On ATEX-rated sites, two-way radios and accessories provide an essential lifeline to workers.

The stakes are significantly higher in ATEX zones, where explosive atmospheres pose unique challenges and risks. Two-way radios can only provide optimal levels of communication when they have been looked after and maintained properly.

Malfunctioning radios in these environments can lead to severe consequences and create potential safety risks for your workforce. In this article, we explore the vital role of maintenance and upkeep in preserving the integrity of ATEX two-way radios and accessories, essential lifelines for workers in ATEX-rated sites. We will explore what preventative maintenance is and how to conduct it. Reading this article is a proactive step toward enhancing equipment safety and operational reliability on your sites!

What are ATEX Two-Way Radios and Equipment?

ATEX standards are a set of safety protocols for equipment used in potentially explosive environments. These standards ensure that all equipment, including two-way radios and accessories meet stringent criteria, minimising the risk of sparks in hazardous working environments. Failure to use intrinsically safe devices and accessories on ATEX sites can result in legal penalties and fines, site-wide shutdowns and an increase in risk for the workforce.

For a more in-depth dive into ATEX standards and devices, read our ATEX TWO-WAY RADIOS  COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE (2023) Here

Why is Maintenance and Upkeep Important for ATEX Radios and Equipment?

ATEX standards are vital in safeguarding communication and ensuring the safety of workers in potentially explosive environments. By understanding these regulations and choosing ATEX-compliant equipment, businesses can create a safer working environment and mitigate the risks associated with flammable materials. However, it is also the business’s responsibility to ensure that the ATEX integrity of their equipment has not been compromised by damage or wear and tear.

Having a well-organised and consistent maintenance schedule for your devices provides the following benefits:

Enhanced Safety – Reduced risk of incidents occurring in hazardous environments

Reliable communication – Clear and consistent communication for effective team coordination

Reduced equipment downtime and cost due to extended device lifespan and fewer repair expenses.

Recommended ATEX maintenance

We recommend that everyone who owes two-way radio equipment commits to a maintenance plan, but it is twice as important for ATEX-rated equipment! Regular preventative maintenance ensures your equipment’s reliability and longevity, proving highly cost-effective in the long run by minimizing repair and replacement expenses.

When carrying out preventative maintenance start by checking the physical condition of the device. Look for any signs of wear tear and damage. If an Intrinsically safe radio has a small chip or crack in its housing the ATEX rating of the device is compromised and has the potential to malfunction.

Don’t forget to check that the ATEX seal of the device is still intact. We would recommend that preventative maintenance gets carried out annually, however, you can do it every 6 months if you would prefer.

Next, check the date of your batteries. Replace your batteries every 18 months.

Additionally, you can carry out an RF performance test to ensure the device is performing as it should be and that it is correctly tuned to your frequencies.

Promptly and accurately record any damage found during the maintenance check. Return damaged devices to the manufacturer for repair at a certified centre, ensuring ATEX devices are repressurized and recertified for safety.

Our sister company Eemits Communications offers a preventative maintenance service, where our expert engineering team inspects all your ATEX devices. We record all our findings in a maintenance report and can facilitate any needs for repairs or replacements. For more information on this service contact our team by emailing service@eemits.co.uk or ring 0800 328 0100.

Conclusion

To conclude, maintaining intrinsically safe two-way radios and accessories is important in safeguarding workers.  It ensures there is reliable communication on site, and adhering to health and safety regulations for ATEX-sites. Neglecting proper upkeep of this equipment can lead to severe consequences and safety risks.  A proactive commitment to regular maintenance enhances equipment safety, prolongs lifespan, and reduces the risk of incidents

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