About Us

ATEX is a leading global designer and manufacturer of intrinsically safe and explosion proof equipment. From our headquarters, we serve customers that work in potentially explosive environments, especially those in the chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, oil and gas industries. As a result of a substantial investment programme in both R&D and technical skills, the company has developed considerable expertise in vision technologies, engineered solutions and wireless technologies for the hazardous area. Consequentially, ATEX is now recognised as a leader and innovator in the global hazardous area market.

ATEX was founded by business leaders and engineers with the aim of providing technological and business expertise of the highest levels. In addition to providing world class solutions, the company’s goal is to offer these as widely as possible through our growing network. We have achieved our aims and have helped thousands of organisations solve their technological challenges.

ATEX, through its various business units and distribution channels has successfully completed close to ten thousand projects in private and government sectors and takes pride in being a world-leading high-tech electronics company. Our solutions are employed in major countries, and our maintenance services are provided on a national basis with options for 24 x 7 support.

Key industry leaders have contributed to the strong successes of ATEX. Many decades of combined experience provides a strong foundation in directing the business and its consulting activities.

ATEX today aims to continue to equip organisations with leading edge electronics, communications, security and business technologies.

ATEX Certification

Standards of employee safety in explosion risk environments

Consists of two EU directives of what equipment and work environment is allowed in an explosive atmosphere.

ATEX 95 equipment directive – (Equipment and Protective Systems)
ATEX 137 – workplace directive – (Minimum requirements)

Employers must classify hazardous explosive zones.

Zones (0, 1, 2 (Gas Vapour-mist), (20, 21, 22 for dust) - Must be protected from effective sources of sources of ignition.

All Equipments used in zoned areas must meet Atex requirements

  • Zone 0 and 20 (Highest Risk) – Category 1
  • Zone 1 and 21 – Category 2
  • Zone 2 and 22 – Category 3

Prior July 2003 Equipment that was in usage – allowed to be used indefinitely upon successful risk assessment

The aim of ATEX is to provide a governing body for the safety of equipments through out EU without the need to separately test equipments and processes at individual locations.

ATEX regulations apply to all equipments in an explosive environment (Electrical or Mechanical).

For manufacturers who use the ATEX prefix, CE Marketing and EX Marketing are able to sell their equipment anywhere within the European Union without additional risk assessments.

Examples of what ATEX regulations cover:

Fixed Offshore Platforms

Predisposition for ATEX regulations to be applicable:

ATEX certification also applies to components of safety devices. These devices maybe outside the safety zones.

Manufacturers outside EU must ensure their products meet health and safety requirements and undergo appropriate conformity procedures.

Testing and Certification by Third Party

Category 3 equipments can be self certified

Category 2 – non elec equipment – but the tech. files has to be lodged by a notifying body.

After Certification:

Purpose

Ensures equipment is fit for intended purpose and enough information is provided with it for it to be used safely.

ATEX classifications: