In hazardous environments such as oil refineries, chemical plants, or offshore platforms, clear and reliable signalling can make the difference between safety and disaster. Audible and visual warning devices are a vital part of on-site safety systems, helping workers respond quickly to alarms, emergencies, and process events.
At Exloc, we supply a comprehensive range of ATEX certified sounders, beacons, and combination units designed specifically for hazardous areas. These products ensure that every alert, whether audible or visual, cuts through background noise, poor visibility, and challenging conditions to keep workers safe.
Why Signalling Matters in Hazardous Areas
In hazardous areas, it’s important to have the right equipment installed. Certified signalling devices provide an essential communication link in these environments, helping to prevent accidents and support site-wide safety systems. They are used to signal process alarms, warn of gas leaks, or trigger evacuation procedures, giving workers the vital time they need to act.
By combining both audible and visual alerts, signalling systems help ensure that warnings are noticed regardless of ambient noise, lighting, or the use of personal protective equipment.
Types of Signalling Devices
Audible Signalling: Sirens, horns, and sounders provide high-decibel outputs to alert workers across large or noisy areas. Many feature multiple tone settings to suit different alarm types, and are available in both intrinsically safe and flameproof versions to match specific zone requirements.
Visual Signalling: Beacons and strobes deliver bright, clear warnings using LED or xenon technology. Colour coding helps operators instantly recognise the nature of the alert – for example, red for danger, amber for caution, or blue for evacuation. Modern LED beacons are particularly efficient, offering long service life and low power consumption.
Combined Audible and Visual Signalling: In demanding industrial sites, combination units provide the most effective alerts, especially where both high noise levels and reduced visibility are common. These integrated devices simplify installation while ensuring maximum awareness during critical events.
Choosing the Right Solution
Selecting the most suitable signalling device depends on several factors beyond just brightness or volume. It’s important to consider:
- The zone classification of your area
- Material construction, such as GRP, aluminium, or stainless steel, for corrosion resistance
- Ingress protection (IP ratings) to ensure reliability against dust and moisture
- Mounting and connection options to fit your installation environment
- Maintenance and lifespan
By evaluating these factors carefully, you can ensure that your signalling system remains compliant, reliable, and effective throughout its operational life.
Creating Safer Workplaces
Effective audible and visual signalling is more than a compliance requirement, it’s an investment in workforce safety. The right equipment ensures that warnings are seen and heard clearly, even in the most challenging conditions.
At Exloc, we provide the knowledge, certification expertise, and trusted product range needed to build dependable signalling systems for hazardous areas.
Explore our full selection of audible and visual signalling solutions to find the ideal solution for your site, or contact our team for guidance or advice.
