Role of standards developing organizations (SDOs)
With the North American HazLoc installation codes (primarily detailing equipment installation requirements) in place, the role of HazLoc standards developing organizations (SDOs) can be summarized as follows:
- It is the responsibility of North America's HazLoc SDOs, such as UL, to work with industry to develop the appropriate overall equipment requirements.
- Certain HazLoc SDOs, such as UL, also serve as members of the technical committees charged with the development and maintenance of the North American installation codes for hazardous locations.
- Additional HazLoc SDOs are also able to impact these codes as part of requests for general industry comments that are part of the development and maintenance process.
For North America, the following are some of the HazLoc SDOs, with each one typically dealing with different HazLoc equipment issues or applications:
- Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA)
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
- National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG)
UL uses safety requirements published by all of the above SDOs and others as part of equipment evaluations and certifications. For details on the safety requirements published by these SDOs and others that are used by UL, please see our certification documents pages.
