scope:

This part of IEC 60079 is concerned with the classification of areas where flammable gas or vapour or mist hazards (see Notes 1, 2 and 3) may arise and may then be used as a basis to support the proper selection and installation of equipment for use in a hazardous area. It is intended to be applied where there may be an ignition hazard due to the presence of flammable gas or vapour, mixed with air under normal atmospheric conditions (see Note 4), but it does not apply to a) mines susceptible to firedamp; b) the processing and manufacture of explosives; c) areas where a hazard may arise due to the presence of combustible dusts or fibres (refer to IEC 61241-10 / IEC 60079-10-2); d) catastrophic failures which are beyond the concept of abnormality dealt with in this standard (see Note 5); e) rooms used for medical purposes; f) domestic premises. This standard does not take into account the effects of consequential damage. Definitions and explanations of terms are given together with the main principles and procedures relating to hazardous area classification. For detailed recommendations regarding the extent of the hazardous areas in specific industries or applications, reference may be made to national or industry codes relating to those applications.