Are iPhones Intrinsically Safe? A Comprehensive Guide
When working in hazardous environments like an oil refinery, chemical factory, or anywhere flammable gases may be present, it should be quite obvious that workplace safety is a priority. “Are iPhones Intrinsically Safe?” one of the most frequently asked questions regarding consumer electronics safety. Well, here we reveal what “intrinsically safe” actually is, and if iPhones are that too.
What does it mean to be “Intrinsically Safe”?
Intrinsic safety can be explained as a device built to work securely inside an explosive atmosphere whereby, by design itself, the device cannot produce sparks heat or electrical energy that would ignite flammable substances. These devices thus go through many tests and hardcore standards set for them to get themselves certified as intrinsically safe.
Typical Applications:
Intrinsically safe devices normally would find their application in hazardous industries like oil and gas, mining, and the manufacture of chemicals at locations that may have combustible gases, dust, or fibres present in the air.
Are iPhones Intrinsically Safe?
While the technological definition of an “intrinsically safe” device is far more complicated, because iPhones were designed with superior security in view, they are by no means completely free from vulnerabilities. Intrinsic safety refers to complete safety that one gets from the device on its own irrespective of other factors. That is not precisely the case with iPhones.
Consumer Electronics:
The iPhones are consumer electronics and, as such, have been designed for general use in normal environments. In those respects, they have not been specifically designed to bring about the specific safety features that are intrinsic in achieving their classification as intrinsically safe.
No Certification:
The iPhones are not ATEX or IECEx certified among others, as prescribed for classification of apparatus in hazardous areas, as intrinsically safe.
Possible Hazards:
An iPhone utilized within a hazardous location represents a possibility of hazard wherein there is a chance that the device might create an ignition source either in the form of a spark or through the heat produced by the device. That is, therefore, the reason why the iPhone, like any other device manufactured for consumer use, cannot be used in sites where intrinsic safety will be added.
Also Read: When Your iPhone Microphone Isn’t Working How to Fix It?
Replacement for iPhone Usage
Intrinsically Smartphones:
Primarily the employees working in dangerous zones, these smartphones are designed to make it fully compliant with standards for intrinsic safety. Most of them are ruggedized for safe operations in an explosive atmosphere.
Intrinsically safe devices:
The firms that manufacture intrinsic safety equipment make a range of communication tools that include smartphones and tabs that are certified to be used in hazardous zones. These give the workers a safer option to work in those zones.
Use of the iPhone in Controlled Zone
Controlled Zones:
Most applications have good feasibility of the use of iPhones within hazardous zones/environments under full control with no scope of explosive gases or materials entering the zone or area. But this must be carried out keeping company policy in concern and adhering to all safety parameters.
Protective Cases:
On devices such as iPhones several protective cases can be fitted that claim to make the device safer to use in a hazardous environment. These do not make the device intrinsically safe and should not be depended upon as a substitute for certified equipment.
How Do Intrinsically Safe Cases Work?
Intrinsically safe cases are an important barrier against undue electrical and thermal energy release, whether routinely or in unexpected situations. They thus avoid any risk of ignition in hazardous atmospheres.
These robust cases not only excel in their primary safety function but also set the bar high regarding shielding against dust, dampness, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and a spectrum of environmental challenges.
By embracing intrinsically safe cases, organizations do not find themselves compelled to invest in rugged Android devices designated for hazardous zones, thus enabling them to stay loyal to brand preferences while ensuring safety compliance.
What to Do if You Need Intrinsic Safety?
Selection of intrinsic device:
When working in an area which requires intrinsic devices, work through a safety expert to select the proper equipment. Never assume that consumer devices such as iPhones are intrinsically safe and thus can be used.
Follow Industry Standards:
The selection of electronic devices and their subsequent application within the hazardous areas have to be selected conforming to industrial standards and regulations. To this effect, it would always be of prime importance as a means to ensure safety for one and all.
However fantastically versatile and powerful an iPhone in and of itself may be, it’s just not intrinsically safe on its own-it must not be used in hazardous environments where explosions can occur. What this means is: to use a device that is specially designed and approved by an organization for just such a purpose. Make safety paramount by using the right equipment for the job.
How to Install Intrinsically Safe Cases on iPhone?
Remove Existing Case: If your iPhone is already fitted into a protective case, the first thing you need to do is take it out to expose the device.
Open the Intrinsically Safe Case: Most intrinsically safe cases are clamshell or snap-on designed. Carefully open your case to expose the interior.
Insert Your iPhone: Carefully insert your iPhone into the case, making sure it is properly aligned with the ports, buttons, and openings of the case.
Lock It: The case closure should be tightly locked into place. In some cases, there may be more than one latch or mechanism with which to lock them tightly.
Check for Seals: All the seals and gaskets of the case must be properly aligned and intact. This will be important for ensuring intrinsic safety in the case.
Test Device Functionality: Before trying to take your iPhone with you into hazardous areas, test the functionality of all device functions within the case, such as touchscreen and buttons, camera, and microphone.
Manufacturer’s Instructions: Get on-site instructions regarding your situation from the particular manufacturer’s guidelines accompanying your intrinsically safe case. There might be some information or caution in those instructions that would be of great use.
The specialist in hazardous safety at your location can best advise on the risk assessment for your area. If you find yourself frequently moving between sites, you may want to invest in a housing or cover that is certified for Zone 0 or Zone 1, even if that will make your device more versatile across all types of locations. Similarly, the understanding of the Zone 2 rating can change to Zone 1 if certain hazardous material conditions are detected, such as flammable gases or dust or during alarm/emergencies.
Conclusion
With this article, you are hopefully well-equipped with the information that you need such that you make the right decisions in terms of using your iPhones in a potentially hazardous setting. Take some time to go through the rest of our articles here at iPhone Tap! for more on everything to do with technology, as well as the safety tips that concern the iPhone.
FAQs
Q1. Would an iPhone be safe to operate in a hazardous environment if you simply powered it off?
Even a completely powered-down iPhone may still pose a danger in hazardous atmospheres owing to stored energy in the battery and/or accidental startup. Far better not to take anything other than intrinsically safe devices into those environments in the first place.
Q2. Would cases and other accessories be available that make the iPhone intrinsically safe?
Yes, intrinsic safety cases or accessories are available. None of them makes an iPhone intrinsically safe. In any such instance, that is, in any case, such a case may give you some sort of safety. Intrinsic safety is a design and overall certification process which cannot be achieved from a case post-sales.
Q3. What if I forget and take my iPhone with me into a hazardous area?
If you have inadvertently taken an iPhone to a hazardous location, immediately remove it from that location. If that is not possible, then immediately contact your supervisor or safety officer who will assess the risk for any danger or initiate any appropriate safety procedure therein.
Q4. Is There Any Version Or Model of iPhone Which Is Intrinsically Safe?
There is no intrinsically safe model of the iPhone at this time. The classification of intrinsically safe is absolute and no product designed for and intended to be used by the general consumer can maintain that classification.
