DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

There many reasons to avoid using cell phones in a laboratory:
- Ethical
- Security
- Hygiene

Talking about safety issues, this is my viewpoint:

Most of our labs are classified as Class 1 Division 1 or Class 1
Division 2 locations in the National Electrical Code, 2005 Edition (from
the National Fire Protection Association - NFPA).

Although that NFPA code is not specific for "portable equipment having
contained power supplies" (as the cell phones), it refers us to the
recommended practice ISA-RP12.12.03-2002, from The Instrumentation,
Systems, and Automation Society.

The above mentioned recommended practice states what kind of portable
products may be used in the classified locations:

Thus, in a Class 1 Division 1 location may be used:
a) Any product that is listed for use in the location

And in a Class 1 Division 2 location may be used:
a) PEP1 (PEP means Portable Electronic Product)
b) PEP2
c) Any product that is listed for use in the location

Since any cell phone meets the PEP1 criteria, only a few of them meets
the PEP2 criteria y probably no one is listed for use in such locations,
the use of cell phones should be prohibited in labs.

Reynaldo Beltran
EHS Management
Pemex Exploration & Production
Tabasco, Mexico
52-993-3521290