ATEX Studies

Explosive Atmosphere Studies also known as ATEX Studies (Atmosphere Explosive), are obligatory according to P.D. 42/2003. It is an employer’s obligation to evaluate specific risks deriving from explosive atmospheres, and to compile & update the Explosion Protection Document – ATEX Study.
Explosive Atmosphere is defined as an air mixture containing flammable substances in form of gases, vapors, concentration of droplets or dust, where after ignition, combustion is spread throughout the non-burning mixture. 

 

Activities that require the ATEX study 

Explosive Atmospheres can be formed even in activities where risk of explosion is less or not at all obvious, thus ATEX studies concerns a number of facilities and is mandatory in activities such as: 

  • Chemical & Petrochemical production industries 
  • Petroleum products facilities, 
  • Fuel storage spaces 
  • Battery charging and storing spaces 
  • Paint industries 
  • Lumber industries 
  • Storage facilities or product processing accompanied with dust creation such as grain silo, sugar, flour 
  • Cement industries 
  • Power Plants 

 

ATEX Studies evaluate, assess and document: 

 

  • The possibility of an explosive atmosphere’s formation and duration 
  • The possibility or presence and activation of ignition sources, materials used, applied methods and their interactions 
  • Potential risks of explosions of equipment, machinery, etc. 
  • Employees’ protection measures 
  • Space classification in critical zones (Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 20, Zone 21, Zone 22) 
  • Technical means