ATEX

What is ATEX?

ATEX is an acronym for the French “ATmosphères EXplosibles” and refers to the European directives governing safety requirements in explosive atmospheres. In industries where there are dusts, gases or vapors that can create explosive atmospheres, ATEX is the basis for protecting the health, lives of workers and property of the company.

Why is ATEX crucial in the industry?

In many industries, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, wood and recycling, processes generate flammable substances. Under the right conditions, they can form explosive mixtures that, if ignited, lead to explosions. To minimize the risk, ATEX directives set standards for equipment and systems operating in such environments.

Division of ATEX directives

1. ATEX 114 (Directive 2014/34/EU): Applies to equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres. Includes technical requirements for the design and manufacture of equipment.
2. ATEX 153 (Directive 1999/92/EC): Focuses on the safety of workers, defining rules for risk assessment, the designation of potentially explosive atmospheres and the organization of work.

Explosion hazard zones in industry

Areas where explosive atmospheres can be generated are classified as zones depending on the frequency and duration of the occurrence of these atmospheres:
⦁ Gas zones: 0, 1, 2
⦁ Dust zones: 20, 21, 22

Each zone requires appropriately sized equipment marked in accordance with ATEX guidelines.

ATEX benefits:

What does ATEX compliance mean?

ATEX-compliant equipment must be designed and tested to minimize the risk of ignition in a hazardous area. This includes both mechanical and electrical components, as well as protective systems such as explosion relief valves, explosion-proof diaphragms and cell locks.