Many commercial and industrial facilities today face a number of hazards. For example, the presence of flammable or explosive materials requires a great deal of precautions. Even dust can create explosion hazards under the right circumstances. You can take many precautions and make sure you have adequate ventilation, but in many cases, hazardous location lighting is an essential part of your business. Here are some good reasons to invest in this kind of lighting.
What Makes an Area Hazardous?
Electrical components can create fire hazards, and just the presence of arcing or sparks can be dangerous in some locations. The NEC (National Electrical Code) puts these hazards into several classes, and each one has special zones. This defines the kinds of hazards present and the type of hazardous location lighting needed.
Class I Division I
If your facility is in Division I, it includes materials like:
- Propane
- Hydrogen
- Acetylene
- Ethylene
Class I Division II
- Carbon type dust
- Metal dust
- Grain dust
- Wood and plastic dust
This is just an example of the kinds of hazards that can be present in the workplace. Here are some of the businesses that may require hazardous location lighting.
Painting Booths
Many businesses use indoor spray painting methods. This can create a considerable amount of fumes that are toxic. They also can cause an explosion hazard.
Mechanics
Vehicle and aircraft maintenance technicians often have to work around gasoline, diesel, and other kinds of fuels. The presence of standard lights in these areas could present an immediate explosion or fire hazard.
Manufacturing Plants
Many raw materials for manufacturing can create hazards. This may include adhesives, inks, and a wide range of chemicals. Fueling stations for propane-powered industrial equipment should have intrinsically safe lights too. If you are unsure, talk to a fire department or OSHA official about your needs.
