ATEX refers to two European Union directives that set safety rules for workplaces and equipment used in explosive atmospheres.[
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The name comes from the French phrase
ATmosphères EXplosibles. [
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- Workplace Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137 / ATEX 153): Sets minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. [1, 2]
- Product Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114 / ATEX 95): Covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. [1, 2]
- Explosive Atmosphere: A mixture of hazardous substances (gases, vapors, mists, or combustible dusts) with air under atmospheric conditions, which can catch fire after ignition. [1, 2, 3]
- Zonal Classification: Work areas are divided into zones (Zones 0, 1, and 2 for gas/vapor; Zones 20, 21, and 22 for dust) based on how often and how long an explosive atmosphere is present. [1]
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