ATEX Equipment: Everything You Need to Know

ATEX equipment receives a lot of use in the industrial sector. The ATEX range includes a selection of useful tools that will help with a variety of maintenance based tasks. There are scenarios where using items from an ATEX approved range is essential for several reasons which we will go into next.

What is ATEX?

ATEX is the word used to represent two EU directives which describe the minimum safety requirements of a workplace and its equipment used within an explosive atmosphere, The Directive of 2014/34/EU covers all equipment and protective systems that are intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere. It defines the health and safety requirements and the conformity assessment procedures, which are to be applied before any products are allowed to be placed on the EU market. This is aligned with a more recent legislative framework policy and was made applicable from the 20th April 2016 and replaces the previous Directive 94/9/EC.

The name ATEX is derived from the French term ‘Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosives.’

ATEX equipment may be purchased or rented out for use within the industrial sector. A potentially explosive atmosphere would exist when a mixture of air gases, vapours, mists or dust combine in a way that could cause them to ignite under a certain operating condition. The ATEX range of products includes ATEX equipment, ATEX tools and ATEX protective systems which are used at mines, flour mills, petrochemical plants and offshore platforms to provide a few examples.

ATEX Cleaning Equipment

Various ATEX tools help with cleaning tasks for areas designated as Explosive Atmospheres. For example, the ATEX PRO system has been created for use in industrial factory areas that have been designated as Explosive Atmospheres. This ATEX equipment has been designed so that it can guarantee spark-free operation, allowing users to have peace of mind when actioning cleaning tasks. This branch of ATEX tools works by using a fully conductive pole kit that is made from 100% carbon, therefore preventing spark and static when used in an ATEX environment. The pole can be customised with various head attachments to allow for different cleaning situations to be undertaken safely.

ATEX Vacuum Cleaning Systems

In the industrial setting and an ATEX environment, a vacuum cleaning system may be required. There is an excellent range of suitable choices. For it to be suitable a worker would need to select a vacuum cleaner built to prevent the formation of sources of ignition. This would mean it would need to be a system that was able to prevent the formation of static electricity through grounding, antistatic filters and other accessories as well as overheating motors through specifically certified engines and other devices.

ATEX Tools

There is a large range of ATEX tools that various industries require the use of. Examples of ATEX tools that are likely to be used in many trades (such as construction) include:

• Hacksaws
• Rotary Hammer Drills
• Reciprocating Saws
• Magnetic Drills
• Nut Runners
• Axial Fans
• Ventilators

This provides a small outline of ATEX tools that are widely in use in industrial landscapes. Overall, ATEX equipment, protective systems and all related ATEX tools are highly important and useful items. For many operating sectors the workers must be using ATEX approved items and so the development and use of them can not be underrated.

If you would like to find out more about ATEX Equipment please feel free to give SpaceVac International a call on +44 1604 968668 and there friendly team will be able to help you.