Speaker’s name: Katie Aho

Organization: Square Robot

Job title: Senior Regulatory Compliance Engineer

Biography:

Katie Aho is the Senior Regulatory Compliance Engineer at Square Robot, where she leads efforts to ensure global compliance for hazardous location certifications. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from UMass Lowell and received her PhD from the University of Vermont in 2024, specializing in research on transient signal behavior on transmission lines and the integration of renewable energy into the power grid. Katie brings experience in product safety, EMC, and medical device compliance from previous roles at OnLogic and Deka R&D. At Square Robot, she applies her deep technical knowledge in electromagnetics and electrical safety to advance safe, standards-driven innovation.

Presentation title: Hazardous Location Classification in Aboveground Storage Tanks: A Practical Guide to Risk Mitigation and Regulatory Compliance

Presentation abstract/summary: 

Aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are vital for holding flammable and potentially dangerous substances, yet their operational environments often present hazardous locations (HazLoc) where the risk of fire or explosion is elevated. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of how to identify, classify, and mitigate these hazardous areas, drawing from IEC 60079-10 and NFPA 497 standards.

Attendees will gain insights into how environmental conditions, material behavior, and tank design influence hazard zones, and why accurate classification is essential for both safety and compliance. Real-world examples will highlight best practices for reducing incident potential and ensuring conformance with international regulations.

Key Learning Objectives

  • Understand how hazardous locations are defined and classified in accordance with IEC 60079-10 and NFPA 497.
  • Learn how to assess environmental and operational factors that influence HazLoc severity within ASTs.
  • Explore mitigation strategies that enhance safety and regulatory compliance in above ground tank operations.