🔻 In industries like oil & gas, manufacturing, and mining, safety is paramount. These environments often contain hazardous materials—such as flammable gases, liquids, or combustible dust—that could ignite with high heat or a spark. To keep workers safe and operations running smoothly, it's essential that all electronic equipment, including mobile devices, meet strict safety standards for hazardous locations (HazLoc).
In this blog, we’ll break down what HazLoc certification means, explore the different classifications, and explain how The Joy Factory's aXtion Extreme cases are designed to meet and exceed these safety requirements.
Understanding HazLoc Classifications
Understanding the different classifications within hazardous locations is crucial for determining which equipment is safe to use in specific environments. HazLoc classifications are based on the type of hazardous material present and the likelihood of these materials existing in the environment under normal or abnormal operating conditions. Each classification guides the appropriate safety measures and technology required to prevent fires, explosions, or other accidents.
Zone vs. Division System
HazLoc environments are classified based on the presence of hazardous materials like gases, vapors, dust, or fibers, and the likelihood of these materials existing under normal or abnormal conditions. Both the Zone and Division systems cover these classifications but approach them slightly differently.
The Division system is primarily used in North America under the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Zone system is employed in Europe and other regions under ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) or IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification) regulations. Though both systems classify hazardous environments in similar ways, there are some key differences in how they define risk levels.
- Gases and Vapors (Class I / Zone 0, 1, 2)
- Division System:
- Division 1: Flammable gases or vapors are present during normal operations.
- Division 2: Flammable gases or vapors are only present under abnormal conditions.
- Zone System:
- Zone 0: Flammable gases or vapors are present continuously or for long periods.
- Zone 1: Flammable gases or vapors are likely to be present during normal operations.
- Zone 2: Flammable gases or vapors are only present under abnormal conditions, for short durations.
- Division System:
- Dust (Class II / Zone 20, 21, 22)
- Division System:
- Division 1: Combustible dust is present during normal operations.
- Division 2: Combustible dust is only present in abnormal conditions.
- Zone System:
- Zone 20: Combustible dust is present continuously or for extended periods.
- Zone 21: Combustible dust is likely to be present during normal operations.
- Zone 22: Combustible dust is present only under abnormal conditions.
- Division System:
- Fibers (Class III)
- Applies only in the Division system (no direct equivalent in the Zone system). Ignitable fibers or flyings pose a fire risk in environments like textile manufacturing.
Source: JCE Group https://www.jcegroup.com/blog/useful-information-assist-engineers-working-hazardous-ex-areas-part-3
Key Differences Between Systems
Both systems serve the same purpose: ensuring equipment is safe to use in hazardous environments, but it's important to know which system applies to you.
- Region: The Division system is used primarily in North America, while the Zone system is employed in Europe, Asia, and other regions with ATEX or IECEx standards.
- Granularity: The Zone system provides more specific classifications for different levels of hazard exposure, especially for continuous versus intermittent exposure, while the Division system simplifies these into two main categories.
- Hazardous Material Type: Both systems apply to gases, vapors, and dust, but the Zone system offers a clearer distinction between continuous and occasional exposure. The Division system also uniquely covers environments with fibers (Class III), which the Zone system does not.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common HazLoc classifications:
Class I: Flammable Gases or Vapors
Class I hazardous locations are environments where flammable gases or vapors are present in the atmosphere. These are among the most dangerous environments because gases can easily ignite with a spark or even a small amount of static electricity. Industries that typically fall under this category include oil & gas, chemical processing, and refineries.
- Division 1 (or Zone 0 / Zone 1): In Division 1 areas, flammable gases or vapors are present during normal operating conditions. This means the hazard is a constant or frequent risk. Equipment used in these areas must be designed to operate without causing any sparks or overheating that could ignite these materials.
- Division 2 (or Zone 2): In Division 2 areas, flammable gases or vapors are only present under abnormal operating conditions. For example, this could occur if there’s a system leak or equipment failure. While the risk of ignition is lower in Division 2 than in Division 1, equipment still needs to be rated for this environment to ensure safety if a hazard does occur.
Examples of Class I areas include:
- Chemical manufacturing facilities
- Gas processing plants
- Oil rigs & refineries
Class II: Combustible Dust
Class II hazardous locations involve areas where combustible dust is present in the air. These dust particles can form explosive clouds under certain conditions, creating serious risks if ignited. Common industries where combustible dust is present include grain handling, sugar refineries, and woodworking.
- Division 1 (or Zone 20 / Zone 21): Division 1 areas are locations where combustible dust is present during normal operating conditions. The dust may be suspended in the air or accumulate on surfaces in sufficient quantities to cause an explosion. The equipment used here must prevent the buildup of static electricity and ensure that no hot surfaces can ignite dust particles.
- Division 2 (or Zone 22): In Division 2 areas, combustible dust is only present under abnormal conditions, such as a failure in dust control systems. The equipment in these areas still needs to be robust enough to avoid ignition in the event of dust exposure.
Examples of Class II areas include:
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Food processing plants
- Grain elevators
Class III: Fibers and Flyings
Class III hazardous locations are areas where easily ignitable fibers or flyings (small, lightweight particles) are present. These fibers, typically found in industries like textiles or woodworking, may not be airborne in large enough quantities to create explosive clouds, but they can accumulate and pose a fire risk when exposed to ignition sources.
- Division 1: In Division 1 areas, ignitable fibers and flyings are present during regular operations. Equipment in these locations must be designed to prevent sparks or overheating that could ignite the material.
- Division 2: In Division 2 areas, ignitable fibers and flyings are only present under abnormal conditions, such as an equipment malfunction that releases them into the environment.
Examples of Class III areas include:
- Paper processing facilities
- Woodworking plants
- Textile mills
Third-Party Certification: Ensuring Compliance and Safety
To ensure that devices and equipment used in HazLoc environments meet strict safety standards, they undergo third-party certification by recognized testing organizations like SGS, UL (Underwriters Laboratories), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association). These independent bodies assess the design, performance, and safety of the equipment to verify that it complies with the applicable standards for hazardous locations. These certifications confirm that the equipment can withstand the conditions present in classified environments.
-
Testing & Evaluation: The product is subjected to rigorous testing, including simulations of extreme conditions such as the manufacturer's specified ambient temperature range, exposure to chemicals, or physical impact.
-
Documentation & Compliance: The product must comply with standards like NEC (National Electrical Code), ATEX, or IECEx, which define safety guidelines for different types of hazardous environments. These standards vary by region, and third-party certifications help ensure global compliance.
-
Ongoing Audits: In many cases, certified products are subject to periodic audits and re-certifications to ensure that they continue to meet safety standards over time.
By choosing third-party certified products, companies can trust that their equipment has been thoroughly vetted for safety, significantly reducing the risk of accidents in hazardous environments.
Does aXtion Extreme Meet HazLoc Standards?
The aXtion Extreme series of cases by The Joy Factory are specifically designed to meet HazLoc safety standards. Here’s how they offer the protection and certification needed for hazardous environments:
- Durability Under Pressure: The aXtion Extreme is built to withstand the harshest conditions, including exposure to extreme temperatures, dust, and moisture—all while maintaining full functionality.
- Non-Incendive Design: The cases are crafted with materials that are incapable of causing ignition of a specified flammable gas-air, vapor-air, or dust-air mixture under normal operating conditions in areas classified under Class I Division 2 or Zone 2.
- IP68-Rated Protection: The aXtion Extreme boasts an IP68 rating, meaning it’s fully sealed against dust and protected from water immersion, safeguarding it against conditions that might trigger an explosion.
- Certified for HazLoc Use: Each aXtion Extreme case undergoes rigorous testing and certification, ensuring compliance with both NEC and ATEX standards. This allows workers in industries like oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing to use mobile devices safely, even in hazardous zones.
Why HazLoc Certification Matters for Mobile Devices
In hazardous environments, safety is non-negotiable. Using mobile devices without proper certification can lead to catastrophic accidents, endangering both workers and facilities. HazLoc certification ensures that the technology you’re relying on is built with safety in mind, protecting your team while keeping your operations efficient.
The aXtion Extreme series doesn’t just meet the basic requirements—it exceeds them. By choosing HazLoc-certified mobile solutions like the aXtion Extreme, you’re investing in the safety, reliability, and productivity of your workforce.
Ready to learn more about the aXtion Extreme? Explore how it can transform safety in your HazLoc environment today!
