Safety is not optional in hazardous work environments—it’s a regulated necessity. In industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, and pharmaceuticals, the presence of flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust makes every piece of equipment a potential ignition source. This is where ATEX certification plays a critical role.
This beginner-friendly ATEX certification guide explains what the certification means, who needs it, and how it applies to intrinsically safe equipment. Whether you’re a safety manager, compliance officer, or procurement specialist, understanding ATEX requirements is essential to operating legally and safely in explosive atmospheres.
Looking for compliant equipment? Explore ATEX-Certified Tools for Hazardous Areas
What Is ATEX Certification?
ATEX stands for ATmosphères EXplosibles, derived from the French name of the EU directive that governs the use of equipment in explosive environments.
There are two key directives:
Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114): Concerns manufacturers and sets essential safety requirements for equipment and protective systems.
Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 153): Concerns employers and lays down minimum requirements for improving worker safety.
Together, these directives ensure that both the tools and work environments are safe for operation in potentially explosive atmospheres.
ATEX-certified equipment is specially designed and tested to prevent ignition sources, such as electrical sparks, excessive surface temperatures, and friction-generated heat. This certification is mandatory for any equipment used in explosive atmospheres in the European Union.
Why Is ATEX Certification Required?
In explosive atmospheres, even a minor spark or hot surface can trigger catastrophic incidents. ATEX certification confirms that a piece of equipment has been tested and verified not to ignite such atmospheres during normal use or foreseeable malfunctions.
Here’s why ATEX certification is necessary:
Legal Compliance: Equipment must meet ATEX standards to be legally operated in the EU within hazardous environments.
Workplace Safety: Prevents fire and explosion risks, safeguarding personnel, infrastructure, and the environment.
Market Access: Ensures products can be sold and used within all EU member states.
Reduced Liability: Demonstrates due diligence in selecting compliant, safe technology.
Without ATEX-certified equipment, organizations risk severe penalties, shutdowns, and potentially lethal accidents.
What Is Intrinsically Safe Equipment?
Intrinsically safe (IS) equipment is specifically engineered to limit electrical and thermal energy to levels that cannot ignite a hazardous atmosphere, even under fault conditions.
Unlike explosion-proof equipment that contains a potential explosion within a protective enclosure, intrinsically safe devices prevent ignition from occurring at all.
Common types of IS equipment include:
Sensors and transmitters
When used in combination with ATEX certification, intrinsically safe equipment allows safe operation in the most volatile zones, such as oil rigs, refineries, chemical plants, and mining operations.
What Are ATEX Equipment Groups and Categories?
To understand what ATEX certification covers, it’s important to know how equipment is grouped and categorized under the directive:
Equipment Groups
Group I: Intended for underground mining applications where methane and coal dust are common.
Group II: Intended for all other explosive atmospheres (non-mining), such as oil & gas or manufacturing.
Equipment Categories (based on risk)
Category 1: Very high protection. Equipment is safe even with frequent, long-term exposure to explosive atmospheres.
Category 2: High protection. Safe where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally.
Category 3: Normal protection. Suitable for environments where explosive atmospheres are unlikely but possible.
Understanding the group and category of your equipment helps determine its compatibility with specific hazardous zones.
Not sure which Zone applies to your site? Talk to a Safety Expert
How Are ATEX Zones Classified?
Work areas are divided into zones that reflect how often and for how long an explosive atmosphere is present. These zones apply separately to gases and dusts.
Gas Zones:
Zone 0: Continuous presence of explosive gas atmosphere.
Zone 1: Likely occurrence of explosive atmosphere under normal operation.
Zone 2: Rare and short-term occurrence of explosive gases.
Dust Zones:
Zone 20: Continuous or long-term presence of combustible dust.
Zone 21: Likely presence during normal operation.
Zone 22: Unlikely, short-term dust exposure.
Each piece of equipment must be rated for the zone in which it will be used.
Decoding the ATEX Marking
ATEX-certified equipment comes with a standardized label that communicates essential safety information. Here’s how to interpret a typical ATEX marking:
Example:Ex II 2G Ex db IIB T4 Gb
Explanation:
Ex: Explosion-protected equipment
II: Equipment Group II (non-mining)
2G: Category 2, Gas environment
db: Type of explosion protection (“d” = flameproof enclosure, “b” = protection level)
IIB: Gas group (e.g., propane)
T4: Temperature class (max 135°C)
Gb: Equipment Protection Level (EPL) for gases
Each part of the marking helps safety engineers match equipment with specific hazardous zones and operational conditions.
Steps to Achieve ATEX Certification
For manufacturers or those sourcing equipment, understanding the certification process can streamline procurement and ensure compliance.
1. Risk Assessment
Conduct a hazard and risk assessment to determine the level of explosion risk in each work area.
2. Product Design
Design equipment to eliminate or contain ignition sources, and ensure safe surface temperatures.
3. Testing and Verification
Products undergo rigorous testing by a Notified Body (an independent third party designated by the EU).
4. Documentation
Technical files, including drawings, safety calculations, and risk assessments, must be compiled and submitted.
5. Declaration and CE Marking
Once certified, the product receives CE and Ex markings. A Declaration of Conformity is issued.
Common Industries That Require ATEX-Certified Equipment
ATEX certification is standard across a range of sectors where volatile atmospheres are a routine part of operations:
| Industry | Common Hazard | Typical ATEX Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Methane, propane | Radios, lighting, cameras |
| Chemical Manufacturing | Solvents, vapors | Gas detectors, sensors |
| Mining | Methane, coal dust | Communication devices |
| Pharmaceuticals | Fine powders, gases | Tablets, monitors |
| Food Processing | Flour, sugar dust | Environmental sensors |
| Wastewater Treatment | Hydrogen sulfide | Intrinsically safe instruments |
Each industry benefits from using ATEX-certified and intrinsically safe technology to manage risk and meet regulatory requirements.
ATEX vs. IECEx: What’s the Difference?
Though often used interchangeably, ATEX and IECEx serve different purposes and jurisdictions.
ATEX: Mandatory in the European Union. Governed by EU law.
IECEx: International certification system. Used globally, including in Australia, South Africa, and the Middle East.
Key Differences:
Legality: ATEX is a legal requirement in the EU; IECEx is voluntary.
Process: IECEx tends to be more transparent and standardized globally.
Recognition: Some regions accept both; others may prefer one over the other.
While ATEX may be mandatory for operations within the EU, IECEx offers additional flexibility for global compliance and cross-border operations.
FAQs About ATEX Certification
Is ATEX certification mandatory in all countries?
No. ATEX is only mandatory within the European Union. However, other countries may accept ATEX or have their own systems, like IECEx or NEC for the U.S.
Can ATEX-certified equipment be used in North America?
In some cases, yes—but it depends on local regulations. North America primarily follows UL, CSA, and NEC standards.
How often should ATEX equipment be inspected?
ATEX equipment should undergo regular inspection as outlined by the manufacturer and local safety regulations. Maintenance schedules should also align with internal safety audits.
Does ATEX certification expire?
No formal expiration exists, but if equipment is modified, damaged, or its design changes, recertification may be required.
Is it safe to use non-ATEX equipment in explosive atmospheres if it’s in a protective enclosure?
No. Only equipment with certified explosion protection (either intrinsically safe or flameproof) should be used in ATEX zones.
Conclusion
Understanding ATEX certification is essential for any business that operates in hazardous environments. This certification isn’t just a label—it’s a promise that the equipment in use meets the strictest safety standards for preventing explosions and protecting lives.
From knowing the right zone to choosing the right equipment group and category, compliance with ATEX ensures legal, safe, and efficient operations. Intrinsically safe devices that are ATEX-certified offer the ideal combination of prevention, durability, and usability in high-risk settings.
If you’re sourcing equipment for any explosive atmosphere, ATEX compliance is non-negotiable.
