Breakthrough in Industrial Safety: Tracking Workers and Assets in Explosive Zones
Istanbul, Monday, 15 June 2026.
Litum’s new ATEX-certified real-time location system (RTLS) redefines safety in hazardous industries like oil refineries and chemical plants. For the first time, companies can track personnel and assets with sub-meter precision in explosive atmospheres—without compromising compliance or efficiency. The system’s hybrid UWB and BLE technology ensures reliability where traditional tracking fails, offering a five-year battery life and tamper detection. This innovation could prevent disasters and streamline operations in high-risk environments, marking a critical leap forward for industrial safety.
ATEX Certification: The Gold Standard for Hazardous Environments
Litum’s newly launched real-time location system (RTLS) meets the stringent ATEX certification requirements for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous environments, where explosive atmospheres containing gas, vapor, or dust pose constant risks [1]. ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) directives, established by the European Union, mandate that equipment used in these zones must prevent ignition sources and withstand harsh conditions [GPT]. The certification is particularly critical for industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and mining, where even a minor spark can trigger catastrophic explosions [1]. Litum’s system is the first to combine ATEX compliance with ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies, enabling sub-meter precision tracking in environments where traditional GPS and Wi-Fi systems fail [1].
Dual Technology for Unmatched Reliability
The system comprises two core components: the ATEX Gateway and the ATEX Dualis Tag. The ATEX Gateway, encased in an aluminum Ex d enclosure, is designed to operate in both Zone 1 (where explosive atmospheres are likely to occur) and Zone 2 (where they are less likely but still possible) [1]. It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), ensuring continuous operation without the need for separate power sources, and features secure Ethernet connectivity for data transmission [1]. The ATEX Dualis Tag, a hybrid device combining UWB and BLE, delivers sub-meter location accuracy while maintaining intrinsic safety [1]. With an IP67 rating, the tag is resistant to dust and water ingress, and its battery life extends up to five years, reducing maintenance requirements in hazardous areas [1]. Tamper detection and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates further enhance its reliability and longevity [1].
Transforming Safety and Efficiency in High-Risk Industries
The introduction of Litum’s ATEX-certified RTLS addresses long-standing challenges in industries where worker safety and asset tracking are paramount. In oil refineries, for example, the system enables real-time monitoring of personnel during emergency mustering, ensuring that all workers are accounted for in the event of an incident [1]. Chemical plants benefit from zone awareness capabilities, which alert workers when they enter restricted or high-risk areas [1]. Mining operations, where underground environments often lack reliable communication infrastructure, can leverage the system’s hybrid UWB and BLE technology to maintain continuous tracking of both workers and equipment [1]. Additionally, the system supports access control workflows, preventing unauthorized entry into hazardous zones and reducing the risk of accidents [1].
The Broader Impact on Industrial Operations
Beyond safety, the ATEX-certified RTLS offers tangible benefits for operational efficiency. In heavy manufacturing, for instance, the system’s real-time asset tracking capabilities can reduce downtime by enabling quick location of tools and equipment in sprawling facilities [1]. Utilities companies, which often operate in remote or hazardous locations, can use the system to monitor contractor movements, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and reducing liability risks [1]. Pharmaceutical plants, where contamination control is critical, can leverage the system’s zone awareness features to enforce strict access controls and maintain sterile environments [1]. By providing a comprehensive solution for both safety and efficiency, Litum’s RTLS is poised to become an industry standard for hazardous environment management [1].