Explosion-proof scales may sound mythical, but they’re vital to many diverse industrial & commercial applications. However, unless you handle explosive materials, how do you know if your workplace requires a Class I Division 1 designation?
Fortunately, at Arlyn Scales, we have a unique perspective on intrinsically safe scales for hazardous environments. In fact, we’ve innovated technology to optimize our own models!
Therefore, we wanted to provide you with some tips for better understanding your facility. This guide provides support, but remember to follow all local laws and regulations!
Class 1, Division 1 Hazardous Areas per NFPA 70 NEC
Recall that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) classifies hazardous environments by Class, Division, and Group. With NFPA 70 National Electric Code classifications, business owners, production managers, and facility supervisors can be decisive in boosting safety & productivity.
Through NFPA 70 NEC codes, you are provided a practical means of communication. Classifications enable you to identify areas in your daily operations that present an increased risk of particular hazards.
That way, you can equip your operators with the proper tools and training for a safe & productive work environment. So how can you be sure that your business falls under a C1D1 classification?
C1D1 Definition per OSHA Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides some guidance to help businesses understand NFPA 70 NEC. You may be a C1D1 facility if there’s an operational risk of explosion or combustion due to hazardous levels of ignitable mixtures.
This is true if combustible vapors or gases result — whether chronically or frequently — from:
- Standard operating conditions
- The presence of a leak
- Current maintenance operations
- Frequent repair
- Faulty processes
- Failing Equipment
Furthermore, even if operations don’t frequently produce a hazard from flammable gases, you must consider your electrical equipment. If any of the listed conditions could cause a concurrent electrical failure, then you may run a C1D1 location.
Common Industries that Rely on C1D1 Explosion-Proof Scales
According to OSHA standards, it’s basically guaranteed that your facility is a C1D1 environment if you handle, produce, use, (etcetera) combustible chemicals like:
- Acetylene
- Ethylene
- Hydrogen
- Petrochemicals
Therefore, you’re likely to recognize a number of industries and applications that rely on C1D1 scales.
Health & Wellness Industries
Some health and wellness products require the use of chemicals like butane. A C1D1 cylinder scale can handle tanks of butane, while C1D1 Ultra Precision Scales are perfect for weighing minute quantities.
Building & Construction
Ethylene and its polymers are integral to construction applications, including the production of tile and flooring. With a C1D1 Platform Scale, you can manage numerous large building materials with confidence and efficiency.
Find C1D1 Intrinsically Safe Scales at Arlyn Scales
At Arlyn Scales, we offer an expansive catalog of Class 1 Division 1 scales for a diverse range of applications. These enable you to measure, monitor, and adapt in safety and confidence through precision designed for hazardous locations.
Best of all, we can collaborate with you to find the perfect C1D1 weighing solution for your business. To find the best explosion-proof scale for your operations, reach out to our team today.
