Role of users

With the Codes and appropriate safety requirements in place, and with equipment that has been suitably assessed regarding conformity to these requirements, the role of the HazLoc user community can be summarized as follows:

• The HazLoc user community is responsible for the critical step of suitably installing this equipment in, or relating to, hazardous locations
• Individual HazLoc users and representatives from organizations/associations of HazLoc users serve as members of the technical committees charged with the development and maintenance of these HazLoc Codes and equipment requirements
• Additional representatives from the HazLoc user community are also able to impact these Codes and equipment requirements as part of requests for general industry comments that are part of the development and maintenance process

Within the North American HazLoc system, users are diverse. Many users maintain associations with organizations that provide technical, governmental and market assistance. The following are some examples of such organizations/associations:

• American Gas Association (AGA) -- An energy trade association advocating the interests of its natural gas utility members and their customers. Provides information and services promoting operational excellence in the safe, reliable and cost-competitive delivery of natural gas.
• American Petroleum Institute (API) -- A national trade association representing the entire petroleum industry: exploration and production, transportation, refining and marketing.
• American Chemistry Council (ACC) -- A council representing the chemical industry on public policy issues, coordinating the industry's research and testing programs, and administering the industry's environmental, health, and safety performance improvement initiative. Formerly known as the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA).
• Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) -- An international professional society dedicated to providing its members with forums to generate leadership, innovation and excellence in grain-related industry operations.
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) -- A society for the purpose of science and education, directed toward the advancement of the theory and practice of electrical engineering, electronics, radio and the allied branches of engineering and the related arts and sciences.