Explosive environments operate under much higher stakes than your standard workplace. There are layers upon layers of regulations and standards to follow to ensure safety across the facility.
For most industries, two-way radios can be used to coordinate security responses, make urgent alerts and save lives with calls for medical help. But, the wrong radio in an explosive environment can quickly go from life-saving to life-threatening.
Standard two-way radios that spark when dropped or while in use become a massive liability in hazardous areas.
Intrinsically safe radios are specifically designed to prevent the chance of any static electricity or sparks in a highly combustible space. These walkie talkies allow you to still coordinate your facility’s productivity and security, without bringing in any potential hazards.
GCS works to ensure your workplace is supplied with radios that meet safety standards for your industry. You can choose from a variety of brands and accessories that are intrinsically safe and industry-approved. Give us a call at 276-632-9700 for the answers to all of your intrinsically safe 2-way radio questions.
If your workplace handles combustible materials, you could be required to adhere to certain two-way radio regulations.
Your insurance company might specifically request your use of intrinsically safe radios in order to reduce liability. Depending on your industry, there may also be Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards that require your use of safer walkie talkies.
Many recommended radios are classified as UL 913. This indicates that the walkie talkie meets OSHA’s standards for “Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I, II, and III, Division I, and Hazardous Locations.” A UL 913, Class I Div I radio is one of the highest rated and most recommended classifications for use in a dangerous environment.
Most insurance companies in North Carolina and Virginia should recognize the UL 913 classification and advise using two-way radios that meet those standards. Your insurance company recommendation’s may state to use “Explosion proof” or “intrinsically safe” two-way radios. GCS will help you find radios that match those categories. If they request you use Factory Mutual Certified Intrinsically Safe Two-Way Radios, this is an expired radio rating and your needs will still be met by radios certified under UL 913.
For many industries, a standard walkie talkie with a few accessories is all it takes to get the job done. However, the following workplaces are often required to use radios proven to not trigger explosions:
A good rule of thumb is that your industry is likely going to need more explosion prevention efforts if you work with materials such as:
Once you have your radios, you should keep a few best practices in mind.
You should never pair your intrinsically safe walkie talkies with standard two-way walkie talkies or accessories. This negates the purpose of buying the specialty two-way radio. If you’re using the wrong accessories or not exclusively using safe radios it could result in sparks and an explosion. It also voids any radio-related safety certifications you’ve received and prevents you from meeting insurance requirements. You must also ensure that any and all radio accessories you use are intrinsically safe as well.
There are several well-established walkie talkie producers that you can purchase intrinsically safe radios from. You can buy radios from multiple manufacturers as long as they all meet the same standards.
GCS helps you get radios from popular brands such as Hytera, Kenwood and Motorola.
Intrinsically safe 2-way radios play a vital role in your workplace. The wrong radio could impact your company’s safety and insurance policy. You could waste thousands of dollars and put your facility in danger by purchasing the wrong radio.
GCS has years of experience supplying two-way radios guaranteed to keep your location safe. Don’t take this crucial step towards explosion prevention without help from experts.
Contact us today to find radios that meet your needs and stay spark free.