ATEX Explained
ATEX Assessments are essential to address the minimum safety requirements in workplaces that are classed as explosive atmospheres. ATEX is an abbreviation of the French terms ATmosphere EXplosives and this mandatory certification maintains high standards of inspection and maintenance for environments and equipment that carry the potential risk of explosion. ATEX relates to the European Directives that control explosive atmospheres: Directive 1999/92/EC and Directive 2014/34/EU. These set out the requirements for improving health and safety for workers in potentially explosive atmospheres and regulate equipment and protective systems used in these environments.
Who requires an ATEX Assessment?
ATEX certification is required in all workplaces that can be considered explosive environments and for all equipment that is intended for use in these environments. This includes environments where there are flammable gases, dusts, powders and vapours. ATEX certification includes electrical and non electrical equipment and must be regularly reviewed and renewed to protect your organisation and your employees.
What does an ATEX Assessment involve?
An ATEX Assessment considers work areas that involve flammable substances and assesses them for safety and good practice. The assessment will classify areas within the workplace to identify zones in which there is the risk of explosion, and give these zones an ATEX rating where required. Risks will be identified in order of priority and an EPD (Explosion Protection Document) will record the risks and measures that are required to mitigate them.A standard ATEX Assessment will include advice and feedback on the potential risks of explosion and guidance on mitigating these risks, including the use of PPE and compliant materials within areas that have been identified as high risk. ATEX aims to prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres by identifying all ignition sources, regulating equipment and ensuring comprehensive protective systems are in place. ATEX legislation is designed to prevent accidents and limit the damage caused if an accident occurs.
What defines the classifications?
ATEX area classification is the process of identifying and categorizing areas that have a risk of explosion due to the presence of combustible dust, gases or hybrid mixtures. The classification system consists of three levels, Level 1 for Zones 0/20 Level 2 for Zones 1/21 and Level 3 for Zones 2/22 with Zones 0/20 being the highest risk and Zone 2/22 being the lower risk.
Zone 0/20
Refers to areas where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods.
Figures:
> 1000 hours/year or more than 10% of the time.
Zone 1/21
Refers to areas where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur during operations.
Figures: 10 - 1000 hours/year or between 0,1% and 10% of the time.
Zone 2/22
Refers to areas where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operations.
Figures:
< 10 hours/year or less than 0,1% of the time.
Who are AVS ATEX & Verification Services
AVS are accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board as a type A inspection body to undertake third party, independent inspection and verification services in accordance with the scope of accreditation.
AVS provide internationally recognised Inspection and Verification services to industry and services contractors operating in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres.
They provide total quality assurance through the delivery of bespoke innovative inspection and verification solutions to meet the needs of our clients.
Power Right - Our ATEX Experience
Power Right's team are certified to install or maintain electrical/non-electrical equipment in ATEX Explosive Atmospheres and hazardous areas in line with EN 60079-17 2014 Annex B & EN 60079-14: 2014 Annex A.
What can we offer?
Our Accreditations & Quality Standards
Our Accreditations & Quality Standards
