Which type of hazardous locations includes environments with the potential for explosions due to flammable gases?

The classification of hazardous locations is critical for ensuring safety in environments where explosive conditions may exist. Class I hazardous locations specifically refer to areas where flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are present in the air in such quantities that they could create an explosive atmosphere. This classification encompasses environments like those found in petroleum refineries, chemical processing plants, and various industrial settings where gases can accumulate and create risks for explosions.

In contrast, Class II locations involve combustible dust, which can ignite and cause a fire or explosion but differs fundamentally from the flammable gas scenarios described in Class I. Class III pertains to locations where ignitable fibers or lint are present, and non-hazardous results refer to areas free from any significant risk of fire or explosion due to hazardous materials. Thus, the identification that Class I is the category related to explosive hazards from flammable gases is essential for effective safety measures and equipment selection in those environments.