Intrinsically Safe communications
Intrinsically Safe Two Way Radios for Hazardous Environments
Intrinsically Safe Two Way Radios for Explosive Atmospheres
In a classified hazardous zone, a standard two-way radio is not just the wrong choice. It is a potential ignition source. Radios contain batteries, circuits, and components that can arc or generate heat. In an environment where flammable gas, vapour, or combustible dust is present, that is enough to trigger a catastrophic incident.
Intrinsically safe (IS) radios are purpose-engineered to eliminate that risk. Every component is designed to limit electrical and thermal energy to levels that cannot ignite an explosive atmosphere, regardless of fault conditions. Digicom Wireless supplies IECEx and ATEX certified intrinsically safe two-way radios to mining, oil and gas, chemical, and industrial operations across Australia.
Using Non-IS Radios in a Classified Zone is a WHS Breach
Under Australian Work Health and Safety legislation, operators have a legal duty to ensure that electrical equipment used in classified hazardous areas meets the relevant IECEx or ATEX certification standard for that zone. Using a standard commercial radio in a Zone 1 or Zone 2 environment is not a grey area. It is a breach of the WHS Regulations, which carry significant penalties and, more critically, create a serious risk to your workers.
Digicom Wireless helps organisations specify the correct IS-certified radio for their zone classification, ensuring compliance from the point of purchase through to ongoing use. If you are unsure whether your current radios are compliant for your site, talk to us before your next audit.
IECEx, ATEX, and Hazardous Zone Classifications | What You Need to Know
The two most relevant international certification standards for intrinsically safe equipment in Australian operations are IECEx and ATEX. IECEx is the internationally recognised standard used in Australia and most of the Asia-Pacific region. ATEX is the European standard but is widely accepted globally. Both define equipment requirements for use in explosive atmospheres and both use the same zone classification system.
Explosive atmosphere is continuously present or present for long periods under normal operating conditions. The highest risk classification. Radios certified for Zone 0 carry the most stringent intrinsic safety requirements and are rarely required in most industrial operations.
Explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation. This is the most common classification for oil and gas facilities, refineries, chemical plants, and fuel storage areas. IS radios for Zone 1 are the standard specification for most hazardous area operations in Australia.
Explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation but may occur for a short period if it does. Grain silos, some manufacturing environments, and areas adjacent to Zone 1 locations commonly fall into this classification. Zone 2 certified radios carry a lower level of protection but are still legally required to be IS certified.
Man-Down and Lone Worker Alerting
Workers in hazardous zones are frequently isolated. Man-down alerting detects when a radio has been stationary or tilted outside normal parameters and automatically triggers an emergency alert. Lone worker timers require the user to confirm they are safe at regular intervals. Both are standard on IS-certified radios from Motorola and Hytera and are essential on any hazardous area site.
GPS Tracking in Hazardous Environments
Knowing where your workers are at all times is a fundamental safety requirement in explosive atmosphere environments. IS-certified radios with integrated GPS allow supervisors to monitor the location of every worker on-site in real time. In the event of an emergency, that information is critical for rapid response and evacuation coordination.
Certified Accessories: Headsets, Batteries, and Chargers
An IS-certified radio is only as compliant as the accessories attached to it. Headsets, remote speaker microphones, batteries, and chargers used in classified zones must also carry IECEx or ATEX approval. Using a non-certified accessory on a certified radio can invalidate the IS rating of the entire system. Digicom supplies certified accessories from Motorola and Hytera specifically approved for use with IS radio models.
IS Radios We Supply for Australian Hazardous Area Operations
As a Motorola Solutions Platinum Channel Partner and authorised Hytera dealer, Digicom Wireless supplies a range of IECEx and ATEX certified intrinsically safe radios for Australian operations. Key models include the Motorola MOTOTRBO R7 IS, Motorola DP4401 Ex, Hytera PD792EX, and Hytera PT790Ex. All are certified to the relevant zone classification and carry the feature sets required for hazardous area work: man-down alerting, GPS tracking, noise cancellation, and encrypted digital communications.
We specify the correct model for your zone classification and operational requirements before anything is ordered. Getting the zone rating right is not negotiable on a certified hazardous area site.
- IECEx and ATEX certified models for Zone 0, 1, and 2
- Motorola MOTOTRBO R7 IS and DP4401 Ex
- Hytera PD792EX and PT790Ex
- Certified IECEx and ATEX approved accessories
- Man-down, lone worker, GPS, and emergency alert
- Motorola Solutions Platinum Channel Partner supply
Industries That Require Intrinsically Safe Radios in Australia
Any operation where flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dust are present in classified zones is legally required to use IS-certified communication equipment. Here are the most common industries we supply.
Oil and Gas — Upstream and Downstream
Drilling rigs, offshore platforms, refineries, LNG terminals, and pipelines all contain classified Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas. IS radios with GPS and man-down alerting are a non-negotiable requirement for personnel operating in these environments.
Mining Operations
Underground mines with methane or coal dust exposure require IS-certified communications. Surface operations at fuel storage and chemical handling areas on mine sites also require zone-appropriate IS radios for compliant operation.
Chemical and Petrochemical Plants
Chemical manufacturing and processing facilities handling volatile substances require IS-certified radios across most operational areas. Zone classification maps vary by facility and Digicom can assist with specification based on your site's hazardous area documentation.
Fuel Storage and Distribution
Fuel depots, tanker loading areas, and fuel distribution facilities are classified Zone 1 or Zone 2 in areas where fuel vapour can accumulate. Standard radios are prohibited in these zones regardless of how briefly staff are present.
Grain Handling and Storage
Combustible grain dust creates a classified explosive atmosphere in grain silos, elevators, and processing areas. Zone 2 IS radios are required for personnel working in and around these structures in Australian operations.
Wastewater Treatment and Utilities
Sewage treatment plants can produce methane in enclosed processing areas, creating classified zones that require IS-certified equipment for maintenance and operational staff working inside those structures.
Not sure if your current radios are compliant for your zone classification?
Talk to us before your next WHS audit. We will assess your zone requirements, identify any compliance gaps, and specify the correct IS-certified equipment for your site.
Recommended Intrinsically Safe Radios
Click any product to view full specs and pricing in our store.
Different IS standards we offer:
FM
Factory Mutual
IECEX
International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for use in Explosive Atmospheres
ATEX
Explosive Atmospheres