Let me see if I understand your point correctly, Biggzie. You're saying that your friend's workplace requires that the actual flashlight in his hand has been individually tested and certified to be safe in a given hazardous environment? I can imagine that in depth testing like that would really drive up the price of each flashlight--but definitely cheap compared to the potential consequences.

Are any firefighters, petrochem, or utility workers reading this thread? How do you folks know your flashlights are safe to use, say, around a gas leak? Do you have to make sure that the actual flashlight on your belt is safe, or do you just need to use an approved model that has certification x,y,z?

Since the 4AA model of this flashlight is "Permissible for use in Gassy Mines. Methane/air only" I'm thinking that it would be safe to use in the scenario I outlined in the parent post. I just need to remember to remind my wife not to instinctively flip on the light switch on the way out of the dark room! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />