safe to use an RS232 "Y" splitter to connect one comport to two recipients?

Yes an output signal can be wired to more then one input signal as long as they are of compatible voltage logic levels. Another problem is to be sure which side of the comm link you want to split off. If the equipment is designed to normally 'talk' to a PC on a standard DE-9 comm port connector then you equipment is transmitting it's information on the PC's rec pin, if that makes sense.

Lefty