ATEX compliance and communication systems in the oil and gas industry

ATEX compliance in oil and gas operations involves far more than selecting certified equipment. Communication systems must also perform reliably within hazardous areas, support established safety procedures and remain practical for teams working in demanding conditions.

For refineries, terminals, offshore facilities and processing sites, this means looking at the complete communication system. Radios, batteries, audio accessories, gas detectors, network infrastructure and safety functions all need to work together. Radiocoms supports organisations by helping them specify, install and maintain ATEX-certified communication systems suited to their operational environment.

Where communication systems fit within ATEX compliance

For those considering “what is ATEX compliance?” specifically in relation to communications, the main question is whether every device carried into a classified area is suitable for that environment and used within the conditions of its certification.

This includes more than the radio itself. Batteries, remote speaker microphones, earpieces, headsets and connected monitoring devices may all form part of the certified equipment configuration. An unapproved accessory or replacement battery could affect the protection on which the product’s certification depends.

Communication systems also need to fit the organisation’s existing procedures. Radios may be used to confirm permits, coordinate maintenance, report gas alarms or request assistance during an emergency. Their role should therefore be considered alongside wider operational controls, rather than treated as a separate technology purchase.

Communication challenges in oil and gas environments

Hazardous-area certification is one requirement, but it does not guarantee that a radio system will work well across a complex site. Oil and gas environments can present several practical communication challenges, including:

High background noise from machinery, compressors and processing equipment
Steel structures, pipework and vessels that affect radio coverage
Remote or isolated work areas
Offshore weather exposure and harsh environmental conditions
Users wearing gloves, hearing protection or breathing apparatus
Different contractors or teams operating on separate radio systems
The need to connect field personnel, control rooms and emergency responders

A communication system should be planned around these conditions. Coverage testing, audio performance, accessory selection and control-room integration can be just as important as the choice of handheld radio.

Matching communication equipment to the classified area

Hazardous-area classifications are already well understood across the oil and gas sector. The communication challenge lies in translating those classifications into the correct equipment specification.

A radio described as ATEX-certified will not necessarily be suitable for every hazardous area. Its equipment category, gas or dust group, temperature class and protection marking must correspond with the conditions identified in the site assessment.

Environmental protection should also be considered. A radio may need resistance to dust, water, impact and chemical exposure, depending on where and how it will be used. The same checks apply to approved batteries and audio accessories.

The role of ATEX two-way radios in oil and gas operations

ATEX two-way radios give workers a direct way to communicate without introducing unsuitable consumer devices into classified areas. They can support routine operations, planned maintenance and emergency response across a facility.

Depending on the model and system configuration, useful functions may include:

A dedicated emergency button
Lone Worker timers
Man Down detection
GPS or indoor location data
Transmit interrupt for urgent calls
Clear audio in high-noise environments
Controls designed for use with gloves
Text messaging and work-order applications

The required features will depend on the site’s operating procedures and the roles performed by each user group. A control-room operator, maintenance engineer and emergency-response team may have different communication needs, even when working on the same radio network.

Features to consider in an ATEX communication system

Audio quality is particularly important in oil and gas environments. A radio may meet the correct certification standard yet still be difficult to hear near compressors, machinery or process equipment. Noise-cancelling technology and suitable audio accessories can make a substantial difference. GPS and location services can also help teams track the location of personnel and coordinate responses, while emergency alarm routing can ensure critical alerts are quickly directed to the appropriate personnel or control room.

Other points to review include:

Network coverage across operational and emergency-response areas
Battery life over a full shift
User controls and keypad requirements
Compatibility with existing DMR or TETRA infrastructure
Dispatch and control-room software
Integration with gas detection equipment
Availability of approved accessories and replacement parts

A site survey can help identify weak coverage areas before equipment is deployed.

Managing ATEX communication equipment throughout its working life

ATEX compliance management for communication equipment continues after procurement. Radios used in oil and gas operations may be exposed to drops, weather, dust, chemicals and repeated battery changes. Their physical condition and approved configuration therefore need to be monitored.

Communication asset management may include:

Maintaining an accurate register of radios, batteries and accessories
Assigning approved equipment to specific zones, roles or teams
Checking casings, seals, controls and battery connections
Removing damaged equipment from service
Preventing the use of non-approved batteries or accessories
Controlling radio programming and firmware
Planning inspection, servicing and replacement cycles
Reviewing equipment when site layouts or operating procedures change

Clear quarantine and fault-reporting procedures help prevent damaged or incorrectly configured equipment from being returned to use.

Supporting correct use through radio familiarisation

Wider ATEX compliance training will normally sit within an organisation’s established safety programme. Radiocoms can support this with practical radio familiarisation training, helping users understand the specific equipment and functions they have been issued.

This may include guidance on:

Pre-use visual checks
Correct battery fitting and charging
Approved audio accessories
Emergency-button operation
Lone Worker and Man Down functions
Radio use while wearing PPE
Fault reporting and equipment quarantine

This type of familiarisation is particularly useful when a new system is introduced, safety functions are reconfigured, or different teams are brought onto a shared network.

ATEX communication system checklist

As part of a wider ATEX compliance checklist, organisations may wish to review the following communication-specific points:

Does the equipment certification match the classified areas where it will be used?
Are all batteries, chargers and audio accessories approved for the radio?
Has radio coverage been tested across operational and emergency-response areas?
Can users operate the equipment while wearing their assigned PPE?
Is audio clear in the site’s noisiest working areas?
Are Emergency, Lone Worker and Man Down functions configured correctly?
Are alarms routed to the people responsible for responding?
Are damaged radios removed from service promptly?
Is there a planned maintenance and replacement programme?
Can the system connect with location, dispatch or gas-detection technology where required?

ATEX product compliance and radio options

ATEX product compliance begins with checking the complete certification and approved configuration. It also involves selecting equipment that works with the organisation’s radio network and operating requirements.

For DMR systems, available options include the Hytera HP79X Ex ATEX digital two-way radio, Hytera PD795Ex, Motorola Solutions MOTOTRBO DP4801Ex and DP4401Ex.

The newer Motorola Solutions MOTOTRBO R7Ex full-keypad and R7Ex non-keypad models provide options for teams with different display and control requirements.

For TETRA networks, the Motorola Solutions MTP8500Ex is designed for hazardous and high-noise environments. The Entel DTEx ATEX range also provides communication options for industrial and marine applications.

Compatible Honeywell portable gas detectors can be connected with radio systems so that gas alarms and readings are shared with the appropriate personnel. This can support a faster response by reducing reliance on the worker making a separate voice call.

ATEX product compliance support from Radiocoms

ATEX product compliance support should consider the full communication environment, including infrastructure, coverage, accessories, programming and ongoing maintenance.

Radiocoms can assist with site surveys, system design, product selection, installation, configuration, user familiarisation and technical support. This helps organisations introduce communication systems that fit their existing ATEX arrangements and the practical demands of the site.

Visit the Radiocoms oil and gas industry page to learn more about ATEX-certified radio systems and connected communication technologies for hazardous operations, or contact us to discuss your requirements.