What is the “ATEX” ?

European Law - ATEX Directive 94/9/EC

ATEX is named after the French "ATmosphère EXplosible"

GUIDELINES ON THE APPLICATION OF DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC of 23 March 1994 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially Explosive Atmospheres - Fourth edition September 2012

It is the objective of the Commission services to ensure that the ATEX Guidelines are continuously updated, as subject matters are resolved by the ATEX Standing Committee and its Working Group.

Since July 1st 2003 it has been mandatory under European law, that all equipment for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere must conform to specific safety standards. Many manufacturing processes, including biodiesel production, generate potentially explosive atmospheres. European Directive 137 - The protection of workers from potentially explosive atmospheres - makes it mandatory under European law to assess for an explosion risk and classify the area accordingly.

Hazardous areas

A professional risk assessment determines hazardous area zones

EN 60079-10 is the European Standard for determining the classification of hazardous areas, giving guidance on determining the area classification and recommendations for detailing the zones on drawings.

Zone 0 -An area where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods

Zone 1 - An area where an explosive atmosphere is likely to to occur in normal operation

Zone 2 - An area where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation