An intrinsically safe portable radio device (100) having a portable radio device housing (120). A first radio section (201) is an intrinsically safe circuit is (ISC) disposed within the housing and arranged to perform at least one function to facilitate operation of the portable radio device. A second radio section (202) ISC is disposed within the housing and arranged to perform at least a second function to facilitate operation of the portable radio device. Each of the first and second ISCs independently satisfy a defined standard for intrinsically safe devices.