Every June, National Safety Month reminds organizations across the U.S. and globally to reassess safety standards and reduce preventable injuries. Led by the National Safety Council, this initiative calls on industries to commit to improved safety practices, particularly in high-risk sectors like oil and gas, utilities, chemicals, and manufacturing.
Workplace incidents often result from outdated procedures, insufficient training, or non-compliant tools. In environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts are present, using equipment that is not intrinsically safe could lead to catastrophic explosions or fires. National Safety Month provides an ideal opportunity to identify these risks and implement safer, certified alternatives.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of intrinsically safe and explosion-proof equipment, how to identify certified tools, which product upgrades to consider, and provide answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Explore our ATEX & Explosion-Proof Equipment Collection to find certified alternatives for hazardous environments.
What Is National Safety Month & Why It Matters
National Safety Month is a campaign focused on reducing leading causes of injury and death in the workplace. Each week in June highlights a specific theme, such as:
Hazard recognition
Safe equipment use
Preventative training
Employee engagement and mental well-being
The campaign empowers safety professionals to:
Audit workspaces for hazards
Replace unsafe or outdated tools
Reinforce the importance of safety procedures
Educate teams on best practices through workshops and training sessions
Workplace safety initiatives save lives. They:
Help prevent over 4 million injuries and thousands of deaths annually
Lower worker compensation claims
Reduce downtime and increase productivity
Improve employee morale and retention
National Safety Month is the ideal opportunity to review the equipment used in hazardous locations and ensure it meets the highest safety standards.
How Intrinsically Safe Equipment Supports National Safety Month
Intrinsically safe (IS) equipment is designed to prevent ignition by limiting electrical and thermal energy to levels that cannot ignite explosive atmospheres. Explosion-proof gear is built to contain internal ignitions without igniting the surrounding environment.
These tools are critical for operations in classified hazardous zones, including:
Chemical processing plants
Oil and gas refineries
Food and grain production facilities
Underground mining sites
Pharmaceutical labs
By integrating intrinsically safe tools, companies demonstrate a commitment to:
OSHA and NEC compliance
Reducing workplace incidents
Streamlining safety audits and inspections
Empowering workers with safe, reliable equipment
National Safety Month serves as a focused reminder to verify every device used in these settings meets the necessary compliance and safety standards.
How to Identify Certified Safe Equipment
Recognize Core Certifications
UL 913: For Class I, II, III Division 1 hazardous areas (North America)
ATEX: European directive for explosive atmospheres; look for II 1 G Ex ia IIC
IECEx: Global certification for electrical equipment in explosive environments
FM or CSA: North American standards confirming equipment is explosion-proof
Verify Performance Ratings
Ingress Protection (IP): IP65, IP66, or IP68 ratings confirm resistance to dust and water ingress
Temperature Class (T1-T6): Defines the maximum surface temperature allowed by the equipment
Durability Indicators: Drop-tested, vibration-resistant, and corrosion-resistant gear ensures field reliability
Always request a product’s documentation, including conformity certificates and labeling diagrams, before making any procurement decision.
Top Intrinsically Safe Equipment to Upgrade This June
Comparison Table: Certified Equipment
| Product Category | Model | Certifications | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explosion-Proof Fan | Atlantic Blowers ABAF-20-110E | Explosion-Proof | 20″ Blade, Chemical Resistant | $1,755.99 |
| Explosion-Proof Fan | RamFan EF150xx | Explosion-Proof | 16″ Poly Housing, Grounded | $3,707.55 |
| Headlamp | Nightstick XPR-5562GX | Class I Div 1 | Rechargeable, Helmet Mount | $138.61 |
| Headlamp | Nightstick XPP-5454G | Class I Div 1 | Dual-Light, Impact Resistant | $74.80 |
| Smartphone | Ecom Smart-Ex 02 DZ1 | ATEX/IECEx | Android, LTE, Rugged | $1,853.87 |
| Smartphone | Intrinsically Safe Smart-Ex 02 DZ2 | ATEX/IECEx | Glove-friendly, Zone 2 Certified | $1,101.87 |
| Camera | Bartec Pixavi Gravity X | ATEX | HD Video, Rugged Body | $3,698.69 |
| Camera | CorDEX ToughPIX TP3EX | ATEX/IECEx | Shockproof, Portable | $2,450.00 |
Best Choices by Use Case
| Use Case | Recommended Product | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Confined Space Entry | Nightstick XPR-5562GX Headlamp | Hands-free, Zone 0 lighting |
| Remote Inspection | Bartec Pixavi Gravity X Camera | Captures HD images safely |
| Plant Maintenance | Atlantic Blowers ABAF-20-110E Fan | Disperses vapors in tight spaces |
| Hazardous Communication | Ecom Smart-Ex 02 DZ1 Smartphone | Certified communication tool |
Not sure where to start? Talk to Our Safety Experts for personalized recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Safety Month?
It’s an annual awareness campaign each June encouraging safer practices and injury prevention in workplaces.
Why is intrinsically safe equipment important?
It prevents equipment from becoming an ignition source in flammable or explosive environments, reducing risk and saving lives.
How do I verify if my equipment is certified?
Check for certification labels (e.g., UL 913, ATEX, IECEx) and request documentation from the manufacturer. Ensure labels match the environment class and division of your site.
Can non-certified tools be used temporarily?
No. OSHA and NEC prohibit any uncertified equipment in classified zones, regardless of how short the usage time is.
How often should intrinsically safe equipment be inspected?
Monthly inspections are ideal, with annual recertifications or replacements depending on usage intensity and manufacturer recommendations.
What industries require intrinsically safe gear?
Oil and gas, mining, food processing, wastewater treatment, chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production are leading industries that require IS equipment.
Can intrinsically safe equipment be used outside of hazardous zones?
Yes. It’s safe for all environments, but it is designed specifically to protect lives in classified zones. It offers added peace of mind even in lower-risk areas.
Track Your Progress During National Safety Month
Use these KPIs to monitor and demonstrate your organization’s safety progress:
Percentage of tools and equipment certified safe
Number of audits or equipment checks completed
Total staff trained in hazardous zone equipment handling
Equipment upgraded during the month
Near-miss reports filed and resolved
Setting clear benchmarks allows safety managers to evaluate progress and justify future investments.
Conclusion
National Safety Month is more than a campaign—it’s an opportunity for organizations to build safer workplaces through deliberate action. By auditing and upgrading to intrinsically safe and explosion-proof gear, businesses not only achieve compliance but also improve workforce safety, morale, and productivity.
Tools like certified headlamps, explosion-proof fans, intrinsically safe smartphones, and remote cameras are essential investments for any hazardous industry.
Don’t wait until a safety incident forces change. Use this June to lead with foresight, reduce risk, and ensure that every team member has the certified equipment they need to perform their job safely.
