What Are Hazardous Classified Locations?
- Risk assessment for Division system
- Risk assessment for Zone system
Hazardous locations are defined as premises, buildings, or parts thereof where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to the presence of flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dusts, or easily ignitable fibers or flyings.
In North America, hazardous (classified) locations are separated into three “Classes” or types based on the explosive characteristics of the materials. The Classes or types of material are further separated into “Divisions” or “Zones” based on the risk of fire or explosion that the material poses. The Zone system has three levels of hazards versus the Division System’s two levels.
Hazardous Materials | Class/Division System | Zone System |
|---|---|---|
Gasses or Vapors | Class I, Division 1 | Zone 0, Zone 1 |
Class I, Division 2 | Zone 2 | |
Combustible Dusts | Class II, Division 1 | Zone 20, Zone 21 |
Class II, Division 2 | Zone 22 | |
Fibers or Flyings | Class III, Division 1 | Included in Zone 20-22 |
Class III, Division 2 | Included in Zone 20-22 |