This Standard specifies requirements that can be applied to a vehicle, so that the vehicle is able to operate safely in areas that may be hazardous because of the presence of an explosive gas/vapour atmosphere or combustible dusts. This part should be read in conjunction with any other relevant parts of this series. Procedures for the maintenance of vehicles in hazardous areas are given in Appendix A and performance testing requirements are given in Appendix B.NOTES:1 Explosive gas atmospheres and combustible dusts are classified in accordance with the appropriate parts of AS 2430.2 This Standard does not apply to -(a) areas where inherently explosive dusts are present; and(b) underground working of coal mines.3 Precautions should be taken to reduce accidents from hazards other than explosive gas atmospheres and combustible dusts. Actual and potential hazards can arise from the following:(a) Poor visibility.(b) Floor or ground surfaces which are low-friction, excessively rough or excessively sloping.(c) Toxic atmospheres.(d) Restricted ventilation that may allow carbon monoxide to increase or oxygen to reduce.(e) Dusts that may be conductive and so create a short-circuit causing a vehicle to run out of control, particularly if the vehicle is electrically powered.(f) Inadequate maintenance.

First published as part of AS B270-1968.Revised and redesignated AS 2359.1-1980.Second edition 1985.Revised and redesignated in part as AS 2359.12-1996. Originated as part of AS B270-1968. Previous edition AS 2359.1-1985. Revised and redesignated in part as AS 2359.12-1996.