Use InspectNTrack to perform hazardous area inspections on fire equipment using intrinsically safe mobile computers and scanners.
What Is A Hazardous Area?
The National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) is responsible for producing safety codes that are designed to help mitigate fire risks. One of their safety standards, NFPA 70 has become known as the NEC or National Electrical Code. This code outlines precautionary steps that can be taken when dealing with electric equipment. In NFPA 70, a hazardous area is described as being an area in which fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flyings.
Identifying the Type of Hazardous Area
Within the National Electric Code, both Section 500 and 505 provide definitions of hazardous areas. Section 505 is generally used within the United States, where section 505 is used outside the United States.
For those working within the United States, it is important to be familiar with Section 500 of NFPA 70 and its definitions of Class 1, 2 and 3 locations. Class 1 relates to gases and vapors, Class 2 to dust, and Class 3 to fiber.
Within each Class, there are two divisions. A Division 1 designation means the hazard can exist under normal conditions or could exist because of maintenance work or because of leakage or breakdown. Division 2 denotes a location where gases or vapors are confined and only escape due to accidental rupture or breakdown, where build-up is prevented through positive ventilation. Class III locations are those which are hazardous because of the presence of easily ignitable fibers or flyings.
By understanding and being able to identify the various kinds of hazardous areas, companies can better prepare for their hazardous area inspections.
Do I Need To Perform Fire Safety Inspections In Hazardous Areas?
Routine inspections of fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, sprinklers, alarms, and fire doors are always important, but in hazardous areas they are imperative.
According to OSHA Publication 3073, hazardous locations are areas where flammable liquids, gases or vapors or combustible dust exist in sufficient quantities to produce an explosion or fire. This puts hazardous areas at a much greater risk of experiencing a fire so they must be prepared to mitigate the risk at all times. Routine inspection and maintenance of fire protection devices are essential for ensuring safety.
When it comes to frequency of inspections, there are a lot of factors to consider. However, hazardous area inspections should occur on equipment at least every 3 years.
How Can I Perform Mobile Inspections On Fire Safety Equipment In Hazardous Areas?
It is important for companies to track inspections on fire and safety equipment, particularly in hazardous areas. Software solutions, such as InspectNTrack, are the best way to ensure compliance with any Authority Having Jurisdiction. InspectNTrack’s mobile application makes the inspection process paperless and efficient.
You may be wondering, how do companies that operate in hazardous or flammable areas which prohibit typical mobile devices accomplish these mobile inspections? The answer is simple. By using intrinsically safe mobile computers and scanners (which are certified compliant for the particular hazards within the environment) InspectNTrack makes mobile inspections in hazardous areas possible.
Which Intrinsically Safe Mobile Devices Can I Perform Inspections On?
InspectNTrack has partnered with intrinsically safe device manufactures Zebra, i.safe MOBILE, and Bartec to offer compatible mobile computers for performing hazardous area inspections. Devices come in a variety of form factors and are independently certified for Class 1 Division 1, Class 1 Division 2, Class 2 Division 1, or Class 2 Division 2 usage.
Where Can I Buy Intrinsically Safe Mobile Devices?
InspectNTrack’s intrinsically safe web store is a great resource for browsing and learning about intrinsically safe devices which are certified safe for use in hazardous areas. You may also contact our sales department to talk to an intrinsically safe device expert for questions, recommendations, and quotes for purchasing.
