What are intrinsically safe two-way radios?

Intrinsically safe two-way radios aren’t needed in all environments. But in certain environments, intrinsically safe equipment is essential. 

Apart from two-way radios, intrinsically safe equipment includes specialised mobile phones, flashlights and headlamps, cameras, tablets and computers, handheld gas detectors and more. 

In this article, we’ll focus on intrinsically safe two-way radios, but the general characteristics that contribute to intrinsic safety apply across all types of equipment. 

Defining intrinsically safe equipment

Intrinsically safe equipment is designed and certified as having electrical and thermal characteristics that will not generate sparks or sufficient heat to trigger ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres. These include environments in which the presence of gases, vapours, or potentially flammable dust are present in concentrations that pose a workplace fire or explosion hazard. 

Examples of industries in which intrinsically safe equipment may be required

Oil and gas

The oil and gas industry is among the first that most people would think of when listing industries in which ignition hazards are present. Of course, the same hazard applies to refuelling and fuel storage operations such as those found at airports. 

Chemical processing and use

Chemical processing plants may also have a need to guard against ignition hazards. The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations require businesses to take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances. Chemicals like acetic acid, formic acid, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide all release flammable gases or vapours under certain circumstances. We can include certain manufacturing industries here, for instance, the paints and coatings industry.  And, as a logical addition, any industries that use flammable chemicals, paints, or coatings. 

Mines and enclosed spaces

Enclosed spaces in which flammable atmospheres may be present are also of concern. Naturally, this includes mining operations. The potential presence of methane is of particular concern across most types of mining operations, but other flammable components may add to ignition hazards. For example, the presence of coal dust can aggravate risks. 

Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry may not strike the average person as particularly hazardous. However, volatile chemicals used in pharmaceutical production may call for the use of intrinsically safe equipment. 

Agriculture and food processing

In agriculture and the food and beverage industries, wood or grain dust are particularly hazardous. Despite high-profile accidents having highlighted the hazard of grain dust, explosions still occur. 

Fire and rescue services

Emergency services, such as fire and rescue services, may require the use of intrinsically safe equipment due to the presence of flammable gases, vapours, or dust in hazardous environments. Since this equipment is designed to prevent sparks or high surface temperatures, it reduces the risk of explosions in volatile situations.

Construction and plant maintenance

Construction is already a hazardous line of work, and it’s not exempt from this hazard. Construction works can occur within any of the environments listed above, and this would call for the use of intrinsically safe equipment. 

What makes certain two-way radios intrinsically safe?

When working under hazardous conditions, certifications will always be of importance. They indicate that the product has been tested and adheres to accepted safety standards. In the UK, you should look out for certifications indicating that your equipment complies with the ATEX Directive as indicated by IECEx Certification or the UKCA Mark. 

You may be wondering how two-way radios meet these standards. Technical features would include:

• Sealed housings that prevent sparks or arcs
• Low voltage and current 
• Intrinsically safe batteries 
• Rugged construction that reduces the risk of safety features being compromised
• Designs and material choices that limit the potential for static-electricity sparks from housings or other external components
• Designs that maintain safe temperature limits during operation since heat alone can trigger ignition

In addition, any accessories (headsets, for example) used in environments where intrinsically safe two-way radios would be required should also have intrinsic safety features.

What’s the difference between non-incindive and intrinsically safe?

It’s important to avoid confusion between related terminologies, and this may mean being aware of the difference between non-incendive and intrinsically safe devices. 

A non-incendive device will not act as a source of ignition under normal conditions. An intrinsically safe device, on the other hand, will be safe under fault conditions. This means a higher level of protection, essential in working environments where every effort must be made to prevent ignition. 

What are the different classes of environment for intrinsically safe radios?

Under the ATEX directive, intrinsically safe equipment is classified according to operating conditions. Thus, we have:

• ATEX Zone 0 environments are characterised by the continuous presence of an explosive atmosphere.
• ATEX Zone 1 environments are exposed to explosive atmospheric conditions occasionally. 
• An ATEX Zone 2 designation means that explosive environmental conditions are unlikely to occur, and if they do, they will persist over a very short period. 

Intrinsically safe two-way radio example

Apart from reducing the risk of ignition, intrinsically safe two-way radios should offer additional features that can help promote safe working in hazardous environments. While not all of these are required for certification purposes, it’s worth considering the additional benefits they confer. To illustrate this, an example of the features included in an intrinsically safe two-way radio is in order. 

Motorola’s MOTOTRBO DP4801 ATEX Digital Portable Two-Way Radio provides an excellent example of an intrinsically safe two-way radio. Apart from complying with the ATEX Directive, it offers features that enhance workplace communication, safety, and the handling of emergencies, particularly in hazardous environments. 

Best-in-class audio features include a front-facing speaker with intelligent volume adjustment. It automatically checks the environmental noise level and delivers messages at an audible level. And, when text messages and reminders would be more appropriate, the option is available and includes the ability to preprogram messages to be sent at a specific time. 

Communication is key to both safety and efficiency, but knowing the whereabouts of lone workers or remote teams can be vitally important too. Here, GPS technology allows for location-tracking, conferring further safety benefits. 

In a crisis situation, rapid alerts will be crucial, and a single emergency button offers the ability to alert relevant personnel for faster response-time when seconds count. In a similar vein, it may be necessary to interrupt an existing radio conversation to deliver critical communications, and the MOTOTRBO DP4801 ATEX two-way radio offers this feature too.

The MTP8000Ex Series TETRA ATEX portable radio is another example of an intrinsically safe two-way radio. Meeting the latest ATEX and IECEx standard, this next generation of TETRA ATEX radios has been specifically designed for end-users who work in areas with potentially explosive gases or chemical vapours, flammable liquids or combustible dust.

Intrinsically safe two-way radios at work

At Radiocoms, we’ve been trusted with the provision of intrinsically safe two-way radios across industries. Is it time you updated your communications technology? Whatever your requirements, we will be able to determine a best-fit solution. 

From companies active in the oil and gas industries, to airports and industrial concerns, our track-record demonstrates our dedication to enhanced communication and workplace safety. Talk to us about your need for intrinsically safe two-way radios and find all the solutions you need with Radiocoms. 

Read more about two-way radios.