Is an "intrinsically safe" torch the same as an ATEX torch?

Not as a label. ATEX is the EU conformity route, shown by the CE mark and the Ex symbol; intrinsic safety describes how the torch is protected. What matters is that its Ex marking covers the zone you will use it in.

Can I change the batteries or bulb in a safety torch with any make?

Use only the cells and parts the maker specifies; the certification covers the torch as tested, and different cells can change its heating and spark behaviour.

Flashlights

Safety Torches

Safety Torches is a group of 12 IMPA-coded items (codes 792261–792280) under Flashlights in the Electrical Equipment section (IMPA 79). All of them are priced per piece.

Buying guide

Safety torches are hand lamps certified for use where a flammable gas or vapour atmosphere may be present: cargo areas and pump rooms on tankers and gas carriers, enclosed-space entry and rescue, and battery rooms. The IMPA group covers straight and right-angle two-cell torches, rechargeable LED angle torches rated for ATEX zone 1 or zone 0, their chargers, and small personal-issue torches.

The chief officer raises them for deck and cargo work, the chief engineer for the engine room; they are also listed in the enclosed-space rescue kit.

How to specify it

State the hazardous-area zone the torch will be used in and require the Ex marking to be shown on the quotation. ATEX distinguishes zone 0 (explosive atmosphere present continuously, for long periods or frequently), zone 1 (likely to occur occasionally in normal operation) and zone 2 (not likely, and short-lived if it does); a torch certified only for zone 1 is not a substitute for a zone 0 one.^[1]

Give the model where the ship already carries one (for chargers and spare batteries to fit), the battery type, and whether a certificate copy is needed on delivery. Ex equipment is constructed, tested and marked to the IEC 60079 series, whose Part 0 sets the general requirements; ask for the certificate to that series as well as the ATEX marking if the ship trades outside Europe.^[3]

Rules and certificates

Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX "equipment") covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres; compliant equipment carries the CE mark and the Ex symbol. The companion directive 1999/92/EC sets the employer’s duties for workers exposed to explosive atmospheres.^[1]^[2]

IEC 60079-0 specifies the general requirements for construction, testing and marking of Ex equipment, assuming operation between –20 °C and +60 °C at 80–110 kPa in air of normal oxygen content.^[3]

COSWP asks for equipment used in hazardous cargo areas of tankers to be certified intrinsically safe, and lists torches or lamps approved for flammable atmospheres in the minimum rescue kit for enclosed-space entry.^[4]

Questions buyers ask

Is an "intrinsically safe" torch the same as an ATEX torch?: Not as a label. ATEX is the EU conformity route, shown by the CE mark and the Ex symbol; intrinsic safety describes how the torch is protected. What matters is that its Ex marking covers the zone you will use it in.
Can I change the batteries or bulb in a safety torch with any make?: Use only the cells and parts the maker specifies; the certification covers the torch as tested, and different cells can change its heating and spark behaviour.

Sources

Published by Sherif Awad, founder of GeoMarineHub — in ship supply since 1990, a family business since 1981 (45 years). Last checked 2026-10-10.

At a glance

Part of Electrical Equipment (IMPA section 79): Lamps, cable, switches, fuses, batteries, connectors, marine lighting fittings and meters.

It is one of 17 groups under Flashlights; the others include Accessory Parts for Flashlight, Flashlight Bulbs, Flashlights Industrial, Flashlights Safety Approved, Flashlights Strong and 11 more.

Post the ones you need as a requirement and verified suppliers activated at your port bid on them — sealed, so nobody sees another bid.

Items: 12
IMPA codes: 792261–792280
Priced: per piece

Items

IMPA	Item	Unit
792261	TROCH SAFETY WOLF TS-26B 2CELL, STRAIGHT CONFORMED TO ATEX	PCS
792262	TORCH SAFETY WOLF TR-26B 2CELL, ANGLE CONFORMED TO ATEX	PCS
792263	TROCH SAFETY WOLF TS-24B 2CELL, STRAIGHT CONFORMED TO ATEX	PCS
792264	TROCH SAFETY WOLF TR-24B 2CELL, ANGLE CONFORMED TO ATEX	PCS
792267	TORCH SAFETY WOLF RECHARGEABLE, ANGLE R-50 ATEX ZONE-1 LED	PCS
792268	TORCH SAFETY WOLF RECHARGEABLE, ANGLE R-55 ATEX ZONE-0 LED	PCS
792271	CHARGER FOR WOLF TORCH R-30H, FOR MODEL R-30 AC100-254VOLT	PCS
792276	TORCH SAFETY PERSONAL ISSUE, WOLF M-10 ATEX LED MICRO	PCS
792277	TORCH SAFETY PERSONAL ISSUE, WOLF M-20 ATEX XENON MINI	PCS
792278	TORCH SAFETY PERSONAL ISSUE, WOLF M-40 ATEX LED MINI	PCS
792279	TORCH SAFETY PERSONAL ISSUE, WOLF M-60 ATEX 1WATT LED MINI	PCS
792280	TORCH SAFETY PERSONAL ISSUE, WOLF M-85 ATEX LED MIDI TORCH	PCS

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