What is ATEX?
ATEX was created by the European Union to guarantee explosion safety. They have drafted the ATEX directives, which oblige employers in the EU to provide safe working conditions in environments with an explosive atmosphere. The abbreviation ATEX refers to the French word atmosphères explosibles and includes two directives: the ATEX 114 and the ATEX 153 directive. Explosion-sensitive environments are often referred to as EX environments. In the Netherlands, the ATEX guidelines are included in the Arbowet and Warenwet (Working Conditions Act and the Commodities Act).
Why ATEX directives?
In various working environments, flammable substances are used that cannot be replaced by other substances with less or no risk of explosion. In this case, it is necessary to control the explosive atmosphere. A risk of explosion occurs when a flammable substance, gas, mist or vapour comes into contact with air and is ignited under atmospheric conditions, leading to combustion of the flammable substance.
Explosion safety
The three factors that, combined, can produce an explosion are combustible dust, oxygen and an ignition source. The exclusion of any one of these three factors prevents the risk of explosion and thus the risk of fatal injury, serious injury and material damages. There are three principles of explosion protection:
Primary explosion protection
This means the elimination of all flammable substances or oxygen.
Secondary explosion protection
This includes the elimination of all ignition sources, for example by using special enclosures or intrinsic safety.
Tertiary explosion protection
If primary and secondary explosion protection cannot be applied, tertiary explosion protection is necessary. Here, all necessary measures are taken to carry out an explosion in a controlled manner and thus to limit the damage.
What is ATEX 153?
The European ATEX 153 directive describes how employers or owners of hazardous workplaces must ensure that the safety requirements of the workplace design are met. It also states that workers must be certified to work in EX environments.
ATEX guidelines for the workplace: design and maintenance
If there is an EX environment, the employer is legally obliged to:
- Indicate where the hazardous areas are
- Divide the hazardous area into zones
- Clarify which substances are present in an area
- Indicate the quantity of explosive substances
- Regularly check and maintain explosive risk areas
ATEX guideline for staff training
According to the ATEX 153 directive, it is mandatory to extensively train employees to carry out work in EX environments.
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What is ATEX 114?
The ATEX 114 directive describes the standards that devices used in hazardous areas must meet, so that they do not pose an ignition hazard. Only if a device has been approved by Element Materials Technology Ltd, may it be used in an EX environment. Element Materials Technology Ltd is the party that conducts the external certification for ATEX.
What do ATEX markings look like?
Recognising an ATEX environment by means of this marking
If an area is hazardous, this must be indicated with the following marking:
Recognition of ATEX compliant equipment
If a device meets the ATEX guidelines, you will find the following icon on the device:
Explosive industries
Explosive substances are used in various industries. Think, for example, of the paper industry, paint industry, (petro)chemical industry, wood processing and food industry. Professions within these industries that are mainly affected by the ATEX directives are operators, installers, logistics staff and mechanics.
Measures against explosion hazards
General measures that employers can take to reduce explosion risks are:
- Replace flammable substances with less flammable or non-flammable substances.
- Move ignition sources away from explosive atmospheres.
- Carry out work in oxygen-deficient conditions to exclude the risk of explosion.
- Ensuring that the flammable substance does not escape from the intended work process.
Are there any other standards apart from ATEX?
Yes, there are. While the ATEX directives apply to environments and equipment in Europe, other directives apply to other countries. On the page radiographic control systems for ex environments you will find a useful overview of these directives.
ATEX certification
In order to check whether workplaces meet the ATEX guidelines, ATEX certifications are used. This minimises the risk of gas and dust explosions and ensures safe workplaces. With the radiographic transmitters by Hetronic, you can contribute to a safe workplace in ATEX environments.
Are you looking for radio control systems for ATEX environments?
For many years, Hetronic has been a leading supplier of professional radiographic control systems for industrial process control applications in explosion-prone environments. Our industrial remote controls comply with the ATEX 114 directive and can be used for the following applications:
- Gas Zone 1 and Zone 2 IIA, IIB and IIC (2014/34/EU)
- Dust Zone 21 and Zone 22 IIA, IIB and IIC (2014/34/EU)
Do you have any questions about ATEX guidelines?
Do you have a question about ATEX or the ATEX guidelines? Or would you like to receive more information about radio control systems for explosive environments? For this and all other questions, please feel free to contact Hetronic. Our specialists will be happy to advise you and help you find the best industrial remote control for your application. Please ask your question via the chat option on our website, or contact us by phone or by email.