CONCEPT AND PURPOSE
● ATEX means Atmosphères Explosibles in French.
● The concept defines safety in explosive atmospheres.
● It protects both workers and facilities from ignition risks. 🛡️
DIRECTIVES AND REGULATIONS
● Two main directives define the ATEX framework.
● ATEX 2014/34/EU applies to equipment manufacturing.
● ATEX 1999/92/EC applies to workplace safety. 📜
GAS AND VAPOR RISKS
● Methane can form explosive mixtures with air.
● Carbon dioxide is non-flammable and used in fire suppression.
● Nitrogen is inert and prevents combustion. 💨
ZONE CLASSIFICATION FOR GASES
● Zone 0 indicates constant or long-term explosive atmosphere.
● Zone 1 indicates occasional explosive atmosphere presence.
● Zone 2 indicates rare and short-term explosive atmosphere. ⏳
ZONE CLASSIFICATION FOR DUST
● Zone 20 indicates constant or long-term combustible dust.
● Zone 21 indicates occasional presence of combustible dust.
● Zone 22 indicates rare and short-term dust presence. 🌾
MARKING SYSTEM ELEMENTS
● “Ex” means explosion protection compliance.
● “II” means above-ground industry use.
● “2G” means gas atmosphere category for Zone 1. 🏭
TYPE OF PROTECTION CODES
● “Ex d” means flameproof enclosure.
● “Ex e” means increased safety.
● “Ex m” means encapsulation of components. 🔒
GAS GROUPS
● Group IIA covers less hazardous gases like propane.
● Group IIB covers intermediate hazard gases like ethylene.
● Group IIC covers highly hazardous gases like hydrogen. ⚗️
TEMPERATURE CLASSES
● “T” plus number means maximum surface temperature.
● T1 means up to 450 °C surface temperature.
● T6 means up to 85 °C surface temperature. 🌡️
TOOL REQUIREMENTS IN HAZARDOUS AREAS
● Only ATEX-certified tools are allowed.
● Non-sparking tools prevent ignition from impact.
● Materials like bronze or copper-beryllium are common. 🔧
OBJECTIVE OF LEARNING
● The reader learns the full ATEX classification system.
● The reader understands gas and dust hazard differences.
● The reader identifies certified equipment markings. 🎯
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 