Page 36 - OHS, October 2024

W O R K P L A C E S A F E T Y T E C H N O L O G Y
Understanding Intrinsically Safe Technology in Hazardous Work
Environments
Understanding Intrinsically Safe Technology and how the future of safety lies in
integrating these technologies with advanced monitoring systems.
BY ZACK BRAUN
K Seisa/peopleimages.com/stock.adobe.com
erations in high-risk industries like oil
If you’re responsible for overseeing op-
and gas, mining, or chemical manufac-
turing, you know the threat of accidents
in explosive atmospheres is ever-present.
Consequently, intrinsically safe technol-
ogy becomes a lifesaver, providing another
defense against catastrophic incidents. In
this article, we’ll delve into intrinsically safe
technology and how innovative solutions
can work hand in hand with your existing
safety measures to ensure your workplace
remains safe and secure.
What is Intrinsically Safe Technology?
In high-risk sectors like oil and gas, mining
and chemical manufacturing, the conse-
quences of even a minor oversight can be
catastrophic. Moreover, in these industries,
the environment itself is a latent hazard,
fi lled with combustible materials or ex-
plosive gases. Here, a tiny spark, a surge of
electrical energy, or excessive heat is not
just a technical failure; it’s a potential trig-
ger for a disaster.
Consider the diverse range of devices es-
sential for operating safely and eff ectively in
environments where the atmosphere could
be dangerous. Sensors, for instance, are in-
dispensable in constantly monitoring gas
levels, providing vital real-time data that in-
form critical safety decisions. Furthermore,
in many cases, hand-held radios are the only
means of communication in these remote
or isolated areas. Without incorporating
intrinsically safe design principles, these de-
vices could pose a signifi cant risk of igniting
these hazardous environments.
The Importance of Intrinsic Safety
in Various Industries
Th e signifi cance of intrinsically safe tech-
nology extends beyond its immediate appli-
cation. In industries such as pharmaceuti-
cals and agriculture, where similar explosive
hazards might be present due to dust or
volatile chemicals, intrinsically safe designs
play a crucial role in maintaining safety. For
instance, in pharmaceutical manufactur-
ing, where powdered substances can create
explosive dust environments, ensuring that
equipment does not generate sparks or ex-
cessive heat is essential to prevent accidents.
The Principles and Processes
Behind Intrinsically Safe Design
Intrinsically safe technology is underpinned
by a rigorous framework of regulations and
standards, ensuring that every device meets
the highest safety criteria. Th ese principles
are more than just guidelines; they are the
cornerstone of safety in environments
where the risk of explosion is constant.
Each design aspect, from circuit layouts
to material selection, is scrutinized and test-
ed to ensure compliance with international
safety standards such as ATEX in Europe
and NEC in the United States. Th is meticu-
lous adherence to standards guarantees that
devices are reliable and inherently safe, ca-
pable of operating in explosive atmospheres
without posing a risk of ignition.
Intrinsically safe technology is a fi eld
where precision engineering meets strin-
gent safety standards. Here are some of the
principles and processes it relies on:
■ Energy Limitation at the Source
Th e core of intrinsically safe design is
to ensure that the energy produced by any
device is insuffi cient to cause ignition. Th is
is done by designing electrical circuits that
can only generate or store very low energy
levels, levels lower than needed to ignite a
hazardous atmospheric mixture of gases,
vapors, or dust.
■ Use of Barriers and Isolators
Intrinsically safe devices oft en incorpo-
rate barriers and isolators to achieve this
energy limitation. Th ese specialized compo-
nents restrict the amount of electrical energy
entering a hazardous area. For example, zener
barriers limit the voltage and current that can
pass through them. If an electrical fault oc-
curs, the barrier ensures that only a safe, low
level of energy can reach the hazardous area.
■ Temperature Control
Alongside controlling electrical energy,
36 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2024 www.ohsonline.com