Understanding Grandfathering Clauses in Hazardous Areas: A Guide for Industry Leaders

The Myth of 'Grandfathering'

In the complex world of hazardous area compliance, few topics generate more discussion than the concept of 'grandfathering' at legacy sites. While many facility managers believe their 1970s-era installations are exempt from current standards, the reality is more nuanced—and potentially more critical for safety and compliance.

Understanding the Distinction

The term 'grandfathering' or 'grandfater clause' often creates confusion when discussing hazardous area compliance. While the National Construction Code (NCC) allows certain building elements to be maintained to historical standards, this principle doesn't extend to hazardous area installations.

The distinction is important for facility managers and safety professionals.

"When we talk about grandfathering, we're talking about the building—it doesn't apply to hazardous areas," explains Travis Stewart "The building principles can be grandfathered, but the actual hazardous area installation, because you have an explosive atmosphere, requires current compliance."

Key Considerations for Legacy Sites:

1. Building Elements vs. Safety Systems

   1. Grandfathering applies to: Walls, ceilings, building materials

   2. Does not apply to: Hazardous area installations, explosive atmosphere protection

2. Capital Upgrades and Compliance

   1. Any major capital upgrades must comply with current standards

   2. Partial upgrades require compliance for the modified sections

   3. Different jurisdictions may have varying requirements for ongoing projects

3. Documentation Requirements all Hazardous Area installations require:

   1. Verification dossier

   2. Regular updates throughout operational lifetime

   3. Detailed inspection schedules

   4. Qualification records

   5. Equipment certification documentation

The Living Document Approach

The foundational component of hazardous area compliance is maintaining a "living" verification dossier which typically tracks:

• Equipment inventory

• Inspection schedules

• Protection techniques

• Validation processes

• Qualification requirements

"You're validating that the instalaltion is fit for purpose," Stewart notes. "We're validating that they (the explosion protection technique) will mitigate the ignition source from entering in and potentially creating an explosive atmosphere."

Practical Implications for Industry

For facility managers and safety professionals, this means:

1. Regular reviews of existing installations

2. Documentation updates

3. Compliance with current standards for safety systems

4. Maintaining inspection regimes

5. Ensuring proper qualification of personnel