{"id":15768651,"date":"2021-04-12T09:17:04","date_gmt":"2021-04-12T09:17:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adf-systemes.fr\/what-is-atex\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:09:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T14:09:05","slug":"what-is-atex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adf-systemes.fr\/en\/what-is-atex\/","title":{"rendered":"What is ATEX?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every year, numerous ATEX-related<\/strong> accidents occur at high-risk industrial sites. These accidents are often the result of a lack of awareness of the dangers associated with potentially explosive atmospheres<\/strong>, and a lack of preventive and protective equipment. <\/p>\n\n

However, ATEX zones<\/strong> are now covered by European directives. These allow facility managers to take preventive action to avoid their occurrence. <\/p>\n\n

How are explosive atmospheres<\/strong> formed? In what type of industry are they found? What are the most common sources of ignition? <\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

What is ATEX?<\/h2>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

General<\/h3>\n\n

An ATEX (or ATmosph\u00e8re EXplosible)<\/strong> is an atmosphere where one or more explosions can potentially take place. <\/p>\n\n

An explosion, on the other hand, consists of a very rapid increase in volume and release of energy, with the generation of high temperatures and gases. <\/p>\n\n

It can be of physical origin<\/strong>, due to the bursting of an element whose internal pressure is unsustainable, or chemical,<\/strong> in the latter case resulting from a chemical reaction.<\/p>\n\n

Gases, vapors and flammable dusts contain unstable compounds that can cause explosions, and these risks can be prevented bypurchasing ATEX equipment<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

In accordance with EN 1127 – 1<\/strong><\/a>an explosion is a sudden oxidation or decomposition reaction involving a rise in temperature or pressure, or both simultaneously. <\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

Conditions <\/h3>\n\n

For ATEX to exist, three conditions must be met: <\/p>\n\n

    \n
  1. Presence of an oxidizer<\/strong>. This is generally air. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Presence of a combustible<\/strong>. Flammable substances are gases, vapors or dusts. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. A source of ignition<\/strong> or very high temperature. The most frequent sources of ignition are static electricity, lightning, open flames, mechanical sparks, hot surfaces, etc. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

    These three conditions form what is commonly known as the fire triangle.<\/p>\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n

    Where can you find ATEX? <\/h2>\n\n

    Technically, all industries using flammable substances (gases, dusts, vapors) present an explosion risk. <\/p>\n\n

    They are therefore subject to ATEX regulations. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

    These include high-risk industrial sites (SEVESO)<\/a>, as well as metal processing plants, paint shops, flour silos, wood processing plants, refineries and even waste recycling centers… <\/p>\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n

    How to avoid ATEX?<\/h2>\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n

    There are two main regulatory texts concerning ATEX. <\/p>\n\n

      \n
    1. The first is aimed at plant managers (Directive 99\/92\/EC) <\/strong>and sets out all the minimum health and safety requirements for personnel likely to be exposed to ATEX. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
        \n
      1. The second text is aimed at manufacturers (Directive 94\/0\/EC)<\/strong> and lays down the minimum safety requirements for ATEX protection equipment and systems. <\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

        When it comes to detecting, determining and classifying ATEX zones, plant managers must comply with the requirements of standard NF EN 60079-0-1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

        We also need to classify the hazardousness of flammable substances and carry out an occupational and technological risk assessment. <\/p>\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n

        ATEX glossary: what to remember? <\/h2>\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n

        Flash point of a flammable liquid:<\/strong> Temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to form a flammable mixture with air.<\/p>\n\n

        Note: Some substances have their flash point at negative temperatures.<\/em><\/p>\n\n