Intrinsically Safe Devices in the Oil & Gas Industry||2026
Intrinsically safe devices are used in oil and gas because refineries, rigs and gas plants contain atmospheres where an ordinary phone, tablet or camera could provide the spark that causes an explosion. Certification limits the energy a device can release so far that ignition is impossible, which is what permits it into a classified area. In practice these devices are used for field inspections, live communication, maintenance reporting and emergency response — tasks that would otherwise require workers to leave the area to record anything. The device marking must match the zone, gas group and temperature class of the specific area.
Why Does Oil and Gas Need Intrinsically Safe Devices?
The oil and gas industry is one of the most hazardous work environments in the world. Whether it’s drilling operations, refining, or pipeline management, workers are often surrounded by flammable gases, vapors, and liquids. In such dangerous zones, using standard mobile phones or tablets can lead to catastrophic accidents. This is why Intrinsically Safe Devices in the Oil & Gas Industry have become an essential part of operational safety.
These devices are specially designed and certified to prevent ignition in explosive atmospheres. With certifications like ATEX, ATEX, and CSA, intrinsically safe smartphones and tablets ensure that field workers can stay connected and productive without compromising safety.
Why Are Intrinsically Safe Devices Crucial in Oil and Gas?
Operations in oil and gas are commonly divided into hazardous zones-Zone 1 (where explosive gases are likely to be present) and Zone 2 (where gases may be present only occasionally). In both cases, the use of standard electronic devices poses a serious risk.
Intrinsically safe devices in the oil and gas industry are engineered to ensure that even if a fault occurs within the device, it won’t produce sparks or high temperatures that could ignite the surrounding environment. These devices are tested under stringent conditions and are compliant with global safety standards.
In short, they allow workers to perform inspections, document operations, and communicate in real time-even in areas that are marked as high-risk zones.
What Features Matter in an Oil and Gas Device?
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ATEX certified: Ensures device safety in explosive zones.
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Rugged Build: Designed to withstand dust, moisture, high impact, and extreme temperatures.
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Glove-Compatible Screens: Operable even while wearing protective gear.
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Long Battery Life: Suitable for remote and long-shift usage.
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Reliable Connectivity: Supports 4G LTE, GPS, and Push-to-Talk for seamless communication.
These features make them indispensable in oil and gas fields, where reliability and safety go hand in hand.
Which Intrinsically Safe Devices Are Used in Oil and Gas?
At Infinity-Ex, several models have been built specifically for hazardous field operations. Some of the most popular ones include:
Ex 101 Ultra
Perfect for offshore platforms and desert rigs, this ATEX Zone 1 certified smartphone supports Push-to-Talk, dual SIM, and enhanced GPS for remote areas.
Ex 72 Plus
An ideal solution for Zone 2 operations, the Ex 72 Plus offers thermal imaging, glove-compatible touch, and IP68 waterproofing for all-weather performance.
Ex 100 Pro Tablet
This rugged tablet is engineered for engineers and safety officers who need to access manuals, perform checklists, or send reports directly from the site.
All these devices follow strict safety regulations while enhancing field communication and efficiency.
Where Are These Devices Used on Site?
The common uses are field inspection rounds where readings and photographs are captured in the area itself, live communication between field and control room, maintenance reporting against a work order, and emergency response where location and status matter. Each removes a trip out of the classified area to write something down.
Intrinsically safe devices in the oil and gas industry serve multiple roles. Here are some real-world use cases:
Field Inspections
Inspectors can take photos, scan equipment barcodes, and fill digital checklists using safe smartphones-eliminating the need for paper logs.
Live Communication
Field workers can use Push-to-Talk and video calls to coordinate with control rooms instantly-even in high-risk zones.
Maintenance Reporting
Technicians log problems and upload repair status in real time via intrinsically safe tablets, streamlining the workflow.
Emergency Response
In events like gas leaks or fire alerts, safe devices allow teams to alert safety officers and evacuate quickly without risking device ignition.
What Are the Benefits for Oil and Gas Operations?
Implementing intrinsically safe devices in the oil and gas industry comes with major advantages:
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Improved Safety: Reduces the chances of accidental ignition in explosive zones.
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Higher Productivity: Enables real-time communication and data logging.
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Cost Saving: Reduces delays and paperwork, and minimizes equipment damage.
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Compliance Assurance: Meets global and local safety regulations.
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Mobility in Hazardous Areas: Workers can move freely without restriction on device usage.
Case Study: Ex 72 Plus Deployed in Offshore Rig
A leading offshore oil company recently replaced its manual check-in process with the Ex 72 Plus smartphone. These intrinsically safe devices allowed workers to log their shift starts, report issues, and access safety manuals digitally. As a result:
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Paper usage dropped by 90%
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Inspection reporting time reduced by 40%
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Safety violations related to unauthorized electronics dropped to zero in 6 months
This clearly shows the operational impact of choosing the right intrinsically safe devices for oil and gas field work.
Conclusion: Powering Safety with Intrinsically Safe Devices in the Oil & Gas Industry
With the increasing complexity and danger of modern oil and gas operations, companies can no longer rely on outdated tools or unsafe practices. Intrinsically Safe Devices in the Oil & Gas Industry are not just regulatory necessities-they’re operational assets.
By investing in the right smartphones, tablets, and communication tools, businesses can protect their teams, meet compliance standards, and boost productivity in some of the world’s most dangerous work environments.
Ready to upgrade your safety tech? Explore ATEX-certified devices at Infinity-Ex today.
Industrial Applications & Real-World Use Cases
In hazardous industrial environments such as oil refineries, petrochemical plants, offshore platforms, and mining operations, reliable communication is a critical safety requirement. Workers in Zone 1 and Zone 21 classified areas face constant exposure to flammable gases, vapors, and combustible dust. Any electronic device used must be intrinsically safe to prevent ignition.
Oil & Gas Operations
Field engineers on drilling rigs, well pads, and production platforms rely on ATEX certified devices for work order management, real-time communication with control rooms, digital permit-to-work systems, and photographic documentation. Our devices are deployed across ADNOC, Saudi Aramco, KOC, KNPC, ONGC, Petrobras, and Shell facilities worldwide.
Refinery & Petrochemical Safety
Process safety management requires continuous communication between operators, maintenance technicians, and HSE personnel. ATEX phones enable instant push-to-talk during turnarounds, emergency responses, and inspection rounds. Explosion-proof tablets allow viewing P&IDs and digital checklists in the field.
Offshore Platform Operations
Offshore environments present salt spray corrosion, extreme weather, and limited charging infrastructure. Our IP68-rated devices withstand these conditions while maintaining Zone 1 certification for crane coordination, emergency mustering, and helicopter manifesting.
Safety Compliance Standards
- ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU — European explosive atmospheres standard
- Ex ia IIC T4 Gb — Zone 1 intrinsic safety for gas groups
- Ex ia IIIC T135°C Db — Zone 21 dust protection
- IP68 — Dust and water protection
- MIL-STD-810H — Military-grade durability
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Related ATEX Products & Resources
Explore our range of ATEX-certified devices for hazardous areas:
Selecting the Right Device for Your Operation
Choosing the correct explosion-proof device depends on your specific operational requirements, environmental conditions, and workflow needs. Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating intrinsically safe communication equipment for your facility:
For Field Operators and Technicians
Personnel performing daily rounds, equipment inspections, and maintenance tasks benefit from compact phones with long battery life and rugged construction. The EX72 Plus delivers excellent balance between size, durability, and Zone 1 certified functionality for hands-on field work.
For Engineers and Supervisors
Professionals who need to reference drawings, access CMMS systems, review data trends, and manage digital permits require larger displays and more processing power. The EX 101 Ultra and INFINITY EX 100 PRO provide the performance needed for these demanding tasks while maintaining full ATEX certification.
For Tablet-Based Workflows
Operations transitioning to digital permit-to-work, electronic logbooks, or tablet-based inspection systems need larger screen formats. The TL110 5G Tablet provides a desktop-class experience in a Zone 1 rated package, ideal for control room extensions, field engineering, and supervisor walkdowns.
Key Selection Criteria
- Zone classification of your operating environment (Zone 1 gas and/or Zone 21 dust)
- Temperature range at your facility (our devices operate from minus 20 to plus 60 degrees Celsius)
- Battery duration needed for your shift length (8, 12, or 16 hour shifts)
- Application requirements such as SAP, push-to-talk, camera quality, or GPS accuracy
- Network compatibility with your facility communications infrastructure
Contact our team for a personalized device recommendation based on your specific operational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t a normal phone be used on an oil rig or refinery?
Because a standard phone is not certified and its battery, charging circuit and radio can release enough energy to ignite a flammable atmosphere. Classified areas permit only equipment carrying a valid marking for that zone.
What zone rating do oil and gas sites usually need?
It varies by area within the same site. Process areas where flammable gas is likely in normal operation are typically Zone 1, while surrounding areas where release is unlikely are typically Zone 2 — so the required rating must be taken from the site’s own area classification drawing.
Can an intrinsically safe device be charged in the hazardous area?
Normally no. Charging is usually restricted to a safe area unless the charger itself is certified for use in the zone, because the charging circuit is not covered by the device’s own certification.