{"id":12270,"date":"2023-02-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.spacevacinternational.com\/?p=12270"},"modified":"2026-07-24T13:27:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T13:27:13","slug":"atex-zones-1-2-21-22-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spacevacinternational.com\/us\/news\/atex-zones-1-2-21-22-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"ATEX Zones 1, 2, 21 & 22 Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Is An ATEX Zone? <\/span><\/h2>\n

ATEX Zones are a location where there is some level of risk from an explosion or combustion. Combustible dusts will, over time, build up and emit flammable gases – both of which are a major fire hazard should an ignition source be present. Many industries are at risk of combustion from flammable dust and gas and it is often an unavoidable part of everyday practises. <\/span><\/p>\n

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ATEX is an acronym for the French term Atmospheres Explosibles’. It is part of the EU directive ATEX 2014-34 EU – legislation that covers the essential health and safety requirements and conformities. It ensures that cleaning systems, electrical equipment and machinery are spark-free and therefore safe to use in potentially flammable environments. It’s important to note that the directive is still in place despite the UK having left the EU. <\/span><\/p>\n

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What Are The Different ATEX Zones & What Do They Mean? <\/span><\/h2>\n

An explosive atmosphere may occur because of many different substances, such as flammable gases, vapours, mists or dust. For many industries, the presence of these substances are completely unavoidable as they may be a part of the production process or may be produced as a result of it. <\/span><\/p>\n

Even a small ignition – such a single spark – has the potential to cause a powerful explosion. Understandably this can be extremely dangerous and may lead to serious injury, death and substantial loss of company equipment or property. <\/span><\/p>\n

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ATEX Zone 1 & 2<\/span><\/h3>\n

ATEX Zones 1 & 2 are areas where hazardous gas or vapours are present. This could be a manufacturing plant that handles chemicals, paints or fuels for example. It’s important to remember that hazardous gases may not be used in the production process itself although they may occur as a result of the manufacturing process. Combining flammable gases with an ignition source and oxygen will result in combustion. <\/span><\/p>\n