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ATEX zone 2 (gas)

Optimizing explosion safety in ATEX Zone 2

In an ATEX environment, where there is a risk of an explosive atmosphere, specific European directives apply. These specific directives (ATEX 153 & ATEX 114) aim to minimize the risk of an explosion. An ATEX environment is divided into different ATEX zones, each with its own risks and corresponding regulations. There are a total of six different ATEX zones: three gas zones and three dust zones. In this blog, we explain ATEX Zone 2, a gas zone.

An explosive atmosphere can lead to an explosion if oxygen, fuel (gas), and an ignition source are present. An explosion can be prevented by excluding one of these three elements. The different ATEX zones are based on the required protection level. In ATEX Zone 2, the risk of a gas explosion under normal use is very low because an explosive atmosphere is present for less than 0.1% of the operating time. In the other gas zones (ATEX Zone 0 and ATEX Zone 1), the risk is higher because an explosive atmosphere is present for a longer period. This does not mean that ATEX Zone 2 is less dangerous than another gas zone, only that the risk is lower.

Measures for ATEX Zone 2

There are various technical and/or organizational measures in place to ensure the safety of employees/visitors and protect the environment of an ATEX zone. Each ATEX zone has its own specific regulations. Therefore, different requirements for equipment apply in a dust zone like ATEX Zone 20 compared to ATEX Zone 2 (gas zone). Additionally, the requirements in ATEX Zone 2 are logically less stringent than in the other gas zones because the risk is lower.

Equipment category 3

All equipment and products used in an ATEX zone must meet established safety requirements. ATEX 114 determines whether a device or product is safe to use in an ATEX environment. Within this directive, "ATEX equipment" is divided into ATEX Equipment Group I and ATEX Equipment Group II.

Group I includes only products used in mines; all other equipment falls under Group II.
Group II is divided into three categories. Equipment used in ATEX Zone 2 must meet the requirements of Equipment Category 3. If a product meets these requirements, it must bear the Ex logo. Additionally, a workplace with an explosion risk must have a warning sign.

DEKRA & ATEX Zones

DEKRA offers comprehensive services to help you meet your ATEX obligations. We can assess whether you are ATEX-compliant and prepare a detailed explosion safety document. Moreover, we have extensive testing capabilities as a notified body. Want to know more about explosion safety and ATEX Zone 2?

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