ATEX: explosion proof

Industrial activities with a risk of explosion have led to higher safety requirements. This led to various guidelines and standards. ATEX was introduced.

What is ATEX?

When certain amounts of flammable gases, mists, vapours or even dust clouds are mixed with the air around us, all they need is a source of ignition to cause an explosion. In order to prevent such an event, the European Union has laid out a set of directives to control working condition in such hazardous areas.

ATEX stands for..

The word ATEX itself is derived from an older European directive, the French title of the 94/9/EC directive: Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles (material suited for usage in explosion hazardous areas).

The ATEX directive

ATEX is currently used as a synonym for two directives who describe which equipment is allowed in an hazardous environment and how to classify those hazardous areas with an explosive atmosphere. You can download the complete directives for detailed information:

The ATEX 114 equipment directive 2014/34/EU

The ATEX 153 workplace directive (1999/92/EG)

ATEX guidelines explained

Atex 137

The guideline 1999/92/EG or ATEX137, applies to workplaces in potentially explosive environments. Therefore, an employer must take certain measures in order to adapt to the atex directives.
For example, taking zoning into account. Zoning is the classification of a potentially explosive environment in danger gradations: the ATEX zones. In the Netherlands, home of Atexindustries headquarters, this guideline is incorporated into the Working Conditions legislation.

ATEX 95 & ATEX 114 (2014/34/EU)

De richtlijn 94/9/EG, ook ATEX95 genoemd, bevat voorschriften voor apparaten op plaatsen met potentieel explosiegevaar en valt onder CE-wetgeving. In Nederland is de richtlijn opgenomen in het Besluit Explosion Proof Material, de (technische) eisen zijn vastgelegd in normen, zoals bijvoorbeeld in EN-IEC60079-0. Een lijst van normen die voor onze produkten van toepassing kunnen zijn vindt u hieronder. De richtlijn is op 20 april 2016 vervangen door richtlijn 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114).

The 94/9 / EG directive, also referred to as ATEX95 guideline, contains regulations for devices in potentially explosive atmospheres and is subject to CE legislation. In the Netherlands, the directive is included in the Explosion Proof Material Decree, the (technical) requirements are laid down in standards, such as EN-IEC60079-0. A list of standards that may apply to our products can be found below. The directive was replaced on April 20, 2016 by Directive 2014/34 / EU (ATEX 114).

Atex zone 0

The zones with gas or vapor explosion hazard are indicated by zone 0, 1 or 2. An Atex zone 0 place is characterised by a continuously explosive atmosphere. The air is mixed with dangerous substances, like a form of gas, vapour or mist.

Atex zone 1

A atex zone 1 is similar to a zone 0. However, a zone 1 is a place in which an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally, instead of a continuously presence of a hazardous atmosphere.

Atex zone 2

In a atex zone 2, a explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation. However, if it does occur, it will persist for a short period only.

Atex zone 22

The Atex Directive covers explosions from flammable gas and vapours and combustible dust and fibres. Unlike, the zones described above, zone 22 is characterised by an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air. However, it is not likely the hazardous atmosphere will occur in normal operation. Nevertheless, if it does occur, it will persist for a short time only. On the contrary, in atex zones 20 and 21 the explosive atmosphere is more likely to occur in normal operation or is continuously present, respectively.

Explosion proof equipment

When operating in an hazardous environment, within an explosive atmosphere it is of outmost importance that the right equipment is being used. All our products are fully certified with regard to the European Atex guidelines and directives.

ATEX certified

We provide all certified products with a certificate.

Safety is an important corner stone within out company. Therefore, we are certified ATEX consultants who can help you with all kinds of explosion proof solutions.

DISCLAIMER

The information stated above is just general information. Furthermore, there is specific information on your industry and application needed in order to make the right choices for security reasons. We are not responsible for actions made based on the content of this website. Curious about more detailed and up to date information for your industry specific needs? Feel free to contact us or other authorities on this matter.