New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

In healthcare facilities, the hazardous locations where flammable anesthetics are employed extend to what height above the floor?

1. 3 feet

2. 5 feet

3. 7 feet

4. 10 feet

The correct answer is: 5 feet

In healthcare facilities, particularly in areas where flammable anesthetics are used, the definition of a hazardous location takes into account how these materials can accumulate and potentially create dangerous situations. The industry standards, including those set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Electrical Code (NEC), indicate that the hazardous area typically extends to a height of 5 feet above the floor level. This height is crucial because it acknowledges that flammable vapors from anesthetics can rise and may become concentrated at that level. By designating this zone as potentially hazardous, additional safety measures can be implemented, such as the use of explosion-proof equipment and proper ventilation, to minimize the risk of ignition and ensure a safe environment for healthcare workers and patients. Lower heights, such as 3 feet, would not adequately address the potential accumulation of vapors, while higher thresholds such as 7 or 10 feet would be unnecessarily cautious and could lead to conflicts with practical safety measures and regulations. Therefore, recognizing the 5-foot height as the standard allows for balanced safety practices tailored to the actual behavior of flammable anesthetics in the environment.