In the oil refineries of Abu Dhabi, the petrochemical complexes of Jubail, and the gas processing facilities across Qatar and Kuwait, fire alarm systems are a matter of life and death. But there is a critical safety mistake that facilities in the GCC region continue to make — installing standard manual call points (MCPs) in areas where flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dusts are present.
The consequences can be catastrophic. A standard MCP — the kind used in offices and shopping malls — can itself become the source of ignition in a hazardous atmosphere. In other words, the device meant to warn your team of a fire could be the very thing that starts one.
At Daly Middle East, we are the authorised GCC distributor for Ex-Tech Signalling — a UK-based manufacturer specialising exclusively in explosion protection signalling equipment. In this guide, we break down the critical differences between standard and explosion proof manual call points, and explain why the right certification is non-negotiable for hazardous area operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.
What Is a Manual Call Point (MCP)?
A manual call point is a wall-mounted device that allows a person to manually trigger a fire or emergency alarm. Most people are familiar with the red “Break Glass” or “Press Here” boxes mounted at regular intervals along building corridors, near exits, and close to known hazards.
According to standard fire safety practice, MCPs should be:
- Mounted at approximately 1.2 metres (4 feet) from floor level for easy visibility and reach
- Positioned within a reasonable travel distance from all workstations
- Located close to identified hazards and along evacuation routes
- Integrated with smoke detectors, sounders, beacons, and other fire safety systems
In commercial and public buildings, standard MCPs perform this function adequately. However, in industrial operations across the GCC — particularly those in oil and gas, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and chemical manufacturing — a fundamentally different type of device is required.
Why Standard MCPs Are Dangerous in Hazardous Locations
Any electrical or mechanical device — including a manual call point — can generate heat, sparks, or static electricity during normal operation. In most environments, this is harmless. In a Zone 1 or Zone 2 area where flammable gas or vapour may be present, even a minor electrical spark can be enough to cause ignition.
Standard manual call points are designed with lightweight plastic enclosures and basic internal components that provide no protection against becoming an ignition source. They are designed and tested only for use in non-hazardous, general-purpose environments.
Installing a standard MCP in a classified hazardous area is not simply non-compliant — it is a serious process safety risk that can result in:
- Ignition of flammable gases or vapours during activation or even at rest
- Catastrophic explosions or fires
- Non-compliance with ATEX, IECEx, and local GCC regulations
- Invalidation of facility insurance
- Serious legal and regulatory consequences for operators
Understanding Hazardous Area Classification in the GCC
Before selecting any equipment for a hazardous area, facility operators must first classify their operational zones based on the type and likelihood of explosive atmosphere present. The internationally recognised ATEX and IECEx frameworks define these zones as follows:
| Zone | Hazard Type | Description |
| Zone 0 | Gas / Vapour | Explosive atmosphere present continuously or for long periods |
| Zone 1 | Gas / Vapour | Explosive atmosphere likely to occur during normal operation |
| Zone 2 | Gas / Vapour | Explosive atmosphere not likely in normal operation, but possible |
| Zone 21 | Dust / Powder | Combustible dust cloud likely to occur during normal operation |
| Zone 22 | Dust / Powder | Combustible dust cloud not likely but possible in abnormal conditions |
Once an area is classified, every piece of equipment installed within it — including manual call points — must be certified for use in that specific zone. This is not optional guidance. It is a legal and safety requirement.
What Makes an Explosion Proof Manual Call Point Different?
An explosion proof (also called flameproof or Ex d) manual call point is engineered to perform its alarm function without ever becoming a source of ignition. This requires a fundamentally different design philosophy compared to a standard MCP.
Robust, Sealed Enclosures
Where a standard MCP uses lightweight plastic housing, an explosion proof MCP is enclosed in a heavy-duty, sealed casing — typically corrosion-resistant stainless steel or glass-reinforced polyester (GRP). These enclosures are designed to contain any internal spark or arc, preventing it from reaching the surrounding atmosphere.
High Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings
Explosion proof MCPs carry high IP ratings (typically IP65 or higher), ensuring the enclosure is fully protected against dust ingress and high-pressure water jets. This is essential in the harsh outdoor and industrial environments common across GCC facilities.
UV and Corrosion Resistance
The Gulf climate — with its extreme heat, humidity, sand, and salt-laden air — demands materials and coatings that standard MCPs are simply not built to withstand. Explosion proof MCPs are coated in UV-resistant paint and manufactured from materials that resist corrosion over long-term outdoor deployment.
ATEX and IECEx Certification
Crucially, every explosion proof MCP must carry independently verified ATEX (European) and/or IECEx (international) certification markings. These certifications confirm that the device has been tested and approved for use in classified explosive atmospheres. The certification labels are physically marked on each unit and must be verified before installation.
System Integration and Safety Integrity
Advanced explosion proof MCPs are compatible with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD), and Distributed Control Systems (DCS) — all critical to safe operations in large industrial facilities. Units that carry SIL2 (Safety Integrity Level 2) certification offer an additional layer of assurance for high-reliability safety functions.
Standard vs Explosion Proof MCPs: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Standard MCP | Explosion Proof MCP |
| Enclosure Material | Lightweight plastic | Stainless steel or GRP |
| IP Rating | IP40–IP54 typical | IP65 or higher |
| Hazardous Area Approved | No | Yes — ATEX / IECEx certified |
| UV / Corrosion Resistant | Limited | Yes — coated for harsh climates |
| PLC / ESD / DCS Compatible | Rarely | Yes |
| SIL2 Certified | No | Available |
| Suitable for GCC Hazardous Sites | No | Yes |
| Suitable for Offices / Commercial | Yes | Yes (but over-specified) |
Why This Matters Especially in the GCC
The GCC is home to some of the world’s largest concentrations of oil and gas infrastructure, petrochemical processing plants, LNG terminals, and chemical manufacturing facilities. Countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman all have significant industrial activity where explosive atmospheres are a routine operational reality — not an occasional risk.
Regulatory bodies across the region — including those aligning with IEC and ISO standards, as well as international frameworks adopted by major operators such as ADNOC, Saudi Aramco, and QatarEnergy — require that all equipment installed in classified hazardous areas carries the appropriate ATEX or IECEx certifications.
Beyond legal compliance, the extreme Gulf climate adds another dimension. Summer temperatures regularly exceeding 45°C, salt-laden coastal air, sandstorms, and intense UV radiation mean that only equipment built to the highest material and engineering standards will maintain reliable performance over time. This is precisely why Ex-Tech Signalling’s explosion proof MCPs — manufactured in the UK to rigorous quality standards — are an ideal solution for GCC deployment.
Ex-Tech Signalling Explosion Proof MCPs: Available Through Daly Middle East
As the authorised distributor for Ex-Tech Signalling across the GCC, Daly Middle East supplies the full range of ATEX/IECEx certified manual call points. Here is an overview of the available models:
CP 125 — Stainless Steel Explosion Proof MCP
The CP 125 is encased in robust stainless steel and finished with UV-resistant paint for maximum protection in exposed outdoor environments. It includes a break-glass hammer and securing chain for immediate emergency activation. Ideal for offshore platforms, refineries, and coastal industrial facilities in the GCC.
CP 135 — GRP Flameproof Manual Call Point
Moulded in glass-reinforced polyester (GRP) and coated in UV-resistant paint, the CP 135 delivers excellent chemical and impact resistance. It features a built-in test function and is available with optional anti-accidental-activation lift flaps. A popular choice for onshore petrochemical and pharmaceutical sites.
CP 150 — GRP Explosion Proof MCP with Enhanced Features
The CP 150 shares the GRP construction of the CP 135 and adds enhanced customisation options including visualisation functions and line detection capabilities. Like all units in the range, it is available in red (fire alarm) or green (emergency door release), and all three models can be customised with SIL2 certification and compatibility with PLC, ESD, and DCS systems.
Installation Best Practices for Explosion Proof MCPs in GCC Facilities
Selecting the right explosion proof MCP is only part of the solution. Correct installation is equally important. Consider the following guidelines:
- Confirm the hazardous area zone classification before specifying any equipment
- Verify that the MCP’s ATEX/IECEx certification matches the zone and gas group of the installation area
- Mount MCPs at approximately 1.2 metres height, within clear line of sight and accessible travel distance from all workstations
- Protect units from physical impact where necessary — particularly in areas with heavy vehicle or forklift movement
- Carry out regular functional testing using the built-in test feature (available on CP 135 and CP 150 models)
- Ensure all installation, commissioning, and maintenance is carried out by competent persons with hazardous area qualifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a standard MCP in a Zone 2 area?
No. Even in Zone 2 areas — where an explosive atmosphere is not expected under normal operating conditions — any electrical equipment must carry appropriate hazardous area certification. A standard MCP poses an unacceptable ignition risk and would render the facility non-compliant.
What is the difference between ATEX and IECEx?
ATEX is the European Union’s regulatory framework for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. IECEx is the international equivalent managed by the International Electrotechnical Commission. Both certifications confirm that equipment has been independently tested and approved for hazardous area use. Many GCC operators accept both; some international projects specifically require IECEx. Ex-Tech Signalling MCPs carry both certifications.
Is SIL2 certification required for manual call points in the GCC?
SIL (Safety Integrity Level) certification is required for equipment that forms part of a Safety Instrumented Function (SIF). In many large oil and gas and petrochemical operations across the GCC, fire and gas detection systems are classified as SIL-rated safety systems. In these cases, SIL2 certified MCPs — available across the Ex-Tech Signalling range — will be necessary.
How do I choose between stainless steel and GRP enclosures?
Stainless steel (CP 125) offers superior mechanical strength and is ideal for locations subject to physical impact or where the highest level of structural robustness is required, such as offshore or heavy industrial sites. GRP (CP 135 / CP 150) provides excellent corrosion resistance and is lighter in weight, making it well-suited for onshore chemical, pharmaceutical, and general industrial applications. Both are fully ATEX/IECEx certified.
Protect Your People and Your Operations — Contact Daly Middle East
When it comes to fire safety in hazardous areas, the specification of the right equipment is not a detail — it is a fundamental process safety decision. Installing non-certified equipment in a classified area is a risk that no responsible operator in the GCC should take.
Daly Middle East is proud to be the authorised distributor of Ex-Tech Signalling across the GCC. We supply ATEX/IECEx explosion proof manual call points and the full Ex-Tech Signalling range — including beacons, sounders, and combi units — to facilities across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
Whether you are specifying equipment for a new facility, replacing non-compliant devices, or reviewing your site’s fire safety systems, our team is ready to help.
Get in touch with Daly Middle East today to discuss your explosion proof manual call point requirements.
Published by Daly Middle East — Authorised Distributor of Ex-Tech Signalling for the GCC Region