German two-way radio manufacturer Funkwerk Security Communications has released what it claims is the world’s first TETRA radio for use in hazardous underground mining and tunnelling environments.

The rugged FT4 S Ex, already approved for hazardous gas and dust environments, is now also IECEx- and ATEX-certified for M2 mining. The handheld terminal is also the world’s only radio that integrates enhanced personal safety features in combination with indoor localisation, Funkwerk said.

The company noted that of particular significance in mining and tunnelling environments is that the FT4 S Ex radio is also equipped with a remote switch-off function, which can be activated whenever the parameters of the M2 working conditions in the mine are exceeded.

The Funkwerk FT4 Ex radios have also achieved various intrinsic safety approvals such as ATEX (European standard), IECEx (International standard) and GOST R (Russian standard). ANZ, FM and CSA approvals are in progress.