ATEX Radios: A Quick Guide to Intrinsically Safe Two Way Radios

Two way radios are widely trusted across industries wherever there is a need for colleagues to communicate on the move and over distance. In heavy industries that face considerable health and safety risks, they are also a valuable frontline asset for protecting the workforce.

However, in certain hazardous environments, radios themselves can be a risk factor. When flammable gases or dust are present in the atmosphere, electrical devices can trigger combustion and cause an explosion.

Yet these kinds of high-risk environments are also where personal radios are most essential to provide the quickest way to call for help or alert others to dangers. Two way radios are also vital for orchestrating evacuations smoothly and efficiently, ensuring everyone can be safely moved out of harm’s way.

The solution lies in a specialised category of devices known as ATEX or IECEx intrinsically safe two-way radios. In this short guide, we’ll explain exactly what ATEX radios are, why they are so important, where they are used, and we shall also give some recommendations for models to check out.

What is an ATEX Radio?

ATEX is an abbreviation of the French term Atmosphères Explosives, referring to industrial environments where there is a high risk of explosions. It’s the name given to a pair of European directives governing safety standards for so-called intrinsically safe electrical equipment.

An ATEX two way radio is a model that conforms to these standards and is therefore safe to use in volatile environments. ATEX radios are certified by the EU standard Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles. Where as IECEx are certified by the International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres.

What Does Intrinsically Safe Mean?

Intrinsically safe electronic devices are designed to minimise the ignition risks caused by sparks or heat generated by electrical circuitry. This is achieved through a combination of lower operating temperatures, careful choice of components and robust sealing/insulation.

Why are ATEX Two-Way Radios Important?

Fortunately, explosions in the workplace are rare in the UK. That’s largely thanks to tight safety regulations and high levels of education and awareness around the risks. The widespread use of intrinsically safe equipment like ATEX radios contributes to the UK having one of the lowest rates of fatal workplace accidents in Europe.

Where are ATEX Radios Used?

Some of the industries where ATEX radios are essential include:

• Oil and Gas: The rosk of explosion is a critical concern across the extraction, refining, storage and transportation of oil and gas. ATEX radios are widely used everywhere from offshore platforms to refineries to fuel depots.
• Chemical Industry: Chemical plants handle many hazardous substances, some of them flammable enough to pose an explosion risk. The by-products of chemical production processes are also a common risk factor.
• Construction: Flammable materials are common on construction sites, ranging from building materials like timber and insulation to gases like propane and LPG used to power certain equipment. Among many other health and safety considerations, site operators have to take fire safety very seriously. In areas where combustible gases are used, this can require the use of ATEX radios.
• Warehouses: If flammable products like paints or solvents are stored in a warehouse, operators will often choose ATEX radios to minimise fire risks.
• Mining: In mining and extraction operations, flammable gases and dust pose a huge safety risk, with potentially catastrophic consequences should explosions occur underground. ATEX radios are standard equipment in these environments.
• Airports: Aviation fuel is highly flammable. ATEX radios are widely used by ground crew working as electrical sparks can cause a significant risk during plane refuelling.

Features of ATEX Radios

The primary design goal of ATEX two way radios is to ensure they are intrinsically safe and pose no ignition risk in environments where combustible materials are a hazard. But ATEX radios still also have to perform well as radios. Given the fact that they are used in some of the most hazardous industrial environments, they also have to be robust and reliable.

All ATEX radios are by definition (and according to the standards they must comply with to be sold as ATEX) explosion-proof and intrinsically safe. Other key features to look out for when choosing an ATEX model include:

• Rugged build: ATEX radios are often used in harsh as well as hazardous conditions, and have to be built accordingly. Heavy insulation is typically combined with robust, durable casing that is capable of withstanding physical shocks. One particular thing to look out for is the operating temperature range. Thanks to being heavily insulated, many ATEX radios can operate at extreme temperature highs and lows.
• Water and dust resistance: A rugged build goes hand in hand with water/moisture and dust ingress protection. ATEX radios are typically rated at least IP67, which helps with ignition protection against flammable dust, but also means they are waterproof.
• Long battery life: ATEX radios are often used in industries where long shifts are the norm, and where people might routinely be working at a distance from base. Long-lasting batteries are essential for reliable performance throughout a shift.
• Enhanced audio: Industrial workplaces can be very noisy, with lots of heavy machinery creating lots of background noise. Digitally enhanced audio features such as AI noise cancellation help to ensure users can still hear critical calls.
• Emergency alerts: Given the risk factors in the industries where ATEX radios are commonly used, most models also include features aimed at protecting personal safety. These can include one-touch emergency alarms, Man Down fall detection alerts, and Lone Worker monitoring.

Enhanced audio

In industrial workplaces where the cacophony of heavy machinery often drowns out communication, the integration of digitally enhanced audio features like AI noise cancellation becomes indispensable. These advanced technologies ensure that workers can clearly hear critical calls and instructions amidst the high-decibel environments typical of manufacturing and construction sites.

Our comprehensive range of ATEX-rated accessories, including specialised headsets that integrate directly into bump caps and hard hats, work seamlessly with our ATEX radios to amplify this benefit. These accessories not only provide hearing protection but also enhance voice clarity, making sure every message is received with precision. This synergy between our ATEX radios and accessories is designed to maintain safety standards, whilest boosting operational efficiency, ensuring that communication remains uninterrupted and crystal clear, in even the noisiest settings.

Recommended ATEX Two Way Radios to Check Out

Most of the biggest two way radio brands manufacture ATEX handsets, including the likes of Motorola and Hytera.

Motorola offers ATEX-compliant versions of its DP4000 series, one of the most popular professional digital radio ranges on the market. The Motorola DP4401 EX combines a classic push-to-talk (PTT) no-screen design with enhanced digital audio and coverage, plus an extra robust, intrinsically safe build. The DP4801 EX in the same range comes with a screen and full keypad. Both are IP67 rated and come with integrated GPS as standard, plus Lone Worker and Man Down safety features.

Hytera is credited with manufacturing the world’s very first intrinsically safe two way radio, the HP795 Ex. A user-friendly display model with a full keypad, the HP795 remains a popular ATEX model. It features an ergonomic design that sits comfortably in the hand with prominent controls for easy use, extended battery life, dual analogue and digital functionality, and GPS and safety features as standard.

The Hytera PT890EX, meanwhile, is a recent upgrade on Hytera’s ATEX offer and one of the best high-performance intrinsically safe radios currently available. Sharing many of the core features the PD795, including a full keypad and display, upgrades include multi-satellite location services, multiple connectivity options and an IP68 rating.

The NX-230EXE has all the benefits of advanced digital technology – including increased effective coverage area, low noise for superior clarity, and inherently secure voice communication – the NX-230EX is ATEX/IECEx-certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres such as oil refineries, chemical plants, grain silos, pipeline and other chemical applications. The NX-230EXE operates in VHF (Very High Frequency) band, specifically in the 136-174 MHz range. The NX-330EXE Operates in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band, specifically in the 400-470 MHz range. This difference in frequency bands means the NX-230EXE might offer better range in open, outdoor environments, while the NX-330EXE could be better suited for environments with more obstacles or indoors where UHF signals can navigate around structures more effectively. Both models comply with the ATEX Directive and the IECEx Scheme, ensuring they are safe for use in explosive atmospheres. However, the specific safety features like “Man Down”, Dual-Mode Motion Detection, Lone Worker, and Emergency Key are functionalities installed in both, but their implementation might differ slightly due to the different operational environments they are targeted for. Both models support a range of ATEX-rated accessories like microphones, batteries, chargers, and programming software (like the KPG-111D for both). However, specific accessories might be optimized for either VHF or UHF operations.

Get in touch with our sales team for more recommendations for the right ATEX radio for your workplace.

FAQs

What’s the difference between ATEX and non-ATEX two-way radios?

ATEX-approved radios are built to strict standards to minimise the risk of sparks, which is critical in explosive environments. They also control heat output to ensure safe use in hazardous areas. From the anti-static casing to the specially designed batteries, every part is carefully designed with safety in mind. These radios meet the high safety standards needed in industries like oil and gas, mining, and chemical manufacturing.

Can I use ATEX radios in non-hazardous environments?

Yes, ATEX radios can be used in non-hazardous environments, though they are built for explosive atmospheres. However, their specialised design and safety features mean they are usually more expensive than standard two-way radios. For non-hazardous areas, regular radios may be a more cost-effective choice while still covering your communication needs. Not sure which one works best for you? Our team is here to help.

Do ATEX radios require special training for users?

ATEX radios are designed to be easy to use, but some training is recommended to ensure safe operation in hazardous environments. Training usually covers the specific features of ATEX radios, including how to use them without compromising their safety features. Users are also shown how to maintain the device and spot potential issues that might affect performance or safety. This training helps users get the most out of ATEX radios while following safety guidelines.