What does “ATEX” mean
The term “ATEX” (usually found as “EX“) refers to a “potentially explosive atmosphere,” that is a mixture with air, under atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances in the form of gases, vapours, mists or dusts in which, after potential ignition has occurred, combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture.
Directive 2014/34/EU of the European Parliament regulates the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
What are the “ATEX” zones and how they are classified
“ATEX” zones are all those environments where explosive atmospheres could occur. It is usually the employer’s responsibility to identify and classify these areas and so where special precautions need to be taken to protect the safety and health of workers.
Therefore, their classification will depend on the type of substance that originates it, the frequency with which it occurs and its duration.
The first distinction is based on the substance that can originates combustion, specifically whether it is GAS (ZONE 0 / 1 / 2) or DUST (ZONE 20 / 21 / 22). Secondly, it is based on its presence in quantity and duration in the affected area, as it follows:
- Zone 0 / 20: always, temporarily or often present
- Zone 1 / 21: occasionally present
- Zone 2 / 22: very seldom or only present for a short period
In what environments can we find a potentially explosive atmosphere?
A potentially explosive atmosphere is likely to exist in a wide range of environments, from domestic to industrial. However, those in which there is a greater probability due to the existence of flammable substances and the handling of hazardous materials are:
- Chemical industry
- Oil and natural gas extraction
- Petrol station
- Marine sector
- Tank vehicle
- Power plant
- Refinery
- Rescue service
- Aviation
- Grain and feed industry
- Fertilizer industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
The list of flammable substances is very extensive and not only found in industries, but it is surprising how many surround us in our day to day: gasoline, butane, city gas, varnish, paints, aerosols, insecticides, sawdust, sugar, cocoa powder, milk powder, flour, textile fibres and so on.
Why it is essential to equip yourself with ATEX-certified equipment
One maxim that every professional should keep in mind is that safety comes first.
For a worker it is vital to know the risks involved in his working environment, and to use the appropriate equipment accordingly. If we talk about an industry, it can be more or less easy to determine which substances are present in its production process.
However, what happens when your environment constantly changes and it is impossible to know in advance what we are going to find?
This may be the case for emergency services / Firefighters. The range of scenarios in which they carry out their interventions makes it difficult to identify such risks.
Prevention is essential: given the potential scenarios and to avoid serious consequences, the most advisable is the use of equipment for explosive atmospheres with ATEX certification.
SAFCO ITALIA offers ADALIT ATEX lamps
In general, any equipment containing one or more batteries – rechargeable or not – is a potential threat within an ATEX-classified area, as it could explode in the presence of a flammable substance, whether in the form of gas, vapor, mist, or dust.
An example of equipment involved in this risk is lighting: a crucial issue for industries and emergency services, which often operate in environments with poor visibility, in cramped, dark, or smoky environments, where illuminating the work area is essential.
SAFCO ITALIA offers to Firefighters and other industries a quality and reliable solution rappresented by the ADALIT ATEX torches: manufactured in Spain with European raw materials, they are designed to be long-lasting and guarantee the highest safety standards.
All main ADALIT models are ATEX certified for use in ZONES 0 and 20, the highest possible protection for use in any potentially explosive environment. Each ADALIT ATEX torch is designed to equip professionals with features designed specifically for them: nothing is left to chance. With ADALIT products, you’re choosing quality equipment, with the peace of mind that you’ll never have to worry about ATEX zones again.