ATEX guidelines
ATEX Product Directive 2014/34/EU
This directive is primarily aimed at manufacturers. It regulates the placing on the market of equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The key points of the directive are:
- Classification of equipment and protective systems
- Basic safety requirements
- Conformity assessment procedures
ATEX Operating Directive 1999/92/EC
This directive is primarily aimed at plant operators and employers. It lays down minimum requirements for health and safety in work environments with explosive atmospheres. Key elements of this directive include:
- Preparation of an explosion protection document
- Classification of hazardous areas
- Minimum requirements for improving occupational health and safety
ATEX zones and equipment categories
The ATEX directives divide potentially explosive areas into different zones. This is based on the frequency and duration of the occurrence of an explosive atmosphere:
- Zone 0 (gas) / Zone 20 (dust): Permanently, frequently or for long periods of time, potentially explosive atmosphere.
- Zone 1 (gas) / Zone 21 (dust): Occasionally, potentially explosive atmosphere during normal operation.
- Zone 2 (gas) / Zone 22 (dust): Rarely or for short periods of time, potentially explosive atmosphere during normal operation.
Devices are also divided into categories that must meet different safety requirements:
- Category 1: Highest level of safety, no ignition source even in the event of rare and unexpected operational faults.
- Category 2: High level of safety, no ignition source even in the event of normally expected operational faults.
- Category 3: Normal level of safety, no ignition source during normal operation.
Types of ignition protection
If an explosive atmosphere cannot be avoided, ignition sources must be prevented. There are various types of ignition protection for this purpose:
Types of ignition protection for gases:
- Pressure-resistant encapsulation
- Increased safety
- Intrinsic safety
- Pressurised enclosure
- Cast enclosure
- Oil-filled enclosure
- Sand-filled enclosure
- Non-incendive
- Explosion-proof
Types of ignition protection for dust:
- Protection by enclosure
- Pressurised enclosure
- Intrinsic safety
- Cast enclosure
- Non-incendive
- Dust-tight
ATEX certification
ATEX devices are certified according to different procedures depending on the device category and ATEX zone:
- Internal production control (Annex VIII): For category 3 products, self-testing by the manufacturer.
- Testing by a notified body: For electrical equipment in category 2 and all equipment in category 1.
- Documentation at a notified body: For non-electrical equipment in category 2, technical documentation must be archived.
After successful certification, the equipment receives an ATEX certificate. This allows it to be sold on the international market and the ATEX logo to be affixed to the equipment.
ATEX approval is essential for the safe operation of equipment in potentially explosive environments. The strict ATEX guidelines and ignition protection types provide a reliable framework. This prevents explosions or minimises their consequences. Manufacturers and operators must comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of employees, machines and the environment.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) from Schäfer Container Systems IBC are not specifically approved. We certify that our containers are not subject to the ATEX directive. For agitators and ATEX heating containers, we obtain the relevant certificates from our reputable partners.
