Explosion Hazard Classification of Gases and Dusts Relative to Use of Electrical Equipment. Report of the Committee on Studies on Hazardous Substances

摘要

The present empirical system for classifying gases and dusts as to their potential explosion hazard in workplaces where electrical equipment is located functions reasonably well. It would be desirable to generate a scheme for classification that is based on scientific first principles, but achievement of that goal is far off. Nevertheless, because of the continued rapid introduction of new chemicals into the market and their increased use in international trade, there is a need for improved testing and classification procedures--in particular, processes uniformly acceptable to the international community concerned with protection of the workplace environment. In the report the testing methods and classification schemes used in the United States are reviewed, and their drawbacks are discussed.