ATEX approvals

ATmosphère EXplosif

Certificates

ATEX QAN Certificate ATEX EX Certificate for Detector Type GP-EX / GP-NOVA IECEX Certificate for Detector Type GP-EX / GP-NOVA ATEX EX Certificate for Detector Type GJ-EX and GJ-OX IECEX Certificate for Detector Type GJ-EX and GJ-OX

ATEX / EX / IECEx approvals

What is an ATEX zone 1?

ATEX is a term derived from the French “ATmosphère EXplosf,” which translates to “explosive atmosphere.” These directives are developed to protect both workers and the broader community from potential hazards associated with installations that could be explosive.

In environments where there is a potential for explosive mixtures, such as locations with gases, vapors, or dust, it is crucial to take special precautions. This includes assessing the workplace and classifying zones based on the risk of explosion.

Understanding ATEX zones

ATEX zones are categorized based on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere:

Zone 0: Areas where the risk of explosion is constant or very frequent.
Zone 1: Areas where the risk of explosion occurs occasionally under normal working conditions.
Zone 2: Areas where an explosive atmosphere is unlikely to occur and only for short periods.

There are also specific zones for dust risks, such as Zone 20, 21, and 22, which resemble the aforementioned zones in their risk assessment.

When is zone classification required?

The requirement for zone classification arises in situations where flammable substances have the potential to create an explosive atmosphere. Key points include:

Flammable substances: If you work with or store flammable substances, you must assess whether these substances can create an explosive atmosphere. This includes vapors and gases mixed with air, dust that can mix with air, or a mist of fine combustible droplets.

Risk assessment: You need to assess where, how, and when the flammable substances might mix with the air to create an explosive atmosphere. This involves considering work processes, storage methods, and other factors that could contribute to such a mixture.

Zone classification: If you cannot rule out the possibility of creating explosive atmospheres based on your assessment, you must conduct a zone classification. Zone classification helps identify and categorize areas based on the risk of an explosive atmosphere. This may include zones like Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2, etc., where each zone represents a specific level of risk.

Zone classification is crucial for ensuring that appropriate safety measures are in place in areas with potential explosion hazards. It also helps businesses comply with regulations and protect both workers and assets.

The role of gas detectors in ATEX zone 1

Gas detectors are essential tools in ATEX zones. They are designed to monitor and alert to dangerous gas concentrations. Although some equipment may not be ATEX-approved, it can still be used in certain ATEX zones if closely monitored with gas detectors. At Geopal, we recommend using ATEX-approved gas detectors to enhance safety.

Safety measures in ATEX zones, especially Zone 1, are vital to protect workers and prevent potential disasters. Proper equipment, classification, and monitoring are key to creating a safe working environment.

ATEX zone overview:

Flammable Liquids

A liquid with a flash point below 100°C is classified as a flammable liquid by definition.

Hazard Classes are divided into the following groups:

Fire Technical Data

Subgroups for Liquids and Gases

Gases and Liquids Classified into Groups (Gas Groups)

These are also defined under the term MESG (Minimum Explosive Safety Gap, Maximum Safety Gap, and Minimum Ignition Current).