What are the primary hazards of Class I, Zone 0, 1, and 2 locations?

In Class I locations, the primary hazards are indeed related to the ignition of gases and vapors. These areas are categorized based on the likelihood of the presence of flammable gases or vapors and their potential to create explosive atmospheres.

Zone 0 is an area where explosive gas-air mixtures are present continuously or for long periods. Zone 1 is where such mixtures are likely to occur during normal operations, and Zone 2 is where such mixtures are not likely to occur under normal operating conditions but may exist for short periods. The presence of flammable gases in these locations poses a significant risk of ignition, especially if there are sources of ignition such as open flames, sparks, or hot surfaces.

In comparison, while the combustion of liquids and the storage of solid combustibles can lead to fire hazards, they are not the primary concern within Class I zones, which focus specifically on gases and vapors. Electrical hazards are a general concern in all electrical installations and settings but are not uniquely tied to the characteristics of Class I areas like the risk associated with igniting gases and vapors. Thus, the ignition of gases and vapors is the central concern in understanding the hazards present in these specific classified locations.