scope:

1.1 This recommended practice provides guidance to the owner/operator of hazardous (classified) locations for the use of portable/personal electronic products in Class I, Division 2; Class I, Zone 2; Class II, Division 2; Class III, Division 1; Class III, Division 2; Zone 21, Group IIIA only; or Zone 22, Groups IIIA and IIIB only hazardous (classified) locations.

1.2 This recommended practice is not suitable for product certification.

1.3 Further, this recommended practice is not suitable for the evaluation of the following:

1. a) Products that are powered by premises wiring or connected to a communication line during use in the hazardous (classified) location.
2. b) Products powered by power sources other than battery or photovoltaic cell.
3. c) Products intended to be used for Zone 1, Zone 0, Zone 22 Group IIIC, Zone 21 Group IIIB or Group IIIC, Zone 20, Class I Division 1, Class II Division 1.
4. d) Products intended for mining applications.

1.4 Also, this recommended practice is not suitable for the evaluation of types of portable/personal electronic products that are available as certified products for the hazardous (classified) locations by an OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL). Examples of available NRTL certified products include but are not limited to radios, pagers, flashlights, cell phones, tablets, cameras, smart watches, and test instruments. Differences in manufacturer/brand or software feature do not constitute a lack of availability.

NOTE 1: The following are the typical Division system standards for these products:

1. • UL 121201, Nonincendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2 and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
2. • UL 783, Electric Flashlights and Lanterns for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations.

NOTE 2: The Zone system standards for these products are UL 60079 series, Explosive Atmospheres for EPC Gc and Dc applications.

NOTE 3: In the United States, an OSHA interpretation of 29CFR1910.399 requires that a certified, listed, or labeled product be used if it is available. When certified, listed, or labeled equipment is not available, the CFR allows for testing and inspection by the owner/operator. This recommended practice is intended to provide guidance to the owner/operator for such testing and inspection.

1.5 This recommended practice does not address other considerations involving the use of portable/personal electronic products which may result in these products being considered unsafe due to creation of a distraction from important work tasks or radio frequency interference with measurement and control equipment.