ATEX areas and lifting equipment for ATEX areas: regulations, zones and equipment categories
In industry, there are many environments where explosive gases, vapours or dusts occur. These areas are called ATEX areas, and the equipment used in them must meet special safety requirements. In this article, we go through what ATEX areas are, which regulations apply to them, and how lifting equipment is selected and classified for use in these areas.
What is ATEX?
“ATEX” comes from the French words “ATmosphères EXplosibles” and refers to the EU directives that regulate equipment and working conditions in potentially explosive atmospheres. There are two ATEX directives:
- ATEX 2014/34/EU (the equipment directive): covers the requirements for equipment and protective systems in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- ATEX 99/92/EC (the workplace directive): covers the protection of workers’ health and safety in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Zones – where does the explosion risk occur?
ATEX areas are divided into zones according to how often and for how long explosive mixtures occur.
Gas and vapour areas:
- Zone 0: The explosion risk is present continuously or for long periods (e.g. inside a tank).
- Zone 1: The explosion risk is likely to occur in normal operation.
- Zone 2: The explosion risk occurs only rarely and for short periods.
Dust areas:
- Zone 20: An explosive dust cloud is present continuously or frequently.
- Zone 21: The explosion risk is likely to occur during normal operation.
- Zone 22: The explosion risk occurs rarely and briefly.
Equipment categories – which equipment is suitable for which zone?
Equipment is classified into three categories according to its level of protection:
- Category 1: Suitable for Zone 0/20. Very high level of protection; must operate safely even with a continuous explosion risk.
- Category 2: Suitable for Zone 1/21. High level of protection in normal operation.
- Category 3: Suitable for Zone 2/22. Sufficient protection against an occasional explosion risk.
Lifting equipment for ATEX areas – special requirements
Lifting equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres (e.g. overhead cranes, chain hoists, trolleys) must meet the requirements of both the ATEX directive and other legislation concerning lifting equipment.
The requirements for such equipment include, among others:
Prevention of electrical and mechanical sparks (e.g. by using non-sparking materials such as bronze or stainless steel)
Control of surface temperatures so that the device does not heat up above the ignition limit
Discharge of static electricity (e.g. by earthing)
Certification (the device must be approved by the manufacturer or a notified body according to ATEX standards)
Example of the marking on ATEX lifting equipment
Example of an ATEX marking on lifting equipment:
II 2G Ex db IIB T4 Gb
Explanation:
- II = non-mining use
- 2G = equipment category 2, gas zone
- Ex db = type of protection (flameproof enclosure)
- IIB = gas group
- T4 = maximum permitted surface temperature class (≤135 °C)
- Gb = equipment protection level (Zone 1)
Summary
ATEX areas require careful planning so that equipment – especially lifting equipment – is safe to use. It is important to identify the correct zone, choose the appropriate equipment category and ensure that all components are certified and correctly installed. This is how safe work in potentially explosive atmospheres can be guaranteed.
