UL 6260 Certification for HazLoc Inspection and Maintenance Robots and Drones

UL 6260 Certification helps manufacturers increase confidence in the safety and reliability of their remotely operated HazLoc robots and drones.
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Why use HazLoc robotics for inspection and maintenance?

The areas most in need of regular inspection are often the most dangerous for personnel to enter. Hazardous location (HazLoc) robotics enable remote operation in explosive, toxic or extreme-temperature environments without putting workers at risk.

Equipped with cameras, laser scanners, environmental and vibration sensors, these robots and drones deliver consistent, data-driven observations. This contrasts with manual inspections, where results vary due to factors such as lighting, technician fatigue and experience. 

The operational benefits of using HazLoc robotics for inspection and maintenance are considerable:

Repeatable, reliable data collection unaffected by external conditions

Faster, more efficient response to emergencies and routine maintenance

Reduced downtime for inspections and repairs

Avoidance of costly, time-consuming hot work permits

Ex certification is an essential engineering constraint demanding that the robot does not become a potential ignition source. Where explosive atmospheres may be present during normal operation, an Ex-certified robot can keep working when gas is detected, investigating and documenting the issue rather than triggering an evacuation.

What is UL 6260?

Certification to UL 6260, Outline of Investigation for Remotely-Operated Inspection and Maintenance Equipment for Hazardous (Classified) Locations, helps you demonstrate that your robot or drone meets the requirements for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. 

UL 6260 in hazardous locations

Europe, Germany, View Of Drone With Camera Flying, Airborne
Europe, Germany, View Of Drone With Camera Flying, Airborne

What is UL 6260?

Certification to UL 6260, Outline of Investigation for Remotely-Operated Inspection and Maintenance Equipment for Hazardous (Classified) Locations, helps you demonstrate that your robot or drone meets the requirements for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. 

What equipment does UL 6260 cover?

Platforms in scope

UL 6260 covers remotely operated mobile inspection and maintenance robots for use in hazardous locations.

Operating modes

  • Fully autonomous with no site supervision
  • Autonomous with site supervision
  • Autonomous with continuous remote operator supervision
  • Direct operator control, whether remote or on-board

Power options

  • Rechargeable battery systems 
  • Electrical tether 
  • Hydraulic tether 
  • A combination of the above 

Mobility types

  • Flying
  • Crawling
  • Tracked
  • Wheeled
  • Swimming
  • Diving
  • Other transportable configurations with robotics features

What does the UL 6260 certification process involve?

Our certification process for HazLoc robots and drones is adapted to meet your organization’s needs. It could include:

Design and technical documentation review

Hazardous location compliance testing (explosion-proof, intrinsic safety, IP ratings)

Functional safety, if applicable, and reliability validation

Certification mark for global market access and operator confidence

Why use UL Solutions to evaluate your HazLoc inspection robot and drones?

Market access

Benefit from our global expertise and facilities to help gain access to international target markets.

Enhance safety

Demonstrate compliance and help reduce risk across the supply chain.

Customer confidence

Establish your commitment to safety and innovation in HazLoc robotics.

Regulatory compliance

Certification can help avoid costly delays and non-compliance penalties.

UL Solutions UL Solutions

Work with UL Solutions

From design review to final certification, UL Solutions provides expertise and resources to help you efficiently demonstrate HazLoc robot compliance. 

FAQs

UL 6260 is intended for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) looking to obtain Ex certification, thereby helping support the safety of operators, such as major oil and gas companies and LPG processing facilities.

HazLoc compliance testing typically evaluates the risk of fire, shock, personal injury and explosion protection of robots and drones used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Yes. UL 6260 is the basis for North American certification, while IECEx and ATEX are the bases for international certification. 

Without certification, robotic commissioning can be a lengthy process. It may require a hot work permit, which can cause significant delays and expense.

The typical certification timeline varies depending mainly on the customer’s level of readiness. Depending on this, you can expect the timeline to vary from three months to over a year. 

Yes, we can assist with early design review before formal testing gets underway. Get in touch with us today to learn more about this process. 

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