Mechanical Equipment Assessments (MEIRA)
Electrical equipment isn't the only potential source of ignition within hazardous areas.
Pumps, fans, gearboxes, conveyors, mixers, agitators and other moving equipment can generate heat, friction or sparks capable of igniting an explosive atmosphere under normal operation or foreseeable fault conditions.
Vital Ex carries out Mechanical Equipment Ignition Risk Assessments (MEIRAs) to identify these risks and help organisations demonstrate that mechanical (non-electrical) equipment can continue to operate safely within hazardous areas.
When is a MEIRA required?
A Mechanical Equipment Ignition Risk Assessment is commonly undertaken where:
- Mechanical equipment is installed within hazardous areas
- Existing equipment is not ATEX certified
- DSEAR compliance needs to be demonstrated
- Existing plant is being modified
- Equipment replacement is being considered
- Ignition risks require independent assessment
Our assessments help organisations understand whether suitable safeguards are already in place or whether further controls are required.
Benefits of a MEIRA
A MEIRA can help you:
- Demonstrate DSEAR compliance
- Identify credible ignition risks and ignition risk assessments
- Support safe operation of mechanical equipment
- Reduce operational risk
- Avoid unnecessary equipment replacement
- Improve confidence in hazardous area management
What does the assessment involve?
Our consultants assess:
- Potential ignition sources
- Operating conditions
- Hazardous Area Classification
- Foreseeable failure modes
- Existing safeguards
- Maintenance arrangements
- Opportunities to reduce risk through MEIRA and ignition risk assessments
The outcome is a practical engineering assessment with clear recommendations to support safe, compliant operation.
What equipment can be assessed?
Typical equipment includes:
- Pumps
- Fans
- Gearboxes
- Conveyors
- Agitators
- Mixers
- Valves
- Actuators
- Rotating machinery
- Process equipment
Every assessment is based on how the equipment is actually used within its operating environment.
Why choose Vital Ex for your specialist mechanical equipment assessment?
We combine practical hazardous area experience with an in-depth understanding of international explosion protection standards.
Every assessment is independent, technically robust and tailored to the specific operating conditions of your site, giving you confidence that engineering decisions are based on sound technical evidence rather than assumptions.