Gas and Oil ATEX Products – Body Camera
The Importance of Worker Safety
Working in the mining and oil industries is dangerous. Workers face daily risks, like operating heavy machinery and dealing with unstable ground. Keeping them safe is not just a legal requirement but also the right thing to do.As these industries grow, new tools and technologies are improving worker safety. While traditional safety methods are useful, they often lack features like real-time monitoring or accident accountability. Body cameras, once used mainly by police, are now transforming safety practices in Gas and Oil ATEX Products. These devices provide clear documentation and help ensure both workers and employers follow safety rules.
What is ATEX?
ATEX is the name of the EU directive for the use of equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. Its core purpose is to ensure that equipment does not become a source of ignition when used in environments containing flammable gases, vapours or dusts, thereby safeguarding people and facilities.
ATEX certification applies to all equipment and protective systems for use in hazardous areas and is categorised into two main groups: Groups and Zones.
ATEX Zone Classification and Corresponding Equipment Groups
Explanation:
Gas Atmosphere: G (Gas)
Dust Atmosphere: D (Dust)
In all ATEX markings:
The numbers “1 / 2 / 3” represent the equipment’s explosion protection level (the lower the number, the higher the protection level).
“II” indicates non-mining equipment (e.g., industrial environments).
For body cameras, if they are designed for use in potentially explosive environments (such as oil rigs, chemical plants, etc.), they need to comply with specific ATEX standards. These would typically fall under Group II equipment, as they are used in non-mining environments. The specific zone (Category 1, 2, or 3) depends on the intended use environment and design requirements. For example, Group II, Zone (Category) 1 standards is suitable for GAS station.
In hazardous area classifications, Zone-0, Zone-1, and Zone-2 are used to describe the likelihood and duration of the presence of an explosive atmosphere consisting of flammable gases, vapors, or mists. ATEX Certified camera can be used in Zone 1 or Zone 2. These zones are defined as follows:
Zone 0 – Continuous Explosive Atmosphere(Shelleyes No support for this field)
Definition:
Zone 0 refers to an area where an explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods, or frequently under normal operating conditions (e.g., inside equipment or fuel tanks).
Typical Scenarios:
- Inside fuel storage tanks
- Inside chemical reaction vessels
Corresponding Equipment Category:
Group II, Category 1G
Requirements:
- Equipment must offer the highest level of explosion protection.
- It must remain safe even in the presence of one or two independent faults.
Example Equipment Marking: II 1G
–Zone 1
Definition:
Zone 1 refers to an area where an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation.
Typical Scenarios:
- Areas around flange connections
- Near pumps
- Fuel transfer zones at gas stations
Corresponding Equipment Category:
Group II, Category 2G
Requirements:
- Equipment must meet a high level of explosion protection
- It must operate safely during normal operation and under frequent equipment faults
Example Equipment Marking:II 2G
–Zone 2
Definition:
Zone 2 refers to an area where an explosive gas atmosphere is not expected to occur during normal operation, and if it does, it will only persist for a short period.
Typical Scenarios:
- Well-ventilated areas around storage tanks
- Maintenance corridors or service passageways
Corresponding Equipment Category:
Group II, Category 3G
Requirements:
- Lower explosion protection level required
- Equipment must operate safely during normal conditions; fault scenarios are not required to be considered
Example Equipment Marking:II 3G
In addition to gaseous explosive atmospheres, ATEX also classifies zones for explosive atmospheres caused by combustible dusts (e.g., coal dust, grain dust, metal dust, etc.).
Dust environments are designated by the letter “D” (Dust) in the equipment category codes, replacing the “G” used for gas environments.
Zone 20
Definition: Zone 20 refers to areas where a cloud of combustible dust is present continuously, for long periods, or frequently.
Typical examples:
Inside grain silos, within dust conveying systems, and inside powder mixing containers.
Corresponding equipment category: Group II, Category 1D
- Equipment must be capable of operating safely in environments with continuous dust explosion risk.
- It must not cause ignition even under two independent fault conditions.
Equipment marking example: II 1D
Zone 21(Shelleyes supports this field)
Definition: Zone 21 refers to areas where an explosive dust atmosphere may occasionally occur during normal operation.
Typical examples:
Around bag filters, powder discharge outlets, areas beneath packaging machines.
Corresponding equipment category: Group II, Category 2D
- Requires a high level of dust-tight sealing and thermal control.
- Equipment must remain safe and not produce ignition sources under typical fault conditions.
Equipment marking example: II 2D
About ATEX Body Camera
- Want to know which cameras support ATEX Zone 1? Check out our product list.
Here is the process for obtaining ATEX certification for a body camera
Thermal Testing: Ensures surface temperatures remain below the ignition temperature of gases or dust in the environment.
Mechanical Strength Testing: Verifies that the enclosure can withstand impacts and prevent sparks from escaping.
Electrical Safety Testing: Confirms that circuits do not create ignition sources.
IP Rating: Dust and water resistance (e.g., IP66 or higher).
