In industries where hazardous environments pose a risk of explosion and fire, ATEX two-way radios play a crucial role in worker safety and communication reliability. These radios are designed specifically to operate without sparking, minimising the likelihood of igniting flammable gases or vapours. As you delve into this comprehensive guide, you’ll gain an understanding of ATEX radios, including their key features, benefits, industries that typically require them, and recommendations for top-tier models.

Whether you’re a safety officer, a communication specialist, or an industry professional navigating hazardous environment, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights to make informed decisions about ATEX two-way radios, ensuring the safety and productivity of your team.

What are ATEX radios?

ATEX stands for “Atmosphères Explosibles,” which translates to Explosive Atmospheres. This is a directive implemented by the EU that sets standards for the safety of electrical equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

ATEX radios are specifically designed to be used in hazardous environments where there is a risk of explosion, fire, or other dangerous conditions.

These intrinsically safe devices are typically used in industries such as oil and gas, mining, chemical manufacturing, and waste management. They are essential for maintaining worker safety in these environments, as they prevent sparks from being generated that could ignite flammable gases or vapours.

How ATEX two-way radios differ from standard radios.

Think of a fire needing three things to start: fuel ( gas), oxygen (in the air), and a spark or heat (like a match, or an overheating electrical item).

Intrinsically safe devices are made so they can’t produce enough heat or sparks to ignite a fire or explosion, even if there’s fuel and oxygen in the atmosphere.

To prevent sparks, ATEX radios are designed with the following features:

• Encapsulation: The radio’s internal components are encased in a non-sparking material.
•  Reduced energy: The radio’s circuits are designed to operate at low energy levels.
• Arcing suppression: The radio’s components are designed to suppress arcing, which is a source of sparks.

ATEX two-way radios are often blue to help quickly identify them from a regular device. However, there is no specific requirement or regulation that dictates that ATEX devices must be blue.

What are ATEX zones?

ATEX zones are areas where there is a risk of an explosion. The zones are classified based on the frequency and duration of the explosive atmosphere. There are three main ATEX zones:

• Zone 0 (vapours)/ Zone 20 (Dust): An area where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods.
• Zone 1 (Vapours)/ Zone 21 (Dust): An area where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally.
• Zone 2 (vapours)/ Zone 22 (Dust): An area where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation.

The equipment designed for each zone undergoes specific testing and certifications to ensure it meets the required safety standards.

What does DSEAR require?

DSEAR requires employers to eliminate or control the risks from dangerous substances – further information on these requirements can be found on the HSE DSEAR page. In addition to the general requirements, the Regulations place the following specific duties on employers with workplaces where explosive atmospheres may occur.

Remember: Vigilance and proactive safety culture are essential in preventing accidents and protecting lives in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Safety considerations in potentially explosive atmospheres.
For a radio to meet ATEX standards it must meet the following considerations:

Devices must cope with extreme temperatures ranging from +45°c to -20°c.
Devices also have to be resistant to sand, dust (including metal dust), oil/fuel, chemicals and water.

Furthermore, these devices need to be thoroughly tested for resistance to thermal shock (the ability to withstand sudden temperature changes) and thermal cycling (the effects of alternating heat and cold) to ensure their reliability.

The equipment also needs to be rugged enough to withstand hits and drops. High levels of IP and MILSTD (military standard) protection are therefore necessary.

Benefits of ATEX Two-Way Radios

Enhanced safety: Not only have ATEX two-way radios been designed to prevent sparks, but they also offer a reliable communication method to keep workers connected in high-risk environments.

Reliable Communications: ATEX two-way radios are built to withstand the harsh conditions of hazardous environments, with an IP67 rating. They are dustproof, waterproof, and shockproof, and they can operate in extreme temperatures. This means they will keep your workers connected which is essential in coordinating work activities and responding to emergencies.

Increased productivity and efficiency: ATEX two-way radios can help to improve efficiency in hazardous environments by reducing the need for workers to travel back and forth to communicate. Two-way radios also offer reliable communication in areas with poor or no signal

Additional Features

✓ Man Down. This feature detects if the radio user falls, becomes immobile or encounters an emergency. It activates if it detects a change in the radio’s orientation, a sudden impact, or a lack of movement for a predefined period. Once activated the radio sends out a distress signal to the central command. This function is especially crucial in industries where workers operate in high-risk environments.

✓ Lone Worker. This safety feature specifically protects individuals working in isolation. To mitigate the risk of workers being by themselves, the lone worker function uses a check-in timer on the device. This requires the lone worker to check in at a predetermined interval. If they fail, an alert is triggered, and a distress signal is sent to the central command.

✓ Large, textured push-to-talk button – This makes it easier for users to operate the device whilst using gloves.

✓ Intelligent Audio allowing the radio volume. When workers can clearly hear instructions or updates, it minimizes errors in tasks performed, enhancing overall safety and productivity in hazardous environments.

✓ Integrated GPS – GPS enables real-time tracking of workers’ locations. In hazardous environments, this feature is vital for monitoring individuals’ whereabouts, especially in case of emergencies or incidents. GPS tracking helps in efficient resource allocation. Supervisors can optimize workflows, assign tasks based on proximity, and coordinate operations more effectively by knowing the location of their workforce in real-time.

Industries that typically require ATEX devices.

• Oil and gas industry.
• Chemical plants
• Mining operations
• Grain storage facilities
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Petrochemical refineries

Recommendations

Motorola DP4801EX

• Large, Full-colour Display
• The loud front-facing speaker and Intelligent Audio feature automatically adjust the radio volume according to the environment’s noise level.
• Integrated GPS
• Dedicated emergency button
• Rugged and reliable – IP67 rated.
• 1Watt
• 19-hour battery life (digital)
• Lone worker
• VOX (Voice operated transmit)
• Group call
• Man-down

Hytera PD795IS

•  Rugged and reliable IP67rated
• 2.4inch colour display
• Dual antimagnetic mechanism to protect the speaker from metal dust and shavings.
•  Lone worker
•  Man down
•  Enhances GPS positioning accuracy to within 1 metre
•  AI-based noise cancellation
•  Unique water-porting design
• 2Watt

Entel DT953

• Licence-free!
• Rugged and Reliable IP68-rated
• High contrast white on black OLED display
• TDMA Two-Slot Direct Mode
•  Group Call
• Dedicated emergency button
• 0.5Watt

Conclusion

To conclude, ATEX two-way radios are essential for maintaining worker safety and effective communication in hazardous environments. Their intrinsic safety design and comprehensive features make them indispensable for industries where the risk of explosions poses a significant threat. By understanding ATEX radios, selecting the right models, and implementing proper safety protocols, organizations can safeguard their workforce, enhance operational efficiency, and minimize the risk of costly accidents. As you navigate the world of ATEX two-way radios, keep in mind the crucial role they play in safeguarding lives and ensuring business continuity.

Here at 2wayradioshop, we supply a wide range of ATEX devices and accessories. Please contact our team for more information on anything mentioned in today’s article.