Safeguarding access for high-risk industries

When it comes to access control in volatile environments, safety is not a luxury - it's an imperative. From oil refineries and chemical plants to grain silos and food processing facilities, industries operating in hazardous zones face a hidden threat: explosive atmospheres.

In such high-stakes settings, even the smallest spark can be catastrophic. That’s why ATEX approved access readers play a vital role in securing these environments without compromising safety. One company leading the charge in this domain is STid, a global expert in secure, ruggedised RFID solutions.

What is ATEX Certification?

"It's not about surviving an explosion. It's to keep sparks within the casing itself, to stop anything from sparking outside, which could cause detrimental damage."

“ATEX is an explosion-proof certification,” explains Alex Berger of STid in a recent interview at The Security Event 2025. “It’s not about surviving an explosion - it's about preventing one from ever happening.”

ATEX (from the French ATmosphères EXplosibles) is a European certification standard ensuring that electrical equipment does not ignite flammable gases, vapors, or dust. STid’s ATEX & IECEx certified access readers are designed specifically for these extreme conditions. As Berger notes, “The idea is to keep sparks contained within the housing, preventing them from igniting volatile substances in the surrounding air.”

Why access control in explosive environments requires specialised equipment

Explosive environments are more common than many people think. It’s not just about oil and gas. “Even in the food industry, a factory producing fine dust could be at risk,” Berger says. “This is where ATEX units really show their value.”

From tracking vehicles at mining sites to managing personnel access in nuclear facilities, the goal is to maintain security while minimising ignition risks. STid’s ATEX range is built to operate safely and reliably under such demanding circumstances.

Introducing the STid ATEX Range

STid offers a robust suite of ATEX & IECEx certified access readers, designed for both fixed installations and mobile operations. What sets STid apart is its end-to-end control of product development. “We manufacture both the casing and the reader,” Berger emphasises. “So it’s a fully integrated, certified solution.”

Here’s a closer look at STid’s standout ATEX solutions:

ATX & ATX2 Proximity Readers

Best for: People and asset identification in high-risk zones.

Frequency options:

• 125 kHz
• 13.56 MHz MIFARE® (including DESFire EV1, EV2, EV3)
• LEGIC®
• Dual-frequency options for flexible use

Features:

• IP66-rated, explosion-proof casing
• Multiple communication protocols (TTL, RS232, RS485)
• Easy configuration via card or protocol
• Rugged design to resist vibration and vandalism

Applications:

• Access points in refineries, mines, nuclear power stations and food factories
• Track and trace systems for pallets, containers and returnable items

Product Highlight: The ATX2 variant offers a T6 certification for environments with lower maximum surface temperature requirements (T85°C), increasing its applicability in sensitive dust-laden atmospheres.

ATX & ATX4 UHF Readers

Best for: Vehicle access control and long-range tracking.

Technology:

• EPC1 Gen 2 / ISO18000-63
• Integrated or modular UHF antennas

Reading range:

• ATX: Up to 4 m (13.1 ft)
• ATX4: Up to 10 m (33 ft) with up to 4 external antennas

Durability:

• IP66 / IK10 vandal-resistant
• MIL-STD-810 shock and vibration tested

Smart Integration:

• Supports PoE, TCP/IP and standard serial protocols
• Ideal for automating vehicle gates, site flow and personnel logistics in explosive environments

ATX Ident-Ex UHF Mobile Terminal

Best for: Mobile workforce in hazardous environments.

Certifications:

• ATEX / IECEx Zone 1/21
• Class I, II, III Division 1

Key benefits:

• Intrinsically safe
• Modular and configurable design
• Supports complex data collection and access tasks on the move

This terminal gives technicians and inspectors working in Zone 1 hazardous areas the freedom to collect and verify information securely without relying on fixed access points.

Why choose STid for ATEX-certified access control?

"If you are talking about access control in any hazardous area environment, you need to be, of course, looking at ATEX approved readers. STid is absolutely up there as a great opportunity."

STid’s commitment to both certification compliance and technological excellence makes their ATEX range a standout choice. The company's readers are fully compliant with:

• ATEX (EN60079)
• IECEx international standards
• European Directives 99/92/EC and 94/9/EC

As Alex Berger puts it: “If you’re talking about access control in any hazardous area environment, you need to be looking at ATEX approved readers. STid is absolutely up there as a great opportunity.”

Beyond certifications, STid’s readers are known for:

• Unmatched ruggedness: Engineered to resist impact, vibration and extreme conditions.
• Flexible integrations: Compatible with multiple RFID technologies and communication protocols.
• End-to-end reliability: Designed, manufactured and supported by STid for total quality control.

Ideal applications for ATEX access readers

STid’s ATEX-certified access readers are already helping secure:

• Chemical and petrochemical plants
• Oil platforms and tankers
• Nuclear power stations
• Distilleries and refineries
• Mining operations
• Maritime and offshore installations
• Food and grain processing factories

Whether it's protecting workers, controlling vehicle access, or securing plant operations, these solutions offer unparalleled safety and functionality.

Download the full STid AT​EX-certified Access Reader range brochure...

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