Petrel is leading the way in integrated hazardous area lighting and signalling
Confidence in any safety system is essential but in hazardous environments where the consequences can be severe and far-reaching, that safety net becomes mission critical. From offshore platforms to processing plants, operators face mounting pressure to ensure compliance, reduce installation complexity and meet ever-evolving performance expectations
Petrel, a UK-based manufacturer of the Pioneer Safety Group, is leading the way in integrated hazardous area lighting and signalling, offering a joined-up approach that simplifies procurement, improves system compatibility and reduces the hidden risks often associated with fragmented infrastructure.
WHY SYSTEM INTEGRATION IS NO LONGER OPTIONAL
In many installations, lighting and emergency signalling are sourced separately,, delivered by different suppliers and certified under distinct schemes. This often leads to fragmented systems that, while individually compliant, may lack cohesion at site level. That disconnect can result in delayed installations, duplicated certification efforts or even safety-critical oversights.
Petrel’s integrated approach helps eliminate those gaps. By combining its ATEX and UKEX certified luminaires with signalling devices from Ex-Tech Signalling, a fellow Pioneer Safety Group brand, Petrel provides a platform where luminaires, beacons and sounders are designed and certified to operate together.
Ex-Tech Signalling brings a proven track record in developing high-performance audio and visual alarms for hazardous locations, including ATEX and IECEx-certified beacons, horns and combination units suitable for Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22 applications. Its solutions are used worldwide in sectors such as oil and gas, chemical processing and marine environments, many of the same sectors where Petrel lighting excels.
Together, this integration ensures:
- System-wide compatibility for ease of installation and fewer on-site challenges
- Harmonised certifications that reduce documentation and inspection complexity
- Fewer failure points thanks to coordinated design and testing
- A single point of contact for project specification and technical support
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Petrel understands that no two hazardous sites are the same. Its free lighting design service is built around this understanding. Using the latest Relux software, its in-house team produces detailed simulations to guide customers through light level performance, uniformity and layout planning before a single fitting is installed.
From initial enquiry to post-installation check-ins, Petrel’s teams remain actively engaged. This hands-on approach helps avoid common pitfalls such as glare, under-lighting or non-compliant spacing, particularly in complex environments where multiple hazard zones intersect or where energy efficiency targets are in play.
POWERED BY BRITISH MANUFACTURING
At its Birmingham facility, Petrel handles all aspects of product development, assembly and testing. This vertically integrated model ensures every product, whether standard or bespoke, is built to exacting standards under one roof. Following significant investment, the site has seen major upgrades in both infrastructure and operational capacity. This includes improvements in stock availability, streamlined production workflows and enhanced QA processes. For customers this means greater reliability, improved lead times and the flexibility to support even the most time-sensitive projects, whether new-build or retrofit.
EXTENDING CAPABILITY
As part of the Pioneer Safety Group, Petrel benefits from close collaboration across a wider network of hazardous area experts. The integration with Ex-Tech Signalling specifically enhances Petrel’s ability to deliver:
- Unified lighting and warning systems for better on-site coordination
- Compact, compliant solutions for space-restricted or multi-zone installations
- A streamlined procurement route through a single supplier
For project teams, this translates into faster specification, easier compliance checks and improved installation outcomes, particularly in safety-critical environments.
BUILT TO LAST
Innovation at Petrel isn’t just about new product launches, it’s about designing for the future. The award-winning 7 Series LED luminaire, engineered for Zone 1 and 21 areas, offers exceptional lumen output, low maintenance and extended operational life even in the harshest environments.
Similarly, Petrel’s range of LED area lights is helping clients reduce energy use without compromising on visibility or performance. With high-efficiency LED arrays and robust construction they are ideally suited to environments where performance and reliability are non-negotiable.
For more information visit: www.petrel-ex.co.uk/contractors
