By the Datanet team | Datanet – 40+ years in Australian enterprise mobility, rugged computing and data capture.
Intrinsically safe devices are electronic products designed to operate safely in explosive atmospheres by limiting electrical and thermal energy below the levels that could ignite flammable gases, vapours or combustible dust. In Australia they are typically IECEx and ATEX certified for specific hazardous-area Zones (0, 1, 2, 20, 21, 22).
As Australian industries continue their digital transformation, the need for reliable mobile technology in hazardous environments has never been greater. From mining operations in the Pilbara to oil and gas facilities, chemical processing plants, utilities and manufacturing sites across Australia, organisations are seeking ways to improve worker safety while increasing operational efficiency.
For more than 40 years, Datanet has helped Australian organisations deploy rugged mobility, barcode scanning, RFID and enterprise technology solutions. Today, Datanet is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of intrinsically safe smartphones, tablets, wearable computers and hazardous-area mobility solutions, helping businesses safely leverage digital technology in potentially explosive environments.
Datanet works with organisations across mining, oil and gas, utilities, energy, transport, defence, manufacturing and field service industries, providing complete mobility solutions that combine intrinsically safe hardware, enterprise software integration, asset tracking technologies and ongoing local support.
What Are Intrinsically Safe Devices?
Intrinsically safe devices are electronic products specifically designed to operate safely within hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapours, liquids or combustible dust may be present.
Unlike standard smartphones and tablets, intrinsically safe devices are engineered to limit electrical and thermal energy levels, preventing sparks, arcs or excessive heat that could potentially ignite an explosive atmosphere. These devices undergo rigorous testing and certification to recognised hazardous-area standards including:
- IECEx Certification (the international standard, accepted in Australia)
- ATEX Certification (the European standard)
- Australian hazardous-area regulations, including mining (AS/NZS 60079 series)
For organisations operating in hazardous environments, the use of certified intrinsically safe equipment is often mandatory to meet workplace safety requirements and minimise operational risk.
Intrinsically Safe vs Explosion Proof: What’s the Difference?
These terms are often confused. Intrinsically safe means the device itself cannot release enough energy to cause ignition – safety is built into the circuitry. Explosion proof (or flameproof) means the device is housed in an enclosure strong enough to contain an internal explosion without igniting the surrounding atmosphere. For handheld mobile devices such as phones and tablets, intrinsic safety is the relevant approach, which is why people searching for an ‘explosion proof phone’ are almost always looking for an intrinsically safe phone.
IECEx vs ATEX: Which Certification Applies in Australia?
Australian workplaces rely primarily on IECEx certification. IECEx is the international scheme recognised under Australian law, while ATEX is the equivalent European directive. Many devices carry both, but for Australian hazardous areas you should confirm IECEx certification for the relevant Zone.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is IECEx accepted in Australia? | Yes. IECEx is the certification scheme recognised for hazardous areas in Australia. |
| Are IECEx and ATEX the same? | They cover the same concept but are different schemes. IECEx is international; ATEX is the European directive. |
| Who needs an IECEx certificate? | Any organisation deploying electrical equipment into a classified hazardous area (mining, oil and gas, chemical, fuel, grain, etc.). |
Understanding Hazardous Area Zone Ratings
Selecting the correct intrinsically safe device starts with understanding hazardous area classifications.
| Zone | Hazard | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Gas | Explosive gas atmosphere present continuously or for long periods. |
| Zone 1 | Gas | Explosive gas atmosphere likely during normal operations. |
| Zone 2 | Gas | Explosive gas atmosphere not likely in normal operations; may occur abnormally. |
| Zone 20 | Dust | Combustible dust present continuously. |
| Zone 21 | Dust | Combustible dust likely during normal operations. |
| Zone 22 | Dust | Combustible dust may occur infrequently or briefly. |
Examples of Australian workplaces operating within hazardous classifications include:
- Underground mining operations
- Oil and gas production facilities
- Refineries
- LNG plants
- Chemical manufacturing sites
- Fuel storage depots
- Grain handling facilities
- Bulk powder processing plants
- Water and wastewater treatment facilities
- Hydrogen production and storage facilities
Datanet’s Intrinsically Safe Device Portfolio
i.safe MOBILE IS530.1 Smartphone
The i.safe MOBILE IS530.1 is one of the most widely deployed intrinsically safe smartphones in industrial environments. It combines Android enterprise functionality with Zone 1 and Zone 21 certification, and supports GPS, NFC, Bluetooth, push-to-talk and a range of modular accessories. Ideal for mining, utilities, oil and gas, field inspections and lone worker applications.
i.safe MOBILE IS540.1 5G Smartphone
For organisations seeking next-generation connectivity, the IS540.1 delivers intrinsically safe operation with 5G capability, supporting modern enterprise applications that require high-speed data while maintaining hazardous-area compliance.
i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 Tablet
The IS930.1 provides an 8-inch display so workers can access drawings, maintenance systems, inspection applications and operational data in the field. Its larger screen suits technicians and inspectors who need more visibility than a smartphone provides.
i.safe MOBILE IS940.1 (Android) & IS945 (Windows) Tablets
The IS940.1 builds on the IS930.1 with enhanced performance for demanding industrial applications, commonly used for digital inspections, asset management, maintenance workflows, engineering applications and operational reporting.
BARTEC SP9EX1 Intrinsically Safe Smartphone & Camera
The BARTEC SP9EX1 combines enterprise-grade smartphone and intrinsically safe camera functionality with hazardous-area certification, making it suitable for demanding industrial environments where an intrinsically safe camera is required.
GETAC Intrinsically Safe Tablets
Datanet also supplies intrinsically safe versions of GETAC rugged tablets, including the ZX10-EX, UX10-EX, K120-EX, F110EX and ZX80W-EX, for users requiring larger displays, advanced computing power and exceptional durability.
RealWear Navigator Z1 Wearable Computer
The RealWear Navigator Z1 is an intrinsically safe wearable computer that enables hands-free access to information, letting workers view instructions, collaborate remotely and access operational data without stopping work. For maintenance technicians, inspectors and field service personnel, wearable technology is an increasingly valuable productivity tool.
Intrinsically Safe Barcode & RFID Readers
To complete a hazardous-area data capture workflow, Datanet supplies intrinsically safe barcode and RFID readers that pair with certified phones and tablets, enabling inventory, inspection and asset tracking processes inside classified Zones without compromising compliance.
Benefits of Intrinsically Safe Mobile Technology
Improved worker safety
Certified devices eliminate ignition risks while providing emergency SOS, lone worker protection, GPS tracking and push-to-talk.
Increased productivity
Digital workflows cut paperwork so workers complete inspections and submit reports immediately.
Better asset visibility
Barcode and RFID integration gives real-time visibility of assets, equipment and inventory.
Reduced downtime
Maintenance teams access technical information instantly.
Regulatory compliance
Certified equipment helps meet workplace safety obligations.
Applications Across Australian Industry
Inspections, maintenance management, safety audits, communications and asset tracking. Exploration teams can pair certified devices with Datanet’s geological sample capture solution.
Maintenance workflows, operational reporting, inspections and workforce communications.
Network information, GIS systems and maintenance applications.
Safe digital workflows in chemical processing, food production and industrial manufacturing.
Hazardous materials, fuel storage and dangerous goods handling.
Not every site needs Zone certification. For demanding but non-explosive environments such as warehouses, distribution centres and open industrial sites, a rugged (IP68) device is usually the right fit – see our guide to the Zebra ET401 rugged Android tablet for mining, warehouse and industrial operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are intrinsically safe devices?
Intrinsically safe devices are electronic products designed to operate safely in explosive atmospheres by limiting electrical and thermal energy below the levels that could ignite flammable gas, vapour or combustible dust.
How do you tell if a device is intrinsically safe?
Check for an IECEx or ATEX certification marking and the rated Zone (for example Ex ia IIC for Zone 0/1 gas atmospheres). Certified devices carry a hazardous-area marking and a certificate number you can verify.
Which phones are intrinsically safe?
Purpose-built models such as the i.safe MOBILE IS530.1 and IS540.1 5G smartphones and the BARTEC SP9EX1. Standard consumer phones are never intrinsically safe.
What is the difference between intrinsically safe and explosion proof?
Intrinsically safe limits the energy inside the device so it cannot cause ignition. Explosion proof contains any internal explosion within a rugged enclosure. Handheld phones and tablets use the intrinsically safe approach.
Is IECEx accepted in Australia?
Yes. IECEx is the certification scheme recognised for hazardous areas in Australia, and is the certification you should confirm when buying intrinsically safe devices.
Is a rugged tablet the same as an intrinsically safe tablet?
No. Rugged (IP68) tablets such as the Zebra ET401 withstand drops, dust and water but are not certified for explosive atmospheres. Only IECEx/ATEX certified devices may be used in classified hazardous Zones.
Related Solutions and Reading
- Intrinsically safe product range
- Zebra ET401 rugged Android tablet for mining, warehouse and industrial operations
- Zebra ET401 for warehouse and logistics operations
- Asset tracking solutions
- Geo sample capture for mining and exploration
Partner with Datanet for Intrinsically Safe Solutions
Whether your organisation operates in mining, oil and gas, utilities, manufacturing or any other hazardous-area environment, Datanet provides the expertise and technology to deploy safe, effective mobility solutions – from intrinsically safe smartphones and tablets through to wearable computers, barcode scanning and RFID. Contact the Datanet team today to discuss your hazardous-area requirements.
About Datanet: 40+ years supplying enterprise mobility, rugged computing and data capture solutions to Australian industry.
