Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 66 THE door industry journal winter 2024 Industrial Doors & Shutters ATEX Applications in Explosive Environments: An Overview Across industries where explosive atmospheres pose a threat, ATEX compliance is more than just a box to tick. From oil and gas to pharmaceuticals and food processing, ATEXcertified equipment is the backbone of safety where flammable gases, mists, vapours and dust are present. But what exactly is ATEX and why is it so important? ATEX: Not Just a Buzzword ATEX, short for ‘Atmosphères Explosibles’, is the European Union’s answer to safeguarding potentially explosive environments. Think of ATEX products like your safety shields - with flameproof enclosures and safety designs that act as a barrier against flammable substances. Where Do Explosive Atmospheres Exist? Under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), it’s an employer’s responsibility to protect the safety of staff and the public against the risk of fire and explosions in the workplace. Hazardous environments include: These industries rely on ATEX-certified equipment like lighting, ventilation systems, pumps and compressors to protect against explosive substances. ATEX Zones: A Quick Guide To ensure the right level of protection, ATEX defines different zones based on the likelihood of explosive atmospheres. Gas is zones 0, 1, 2, dust is zones 20, 21, 22. Installation Matters Conformity of the ATEX directive calls for the employer or owner of the premises to prepare a risk assessment of the site, detailing the type of hazardous material or level of protection required. It is the responsibility of the door manufacturer to ensure that any equipment sited in a potentially hazardous area complies with the ‘ATEX’ directive, ensuring any potential sources of ignition are eliminated. All ATEX-compliant drives and controls are supplied without cabling, meaning installation must be handled by a qualified ATEX electrician. This ensures the whole system, including wiring, meets the safety requirements needed for explosive environments. Beyond the key equipment, you can customise your ATEX setup with a range of add-ons: photocells, safety edges, pushbuttons and audio-visual alerts. Why Ignoring ATEX Can Be Costly Neglecting ATEX standards can lead to accidents and injuries and in worse cases, property loss caused by explosions: The Future of ATEX-Compliant Products: IoT As industries evolve, so does the need for efficient and compact ATEX solutions. Advancements in technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), can be a game-changer for ATEX systems - with smart sensors monitoring hazardous conditions such as temperature, pressure and gas levels. GfA UK has accredited members of the team who can assist with the specification of ATEX equipment; please contact the GfA team for expert guidance and advice. Timothy Drysch, Head of Electrical at GfA UK, sales@gfa-elektromaten.co.uk, www.gfa-elektromaten.co.uk, Telephone: (0)1926 452 452 • Oil, gas and petrochemical • Flour and grain mills • Waste facilities • Distilleries • Mining • Vehicle paint spray shops Zone 0/20 Most hazardous Areas where explosive atmospheres are always present Zone 1/21 Hazardous zone Areas where explosive atmospheres are likely to occur in normal operation Zone 2/22 Potentially hazardous Areas where explosive atmospheres are likely to occur and if so, is only for a short period of time • Safety hazards: accidents leading to injuries • Legal penalties: fines and potential lawsuits • Production downtime: expensive repairs and disruptions • Property damage: explosions causing property loss
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