ATEX Codes and Their Meanings: Requirements for Safe Working Environments
In our daily lives, various gases are constantly present around us in different proportions. Among the most common ones are oxygen and nitrogen in the air we breathe, methane used for heating and cooking, and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emitted from vehicle exhausts. Due to their nature, some gases are flammable, some are toxic, and some can be both. In the past, the lack of necessary precautions in industrial facilities has led to significant accidents resulting in numerous losses.
To prevent such incidents from recurring, various steps have been taken, leading to the establishment of global standards. ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosives) is one such standard adopted by many countries outside North America. The ATEX coding system consists of specific letters and numbers:
- Zone 0: Areas where explosive atmospheres, created by the mixture of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor, or mist with air, are continuously or frequently present for extended periods.
- Zone 1: Areas where explosive atmospheres, formed by the mixture of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor, or mist with air, are likely to occur occasionally during normal operations.
- Zone 2: Areas where explosive atmospheres, caused by the mixture of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor, or mist with air, are not expected under normal conditions or may occur only for a very short period.
- Zone 20: Areas where combustible dust is present in the air as a cloud, continuously, frequently, or for long periods, potentially forming an explosive atmosphere. In such environments, prolonged suspension of dust particles in the air increases the risk of an explosive atmosphere. Proper ventilation systems are crucial, especially in processing or manufacturing environments where dust is continuously released into the air.
- Zone 21: Areas where combustible dust, present in the air as a cloud under normal operating conditions, may occasionally form an explosive atmosphere. Dust accumulations in production processes may lead to explosive atmospheres, necessitating regular cleaning and dust control measures in these areas.
- Zone 22: Areas where combustible dust in the air as a cloud is unlikely to form an explosive atmosphere under normal operating conditions or may do so only for very short periods. However, care must be taken due to the potential suspension of dust in the air during accidents or malfunctions.
Industrial fans in such potentially hazardous environments must be designed to operate safely and reliably. For instance, devices suitable for Zone 0, offering the highest level of protection, can also be used in Zones 1 and 2. Similarly, devices certified for Zone 1 are suitable for Zone 2 as well.
Ensuring that industrial fans comply with ATEX standards is crucial not only for protecting workers’ health but also for maintaining uninterrupted and safe production processes. ATEX 137 defines the minimum requirements for protecting workers’ health and classifies areas with a potential for explosive atmospheres. Therefore, proper certification and use of equipment like industrial fans in the appropriate zones are critical for workplace safety.
At Asel Teknik, the compliance of our industrial fans with ATEX standards plays a significant role in enhancing workplace safety and managing potentially explosive environments. Creating safe working areas is not only a legal requirement but also an obligation for ensuring the health and safety of our employees. By keeping up with developments and innovations in our sector, we aim to consistently provide the most reliable solutions.
