ATEX
ATEX in product certification refers to the standards and regulations that ensure equipment and protective systems intended for use in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres meet essential health and safety requirements.
ATEX is an abbreviation for “Atmosphères Explosibles” and refers to a set of European Union (EU) directives aimed at ensuring the safety of equipment used in explosive atmospheres. The term is also commonly used to describe environments that have a potentially explosive atmosphere due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, mists, or dusts.
Key Aspects of ATEX:
Directives: The ATEX framework consists of two main directives:
ATEX 95 equipment directive (2014/34/EU): This directive pertains to the equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It sets out the requirements for the design and construction of the equipment to ensure safety and health protection.
ATEX 137 workplace directive (1999/92/EC): This directive focuses on improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. It outlines the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers who might be at risk from explosive atmospheres.
Classification of Zones: ATEX classifies areas where explosive atmospheres may occur into different zones based on the frequency and duration of the occurrence of an explosive atmosphere:
Gas atmospheres:
Zone 0: An area in which an explosive gas-air mixture is continuously present or present for long periods.
Zone 1: An area in which an explosive gas-air mixture is likely to occur in normal operation.
Zone 2: An area in which an explosive gas-air mixture is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it occurs, will only exist for a short time.
Dust atmospheres:
Zone 20: An area in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously or for long periods.
Zone 21: An area in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation.
Zone 22: An area in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it occurs, will only exist for a short time.
Certification and Markings: Equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres must be appropriately certified and must bear the CE marking and the Ex symbol, indicating compliance with ATEX directives.
Safety Measures: The directives require the implementation of various safety measures, including the use of appropriate equipment, proper installation and maintenance, and the adoption of safe work practices to prevent ignition sources.
ATEX is crucial for manufacturers and industries operating in or producing equipment for hazardous areas, as compliance with these directives not only ensures safety but is also mandatory for access to the European market.
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