Explosion-proof ATEX-certified and high IP-rated rugged handheld computers and tablets for hazardous locations — oil & gas, chemical plants, mining, pharmaceutical manufacturing and grain handling across the UK.
Request ATEX ConsultationBrowse Rugged DevicesUnderstanding explosion protection zones and the devices legally required in hazardous areas
ATEX is the EU and UK regulatory framework governing equipment for use in explosive atmospheres — environments where flammable gases, vapours, mists or combustible dusts may be present in sufficient quantities to create an explosion risk. In the UK, ATEX requirements are enforced under DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002).
Any electronic device — including smartphones, tablets, handheld computers and barcode scanners — used in an ATEX-classified zone must be ATEX certified for that zone. Standard rugged handhelds (even IP67-rated ones) are not automatically ATEX certified and cannot legally be used in hazardous zones without the appropriate Ex marking.
Zone classification determines which category of ATEX device is legally required
Explosive gas/vapour atmosphere present continuously or for long periods. Requires Category 1G (Ex ia intrinsically safe).
Explosive atmosphere likely in normal operation. Requires Category 2G equipment (Ex ib, Ex d, Ex e).
Explosive atmosphere not likely in normal operation, may occur briefly. Requires Category 3G. Most common for handheld devices.
Combustible dust zones — flour mills, grain silos, pharmaceutical plants, woodworking
Combustible dust cloud continuously present inside vessels, pipes and silos. Requires Category 1D.
Dust cloud likely during normal operation near filling, emptying, conveyor points. Requires Category 2D.
Dust cloud unlikely in normal operation, may occur briefly. Requires Category 3D. Most common for portable devices.
IP67 or IP68 waterproofing does not qualify a device for use in ATEX hazardous zones. IP ratings address dust and water ingress only. ATEX certification specifically addresses ignition risk in explosive atmospheres. All devices used in ATEX zones must carry a valid ATEX Ex mark regardless of their IP rating. Using non-certified devices in hazardous zones is illegal under DSEAR and creates serious explosion risk.
Enterprise Android handhelds certified for Zone 1/2 and Zone 21/22 hazardous locations
Enterprise Android handhelds certified ATEX Zone 2 (gas/vapour) and Zone 22 (dust). For oil & gas facilities, chemical plants, offshore platforms and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Full Android enterprise capability — run WMS, ERP, asset management and maintenance apps. Integrated 2D barcode scanner, RFID optional. Managed via Android Enterprise MDM or Microsoft Intune.
For Zone 1 environments where even a spark from electronics must be prevented. Intrinsically safe (Ex ia/ib) devices — circuits are energy-limited so no ignition source can be generated under any fault condition. Suitable for active petrochemical plants, LNG terminals, solvent-handling areas and Zone 21 pharmaceutical dust environments.
Full-size rugged tablet certified Zone 2/22. 8 or 10-inch daylight-readable display with glove-compatible touch. For engineers and supervisors needing large-screen access to maintenance systems, digital permits and process documentation in restricted zones. Hot-swap battery for 24/7 deployment without downtime.
For demanding industrial environments that do not require ATEX certification
Fully dust-tight and submersion-resistant Android handhelds for warehouses, manufacturing floors and outdoor field operations. MIL-STD-810H drop-rated to 1.5–1.8m. Integrated 2D barcode scanner, 4G and Wi-Fi 6. Long-shift 5,000–6,000mAh batteries. For operations needing serious ruggedisation without ATEX requirements.
For food processing wash-down environments and outdoor operations in all weather. Rated for continuous immersion at 1.5m for 30 minutes. Antimicrobial housing available for hygiene-sensitive food production and pharmaceutical environments where ATEX is not required.
8–12 inch Android and Windows rugged tablets for factory floors, logistics hubs and engineering workshops. Dust and water jet-resistant, 1.2m drop-rated. Sunlight-readable, glove-touch. Ideal for vehicle-mounted, forklift or workshop workbench deployment.
Purpose-rated for frozen and chilled storage from -30°C. Screen heating prevents condensation, buttons rated for thick gloved operation. For frozen warehouse picking, cold chain logistics and temperature-controlled pharmaceutical storage where standard devices fail.
| Industry | Typical Zones | Hazard | Device Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas / Petrochemical | Zone 1/2 | Flammable gases, vapours | Field inspection, asset tracking, maintenance apps |
| Offshore Platforms / FPSO | Zone 1/2 | Hydrocarbons, H2S | Permit to work, maintenance records, barcode scanning |
| Chemical Manufacturing | Zone 1/2/21/22 | Solvent vapours, reactive chemicals | Batch records, production tracking, safety inspections |
| Grain Handling & Flour Mills | Zone 21/22 | Grain dust, flour dust | Inventory scanning, delivery verification, despatch |
| Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | Zone 2/21/22 | Solvent vapours, API dust | Batch tracking, serialisation scanning, GMP records |
| Paint & Coatings Manufacturing | Zone 1/2 | Solvent vapours, flammable liquids | Quality inspection, production data entry |
| Mining & Quarrying | Zone 2/22 | Coal dust, methane | Asset tracking, inspection records, safety monitoring |
| Wastewater Treatment | Zone 1/2 | Methane, H2S | Field inspection, maintenance records, SCADA integration |
Every certified device carries a marking identifying its classification. Example: Ex II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb
If your site has DSEAR-classified hazardous zones (Zone 0/1/2 for gas or Zone 20/21/22 for dust), any electronic device operated in those zones must carry appropriate ATEX certification. A DSEAR risk assessment identifies zone classifications. Contact us with your zone classification and we can advise on the correct device certification level.
No. IP67 waterproofing does not constitute ATEX certification. IP ratings protect against dust and water ingress only. A device must carry a valid ATEX Ex mark to be legally used in any classified hazardous zone. Using non-certified equipment in ATEX zones violates DSEAR regulations and creates serious safety and legal risk.
ATEX is the UK/EU regulatory framework. IECEx is the equivalent international standard. Many devices carry both marks — ATEX for UK/EU compliance, IECEx for international deployment (Middle East, Australia, Asia). For global operations, specify devices carrying both certifications.
Yes — modern Zone 2 ATEX Android handhelds run standard Android and can be enrolled in Android Enterprise, Microsoft Intune or SOTI MDM. They run any Android WMS, ERP, CMMS or custom app from Google Play or via MDM sideload — the same software as standard enterprise handhelds.
ATEX-certified devices are specialist products not held in volume UK stock. Typical lead times are 2–6 weeks from order confirmation depending on specification. Contact our team early in your project to avoid delays. We can confirm available stock on specific models.
We work with UK safety teams, HSE consultants and procurement teams to specify the right device for your zone classification and application. Contact us with your zone, application and headcount.
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