If you work in environments where dust is present such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, or processing facilities, you may have come across the term ATEX. But you may not be aware exactly what it means, and why is it important?
What Is ATEX?
ATEX stands for “ATmosphères EXplosibles“, which is French for Explosive Atmospheres. It refers to a European Union safety regulation that ensures equipment and workplaces are safe where there is a risk of explosion due to flammable gases, vapours, or dust.
There are two key parts to the ATEX framework:
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Directive 2014/34/EU: Covers equipment used in explosive atmospheres.
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Directive 1999/92/EC: Focuses on how workplaces are managed to protect workers in these environments.
Why Does Dust Matter?
While many people think of explosions happening due to gases or liquids, fine dust particles, especially in confined spaces, can also cause powerful explosions. This is especially true in industries like:
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Grain handling
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Woodworking
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Food production
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Metal processing
That’s why ATEX includes specific dust zones to classify how likely an explosive dust atmosphere is in different areas of a workplace.
ATEX Dust Zones
ATEX divides dusty environments into three zones, based on how often explosive dust clouds are expected:
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Zone 20: Dust is present all the time or very frequently during normal operations. Example: Inside a powder silo.
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Zone 21: Dust is likely to appear occasionally during regular use. Example: Near bagging machines or transfer points.
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Zone 22: Dust is unlikely under normal conditions, but could be present briefly if something goes wrong. Example: Areas near dust extraction points or equipment seams.
Why It Matters
Understanding ATEX zones helps businesses choose the right equipment and set up safe cleaning and maintenance procedures. Using non-compliant machines in the wrong zone can increase the risk of fire or explosion, potentially putting lives and property at risk.
If you’re working in a dust-prone environment, it’s important to make sure your equipment is ATEX-rated for the correct zone. It’s not just a safety box to tick, it’s essential for protecting your people, your site, and your operation.
At Motion, we’re proud to work with Ruwac Industriesauger GmbH, a trusted manufacturer of high-performance industrial extraction systems, to provide ATEX-rated machines designed specifically for safe and efficient dust extraction in hazardous environments. Whether you’re operating in Zone 20, 21, or 22, we can help you choose the right solution to keep your site compliant and your team protected.
