Health and Safety Information 115
Potentially Explosive Environments
Switch your mobile device off when in any area with a potentially
explosive atmosphere and obey all signs and instructions. Sparks
in such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily
injury or even death. Users are advised to switch the mobile
device off while at a refueling point (service station). Users are
reminded of the need to observe restrictions on the use of radio
equipment in fuel depots (fuel storage and distribution areas),
chemical plants, or where blasting operations are in progress.
Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not
always, clearly marked. They include below deck on boats,
chemical transfer or storage facilities, vehicles using liquefied
petroleum gas (such as propane or butane), areas where the air
contains chemicals or particles, such as grain, dust, or metal
powders, and any other area where you would normally be
advised to turn off your vehicle engine.
FCC Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
Regulations for Wireless Devices
On July 10, 2003, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) Report and Order in WT Docket 01-309 modified the
exception of wireless mobile devices under the Hearing Aid
Compatibility Act of 1988 (HAC Act) to require digital wireless
mobile devices be compatible with hearing aids.
The intent of the HAC Act is to ensure reasonable access to
telecommunications services for persons with hearing
disabilities. While some wireless mobile devices are used near
some hearing devices (hearing aids and cochlear implants),
users may detect a buzzing, humming, or whining noise. Some
hearing devices are more immune than others to this
interference noise, and mobile devices also vary in the amount of
interference they generate.
The wireless telephone industry has developed a rating system
for wireless mobile devices to assist hearing device users find
mobile devices that may be compatible with their hearing
devices. Not all mobile devices have been rated. Mobile devices
that are rated have the rating on their box or a label located on
the box.
The ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending on
the user's hearing device and hearing loss. If your hearing device
happens to be vulnerable to interference, you may not be able to
use a rated mobile device successfully. Trying out the mobile
device with your hearing device is the best way to evaluate it for
your personal needs.
M-Ratings
: Mobile devices rated M3 or M4 meet FCC
requirements and are likely to generate less interference to
hearing devices than mobile devices that are not labeled. M4 is
the better/higher of the two ratings.
