IEC 60079-17 Inspection Checklist
Free Download & Field Workflow (2025)
TL;DR
IEC 60079-17 is the rule-book for keeping Ex equipment safe long after commissioning.
Download our 36-point checklist in PDF, you can use it together with EXREG or as part of your independent inspections. It is a useful tool to perform an “all angles covered” inspection.
1 Why a standard checklist?
- Legal duty – ATEX 153 art. 4 + IEC 60079-17 §4 mandate periodic verification.
- Audit evidence – insurers demand proof of inspection scope & findings.
- Team alignment – make your team follow same steps, same angles, cover them all.
2 Inspection levels at a glance
| Level | What you do | Tools needed | Typical interval* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual | Look without tools or contact | Flashlight, make sure to use approved flashlight. | 1 yr (Zone 0/20) 2 yr (Zone 1/21) 3 yr (Zone 2/22) |
| Close | Open covers, tighten screws | Screwdriver, feeler | 3–5 yr |
| Detailed | Measure gaps, insulation tests | Multimeter, torque wrench | 5–6 yr (or after shutdown) |
*Intervals per IEC 60079-17 Annex B; insurers may reduce.
3 The 36-point IEC 60079-17 checklist
Highlights—full list in the download:
- Ex label & EPL match Zone
- Cable glands: certified, tight, no corrosion
- Flamepath bolts intact & torque-marked (Ex d)
- Breather/drain plugs present (Ex d & e)
- IS circuits: segregation, blue glands, barriers checked
- Enclosure IP rating maintained (gaskets, dust)
- Temperature class complies with process Tmax
- Earthing & bonding continuity < 1 Ω
- NFC/QR tag reads (if fitted)
⬇️ Download the full 36-point checklist
PDF • free for personal / company use
4 Field workflow (paper vs digital)
4.1 Paper route
- Print checklist.
- Mark Pass/Fail → transcribe to spreadsheet.
- Manual photo filenames & storage.
4.2 Digital route (EXREG)
- Create your register in EXRE, tag your equipment with QR or NFC.
- Scan tag – mobile app loads equipment record.
- Tick Pass/Fail + add photo & comment in case of failure.
- Sync when back online.
Result: 50 % faster walkdown; zero double-entry.
5 Top 5 non-conformities (EU refinery survey 2024)
| # | Finding | % of items |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Missing or damaged Ex label | 18 % |
| 2 | Loose cable gland clamp | 15 % |
| 3 | Painted flamepath bolt | 12 % |
| 4 | Cracked conduit seal | 9 % |
| 5 | Unapproved LED lamp in Zone 2 | 7 % |
6 Who can sign off?
CompEx 01-04 qualify a person to perform and certify Ex inspections.
The Responsible Person (site authority) reviews and closes actions.
7 Further resources
8 Conclusion
A standard checklist is the quickest way to prove due diligence under ATEX & IEC 60079-17.
Digitise it once—repeat effortlessly every time.
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