Worksite Lighting: Definitions of Hazardous Locations

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 vapours, flammable liquids, combustible dusts, or easily ignitable fibers or flyings. Although, flammable gases, vapors and combustible dusts exist almost everywhere.

Fortunately, they are usually present only in minute quantities. Simply because flammable gasses or vapours, or combustible dusts are present, there is not necessarily a hazardous location. The quantities or concentrations must be sufficient to present a potential explosion hazard.

The electrical codes that deal with these types of hazardous locations areas do not deal with materials such as high explosives, such as dynamite, munitions, or fireworks. Other rules and regulations deal with areas involving these materials.

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