevity and simplify routine safety checks.
Installation and Certification
The works were delivered to the strict standards of AS/NZS 60079, with MECS technicians applying specialised hazardous area installation practices. Upon completion, the plant room was tested, inspected, and formally certified for safe operation.
Project Challenges & Solutions
Explosive Atmosphere Compliance
- The presence of ammonia compressors created a hazardous area classification. MECS addressed this by isolating electrical controls and installing compliant fire sealing to protect both equipment and personnel.
Balancing Safety and Maintenance
- While compliance was the priority, the project also needed to allow for ongoing maintenance access and minimal downtime. The final design struck a balance between strict regulation and practical serviceability.
Operational Continuity
- As the cold storage facility relied on uninterrupted compressor operation, MECS staged works and coordinated with the client to minimise impact on refrigeration performance.
Client Response
The client commended MECS for delivering a compliant, efficient solution that improved both safety and long-term operability of the plant room. By approaching the upgrade with attention to detail and regulatory expertise, MECS reinforced its reputation as a trusted partner for critical refrigeration infrastructure.
