What is ATEX?
ATEX (from the French “Atmosphères Explosibles”) is the European Union’s legal framework that controls equipment and workplaces in potentially explosive atmospheres, ensuring ignition sources are eliminated or safely contained.
Why EU created ATEX?
Catastrophic refinery, paint-shop and grain-silo blasts revealed that fragmented national rules were failing. Directive 94/9/EC (now 2014/34/EU) and Directive 1999/92/EC unified the market and set minimum safety requirements across all Member States.
The two ATEX directives in one glance.
| Directive | Scope | Primary Duty Holder |
|---|---|---|
| 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114) | Design, manufacture and sale of equipment / protective systems | Manufacturers & importers |
| 1999/92/EC (ATEX 153) | Workplace risk assessment, zoning and maintenance | Employers & site operators |
How to read ATEX nameplate
A code such as II 2 G Ex db IIB T4 Gb tells inspectors:
II = non-mining industry
2 = Category 2 (for Zone 1)
G = gas/vapour atmosphere
Ex db = flame-proof enclosure
IIB = gas group
T4 = max surface 135 °C
Gb = equipment protection level
Industries that fall under ATEX
Beyond oil & gas: food and beverage plants, wood mills, lithium-battery rooms, wastewater sites, coffee roasters, sugar refineries—anywhere flammable gases, vapours, mists or dust clouds can form.
