Safety is essential in modern factories; it is no longer just about compliance with regulations, but also about fostering a culture that prioritises employee well-being and productivity.
Safety risks in a manufacturing space can include physical injuries obtained from slips, trips, and falls, machinery-related injuries, or even falling from heights. A less-discussed safety risk is hazardous areas where vapours, flammable gases or dust create a risk of explosions. To work safely within these areas, you need an ATEX electrician, as they have specialised training to work safely in explosive environments.
ATEX engineers are vital for modern manufacturing. Without their expertise, you are at risk of incorrectly classifying explosive zones, creating a higher risk of violating safety laws, causing fines and factory shutdowns. Even worse, unchecked by a professional, these areas are a risk to life if they are incorrectly handled.
Our guide will explain why ATEX engineers are so important in modern factories, highlighting the risks they help avert.
What is ATEX?
ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European directives governing the control of explosive atmospheres. The term ATEX comes from the French phrase “ATmosphères EXplosibles”.
- Directive 99/92/EC – ATEX 137 or the Workplace Directive
- Directive 2014/34/EU – ATEX 114 or the ATEX Equipment Directive
These ATEX regulations aim to ensure the safe use of equipment and systems found in environments where flammable substances, such as vapours, gases, and dusts, are present in substantial quantities and are at risk of explosion; these are classified as ATEX zones.
These zones are categorised into two sections: Gas & Vapour zones and Dust Zones. These areas are defined in DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) assessments, where the area will be zoned.
The classification of the zoning facilitates the correct selection and installation of apparatus that an ATEX electrician can use safely within the environment.
Gas & Vapour Zones:
- Zone 0: An explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods
- Zone 1: An explosive gas atmosphere will likely occur in normal operation
- Zone 2: An explosive gas atmosphere will not likely occur in normal operation and, if it occurs, will only exist for a short time
Dust Zones:
- Zone 20: Combustible dust or ignitable fibres are present continuously or for long periods
- Zone 21: Combustible dust or ignitable fibres are likely to occur under normal operating conditions
- Zone 22: Combustible dust or ignitable fibres are not likely to occur under normal operating conditions, and if they do, it will be for a short period
What is an ATEX Certified Electrician?
ATEX-certified engineers are professionally trained and certified to work with electrical equipment in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres. Comp Ex is a globally recognised scheme that assesses and certifies engineers; certification is required to work in these volatile atmospheres, providing them with the knowledge to:
- Install and maintain Electrical equipment within hazardous areas
- Understand and mitigate explosion hazards
- Conduct Inspections and testing
- Apply relevant legislation and Standards
- Work safely and efficiently
All ATEX engineers adhere to an international scheme, as highlighted in Comp Ex's EEMUA Publication 214, Edition 7, Pocket Toolbox Guide for Electrical and Mechanical Selection, Installation, Inspection, and Maintenance in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres.
Elmleigh’s ATEX Electrician Services
Choosing the right ATEX engineer is crucial; there are several steps to determine who is the best for the job. Certification, experience, and previous completed projects are all relevant criteria.
As Elmleigh’s history is rooted in food processing lines, we understand the importance of having ATEX engineers within the business. Our engineers have continuously developed their skills and:
- Are fully ATEX-certified
- Have ATEX installation experience in multiple industries, including food processing, Oil & Gas and anaerobic digestors
We constantly support their development, with our latest Project Manager undertaking and passing his Comp EX 12., equipping him with the ability to:
- Design and implement safe electrical systems in explosive atmospheres.
- Conduct thorough inspections and maintain equipment in hazardous locations.
- Ensure compliance with international standards and regulations, thereby enhancing safety and reliability.
- Lead and mentor teams in best practices for working in potentially explosive environments.
This falls in line with recent updates to ATEX regulations, such as the implementation of the new EN 17348:2022 standard in January 2025; there is a growing demand for compliant installations in COMPEX environments.
These regulatory changes are reshaping industry expectations and accelerating the need for certified professionals and robust safety systems in explosive atmospheres.
Need an Electrical Installation in a Hazardous Facility?
Get in touch with Elmleigh today for ATEX installations that comply with all regulations and are of the highest quality.
We take pride in our ATEX-certified electricians, who complete installations safely, efficiently, and with the best equipment for hazardous environments.
Contact us on 01455 847045, or fill out the form on our Contact Page.