Maintenance, Repair & Operations

Entering Hazardous Locations

Sept. 18, 2018

Use these tips when entering a hazardous location.

What you do prior to entering a hazardous location is vitally important to your safety. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Ensure any equipment you’re going to install is listed for the location.
Use installation tools and methods that comply with Hazardous Location rules.
Read and apply the MDS for ignitable chemicals in that location. Follow the requirements for ignition control and ventilation. Know how to handle and dispose of chemicals you intend to use.
Present your work plan to the operator in charge. Ask if operations can change something to reduce your risk. For example, perhaps they can shut a process down for an hour or run the ventilation fans at full speed. Or they can advise you on the lowest risk window of time to enter the area.
Before entering the location, know where the alarms, exits, eye washes, fire extinguishers, and other “use in an emergency” items are. Ask the operators to show you on a drawing of the location; verify once you are there.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.