Industrial environments such as factories and warehouses beg for safety measures. Explosion hazards lurk around the corner. When oxygen mixes with flammable substances, one spark can be enough for catastrophic consequences. ATEX directives are designed to reduce such risks to an absolute minimum. And that can affect your internal transport systems. Here you can read more about the ATEX directive and what exactly it entails, as well as what it can mean for you.
We answer the following questions:
- What is the ATEX directive?
- Where does explosion hazard occur?
- What does the ATEX directive mean for material handling?
- What are the benefits of ATEX-compliant internal conveying systems?
What is the ATEX directive?
The ATEX Directive is a regulation within the European Union for equipment and installations used in industrial environments where explosion hazards are real.
- ATEX 2014/34/EU: aimed at manufacturers of equipment and protective systems.
Where does explosion hazard occur?
Explosion hazards are less exceptional in industrial environments than you might think. Certainly it is more prevalent in certain sectors than others. These sectors are most at risk:
- Food Industry
- Chemical sector
- Wood Processing
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Logistical warehouses
Mixing, moving or dispensing certain substances can create fumes and dust clouds. These in themselves need not be a problem. It is only when they come into contact with oxygen and an ignition source that they can cause an explosion.
What does the ATEX directive mean for internal transport systems?
Conveyor systems such as chain conveyors and belt conveyors can themselves be the ignition source for an explosion. This can happen in several ways:
- Friction creates heat generation
- Overheating due to jammed elements
- The generation of a spark in electrical elements
- Dust accumulation in enclosed spaces
It is the rules from the ATEX directives that try to prevent such dangerous situations. Our Meyland experts know what it all means and what needs to be taken into account. This ranges from choice of materials to correct maintenance.
When acquiring or developing conveyor systems for hazardous areas, you will indirectly have to deal with the requirements of the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.
This is what the ATEX directive means in concrete terms:
- CE marking is mandatory
The CE marking is a label that proves the transport system meets all relevant safety requirements from European directives, including ATEX. - Conformity assessment and technical documentation
Before systems start running at full capacity, we conduct a conformity assessment. We also prepare the necessary technical documentation. This documentation describes, among other things, the design and risk assessment. - Documentation retention period
All relevant documentation must be retained for a minimum of 10 years so that compliance remains demonstrable, even after the fact. - Clear safety information
Documentation and instructions are written in understandable language. - Identifiable manufacturer and importer
The system will be provided with the visiting address of both the manufacturer and importer so that it is always traceable who is responsible. - Digital availability toward authorities
Manufacturers may use digital means to share product compliance information with regulators.
Safety first: not an option, but a prerequisite
Safety is not a luxury. And certainly not in industrial environments where flammable materials are handled. More than that, safety is necessary for the continuity and reputation of your company and the well-being of your employees. Even the smallest explosion can have far-reaching consequences: downtime, injuries, fire damage and loss of confidence. You simply don’t want to take such risks.
In short, ATEX guidelines are not an administrative hassle. They are part of professional and safe machine design. Those who take safety seriously from the design stage prevent unnecessary risks and show that reliability is central to every aspect of production.
Therefore, let a machine builder, such as Meyland, guide you in designing, building and maintaining your internal transport systems safely and qualitatively .
What are the benefits of ATEX-compliant installations?
Consciously choosing industrial conveyor systems that comply with all the rules of the ATEX directives also brings benefits. This way, you can be sure that your machinery meets safety standards.
- You work with reliable and secure systems
- You are less likely to experience delays due to production stoppages
- You are always well prepared for external audits
- You protect your employees and resources
- You limit major risks
Would you like advice on safety in your plant?
Our experts will be happy to give you advice tailored to your company. That way you will immediately know where you stand and how you can take safety in your factory to the next level. Ask for more information without obligation.