ATEX

Overview

ATEX two-way radios are specifically designed for use in environments where explosive materials are handled or processed. Examples of this include: Oil Refineries; Gas Extraction Plants; Oil Rigs; Chemical Factories; Sawmills and Flourmills. An ATEX two-way radio is different from a regular two-way radio in that:

• It has a different colour (MOTOTRBO ATEX radios are Blue).
• It needs a special battery – non ATEX batteries will not fit.
• It can only be used with certain Motorola ATEX approved audio accessories.
• The transmit power is less than a quarter than that of a regular radio (i.e. 1W).

The EU ATEX Equipment Directive describes what equipment is allowed in an environment with an explosive atmosphere. It covers all electrical and electronic equipment but only defines which standards a particular piece of equipment should conform to. The term ATEX is derived from the French title of the 94/9/EC directive: Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles. Although only required in the EU, many non-EU countries and companies have mandated the use of ATEX equipment in their manufacturing plants. An ATEX two-way radio is considered to be Intrinsically Safe but only in the environments for which it is certified.

It is not possible to convert a standard radio into an ATEX radio. It is also not possible for customers to repair ATEX radios - repairs must be carried out by a certified repair facility.

Labeling

The ATEX label, on the bottom and back of the radio, tells the user which zones and areas the radio can be used in.

MOTOTRBO ATEX radios are certified for the conditions shown in the picture below.

The ATEX label on the bottom of a DP4801Ex.

This means that this radio is intrinsically safe for use in the following environments:

• Gas Rating ATEX: Class II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb; IECEx: Ex ib IIC T4 Gb
• Dust Rating ATEX: Class II 2D Ex ib IIIC T90°C Db; IECEx: Ex ib IIIC T90°C Db
• Mining Rating ATEX: Class I M1 Ex ia I Ma; IECEx: Ex ia I Ma

This chart explains the meaning of the above letters and numbers.

Statutory Requirement

Within the EU, in-country laws require the use of an ATEX radio in potentially hazardous environments. Many non-EU countries also require this as part of their workplace safety regulations.

Many factories have insurance for workplace injury or loss of life. A loss of life claim by a worker’s family can be in the order of millions of dollars. If non-ATEX equipment was used in the hazardous area, the insurance company can refuse to pay the claim and the employer could be held liable.

The EU Marine Equipment Directive (MED) requires that on-board emergency firefighter radios be ATEX. Chapter 4 of the SOLAS Convention only specifies that these radios be intrinsically safe and therefore outside the EU, TIA-4950 radios can be used, if the vessel does not carry a member state flag.

Outside the EU

Outside the EU there are other standards for Intrinsic Safety and in many cases a Motorola radio with TIA-4950 option will suffice. To be certain, customers should always check with their safety officer; government body responsible for workplace safety or their insurance underwriter.

See Also

SOLAS Convention