ATEX Radio Hire - SOLAS Atex two way radios - Motorola ATEX Walkie Talkie and Repeaters

ATEX

In a modern workplace using 2 way radios is still an absolutely integral part of the working environments for some industries. This is no different when it comes to some of the following industries;-

The renting of ATEX or Intrinsically safe radio systems are still a key part of any plant and a mandatory requirement. Wherever there is an electrical spark or source of heat that could catch and cause and explosion, it isn't safe to operate normal two way radios. Motorola ATEX radios are industry leading and one of the most common manufacturers of ATEX two way radios.  You also have the benefit of clear audio with Motorola Digital Walkie Talkies which can also operate in analogue mode if required. 

ATEX Radios we recommend are:

ATEX Repeaters

Whilst there are no such thing as an ATEX approved repeater. A repeater would in most cases, be needed when hiring radios. A repeater and suitable professional grade UHF or VHF aerial is something we always have available to hire. Siting a repeater outside of the hazardous area is common practice whilst still ensuring maximum radio coverage.

If you are working in one of the hazardous environments mentioned in our list above. You will need to consider using ATEX radio hire. These are often used in conjunction with a Radio Repeater to ensure coverage and increase penetration through thick walls for example.

Hire a repeater

To hire a repeater for ATEX radios, request a quote by contacting us. Get A Quote

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service MTP8000Ex 2 Way Radios

What does ATEX mean?

ATEX is the standard for Atmospheres Explosibles and was introduced by the EU in 2003. Their outline of ATEX safety can be found in the 94/9/EC Directive. It outlines that intrinsic equipment and systems are used by workers exposed to harm by working in hazardous or explosive environments.

Don't get Intrinsically safe or IS confused with ATEX. Our explination below will help you clarify what you need to be looking for when looking to hire radios.

ATEX or Intrinsically safe or I.S.?

You will always find references to the terms above but what do they mean?. They are in short designed for the same purpose but, there are 2 key differences.

Intrinsically safe or IS when used on or in relation to two way radios mean the equipment is safe to use where spark, heat or flame could present a safety issue.

ATEX approved radios are manufactured differently and follow strict guidelines under the ATEX directive. This form of radio reduce the risk of even the smallest spark or form of ignition being created. ATEX rated radios can be used in explosive atmospheres such as chemical plants or power stations. They are in short, made to much higher standard and give the best form of operational safety.

Hire the right ATEX accessories

ATEX or IS radios MUST have the right rated accessories. If you are looking to hire ATEX or Intrinsically safe radios the radio is only as good as the equipment you use with it. A radio must use the given range of accessories for it. If you used a non ATEX rated speaker microphone with an ATEX radio. This would then void the radio rating and provide you with unsafe working conditions.

We have a large range of approved accessories available to hire including;-

Understanding different Hazardous Zones and Categories

You must be sure whether you need IS or ATEX IS two way radios for your given task. In most cases, any form of dangerous or hazardous situation it is best to go for ATEX.

There are different zones and equipment categories under the fire and explosion zoning. These are as follows

This guide is courtesy of Health and Safety Executive and a PDF copy can be found here

Explosive Atmospheres Classification and Hazardous Zones
Gases, vapours and mists

For gases, vapours and mists the zone classifications are:

Dusts

For dusts the zone classifications are:

Notes:

  1. Layers, deposits and heaps of combustible dust must be considered as any other source which can form an explosive atmosphere.
  2. "Normal operation" means the situation when installations are used within their design parameters. Equipment categories and zones

The hazardous area zone classification and corresponding equipment categories are: Zone 0 or zone 20 - category 1 equipment Zone 1 or zone 21 - category 2 equipment Zone 2 or zone 22 - category 3 equipment Notes 1. Category 1 equipment can also be used in zones 1 and 21 and category 1 and 2 equipment can be used in zones 2 and 22.

FAQs

Maintenance & Install

Gallery