ABSTRACT
The actual environment to which equipment is likely to be exposed is normally complex and comprises a number of conditions. When defining the conditions for a certain application it is, therefore, necessary to consider all environmental influences which may be as a result of: conditions from the surrounding medium; conditions caused by the structure in which the equipment is situated or attached; influences from external sources or activities. Over the last twenty years environmental matters have become an area of widespread public concern, particularly those concerning the issues of pollution and contaminants. Pollutants and contaminants come in many forms and can have an effect on the air, land or water courses. The concentration of dust and sand in the atmosphere varies widely with geographical locality, local climatic conditions and the type and degree of activity taking place.
