Hazardous Areas” “Explosive Atmospheres”, and the like and relate to areas where flammable liquids, vapors, gases or combustible dusts are likely to occur in quantities sufficient to cause a fire or explosion.
The modern day automation of industry has meant an increased need to use equipment in Ex areas. Such equipment is termed “Ex equipment”
Ex equipment in such areas include:
Automotive refueling stations or petrol stations
Oil refineries, rigs and processing plants
Chemical processing plants
Printing industries, paper and textiles
Hospital operating theatres
Aircraft refueling and hangars
Surface coating industries
Underground coalmines
Sewerage treatment plants
Gas pipelines and distribution centers
Grain handling and storage
Woodworking areas
Sugar refineries
Metal surface grinding, especially aluminium dusts and particles
http://www.saysecurity.com/thetitan.html