Hazardous Location (HazLoc) Inspections
Ensuring Safety in Classified Areas
What Is A Hazardous Location (Hazloc) Inspection?
A HazLoc inspection is a formal review of electrical equipment in industrial areas where flammable dusts ,gases, vapors, or fibers may be present. It ensures compliance with CSA C22.2 standards in Canada and confirms that equipment is properly rated to prevent fires or explosions in hazardous environments.
Why This Matters
In hazardous areas, even a small electrical issue can trigger a fire, explosion, or complete shutdown. HazLoc inspections are a proactive way to protect your investment and prevent costly downtime by confirming that your equipment is properly rated for the environment it operates in. Inspections are typically performed after new equipment is installed, modifications are made, or area classifications change.
Purpose
Verify compliance with hazardous location classifications (e.g., Class I, II, III or Zones 0, 1, 2).
Ensure safety by confirming that all electrical equipment is properly rated, installed, and maintained for the specific environment.
Reduce risk of ignition from sparks, heat, or improper equipment.
Satisfy legal and insurance requirements before energizing systems or after modifications.
Support audits and certifications, especially in regulated industries.
Key Elements of a HazLoc Inspection
Verify area classification: Class I/II/III, Division 1/2 or Zone 0/1/2, 20/21/22.
Confirm grounding and bonding: Reduce ignition risks from static or faults.
Check equipment approvals: CSA or UL certifications for appropriate zone/class.
Evaluate wiring methods: Reduce ignition risks from static or faults.
Inspect seals and fittings: Ensure explosion- proof or dust-tight seals are properly installed.
Review documentation: Area classification drawings, equipment certificates, and inspection reports
Common Findings During a Hazloc Inspection
Missing or Incomplete Nameplates
Equipment is installed without the required permanent nameplate showing hazardous area rating, temperature, code, voltage, or certification number.
Intrinsically Safe (IS) Wiring & Labeling Issues
IS circuits may be installed alongside non-IS wiring without proper separation or lack required documentation and barrier labeling. Safety warning about IS circuits are also often missing.
Improper Wiring Methods from OEM’s
Non-compliant wiring is used in classified zones—such as using standard cables where armored TECK90 or properly rated hazardous location cables are required.
Enclosure Integrity Compromised
Modifications like adding vents or drilling holes compromise the rating of Type 4X or flameproof enclosures.
Unapproved Equipment
Motors, panels, or other devices lack Canadian approval markings or are not certified for use in hazardous areas.
Missing Seals on Explosion-Proof Enclosures
Cable glands or conduit seals required for flameproof "d" enclosures are not installed, increasing the risk of flame propagation.
Industry
Examples of Hazards
Common Locations Requiring HazLoc Inspection
Food & Beverage
Sugar dust, flour dust, ethanol vapors
Ingredient handling, alcohol processing, silo areas
Pharmaceutical
Solvent vapors, fine powders
Mixing rooms, solvent storage
Agriculture
Grain dust, feed dust
Grain elevators, feed mills
Oil & Gas
Flammable gases and vapors
Refineries, well sites, tank farms
Chemical
Volatile organic compounds, vapors
Process areas, storage tanks
Water Treatment
Methane or hydrogen sulfide gases
Pump stations, sludge handling areas
Wood Products
Fine sawdust
Dust collection systems, cutting areas
Paint & Coatings
Flammable vapors
Spray booths, mixing rooms
What Classifies an Area as Hazardous?
An area becomes a “classified location” when normal operations or equipment failures could release:
Flammable gases/vapors (Class I)
Combustible dusts (Class II)
Ignitable fibers/flyings (Class III)
The classification (Zone or Division system) depends on the likelihood and type of hazard.
How we Help:
Sheridan Electric supports industrial clients in hazardous locations by coordinating certified third-party inspections and offering expert consulting on compliance questions for OEM’s and End Users. We manage the process end-to-end to ensure your installations meet all requirements.