Insights of dust extraction industry
Dust extraction components are widely known for their vast applicability capabilities. Some form of dust and other material extraction is an integral part of most production facilities across the globe. Formula Air has completed various projects in a multitude of industries, such as wood, recycling, metal, paper, paint, plastic, and many more. In these industries, the production process often generates combustible dust and other particles which can pose a significant safety hazard to workers and equipment. Therefore, it's important to have proper safety measures in place, including the implementation of the ATEX Directives.
The ATEX Directives is a set of regulations that originated in the European Union in 1994. The Directive's aim is to ensure the safety of employees, installations and surroundings in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX stands for "ATmosphères EXplosibles," which translates to "explosive atmospheres" in English. The ATEX Directives outline the general safety requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in hazardous areas, and it also provides guidance on how to classify these areas.
ATEX area classification is the process of identifying and categorizing areas that have a risk of explosion due to the presence of combustible dust, gases or hybrid mixtures. The classification system consists of three levels, Level 1 for Zones 0/20 Level 2 for Zones 1/21 and Level 3 for Zones 2/22 with Zones 0/20 being the highest risk and Zone 2/22 being the lower risk.
Refers to areas where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods.
Figures:
> 1000 hours/year or more than 10% of the time.
Refers to areas where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur during operations.
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10 - 1000 hours/year or between 0,1% and 10% of the time.
Refers to areas where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operations.
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< 10 hours/year or less than 0,1% of the time.
While the ATEX Directives provide a framework for ensuring safety in hazardous areas, it is important to note that local or national legislations define the exact parameters that the user has to abide to in function of the type of installation he communicated he was planning to develop. However, the user may decide to go beyond these requirements by implementing additional measures to increase the safety level of the employees and equipment.
Keep in mind that storage spaces and productions implementing ATEX regulations must take a comprehensive approach to safety, including ongoing risk assessments, regular equipment maintenance, and adequate training for employees.
Additionally, the ATEX Directives only provide guidance on how to classify hazardous areas based on the risk of explosion and define general safety parameters that need to be observed. They do not define specific equipment to be used in these installations. It is up to the installer to see which explosion suppression systems, fire extinguishing systems, and ventilation systems best meet all the requirements to reduce the risk of explosions and minimize damage in case of an explosion or fire.Guidance on how to classify hazardous areas based on the risk of explosion. It does not provide specific guidance on how to mitigate these risks or prevent explosions. Therefore, organizations can implement additional safety measures such as explosion suppression systems, fire extinguishing systems, and ventilation systems if they want to further reduce the risk of explosions and minimize damage in case of an explosion or fire.
There are various additional safety measures that installers can take to increase safety beyond the minimum requirements set by the ATEX Directives. We can condense all measures into 2 separate categories - Preventative or Mitigation measures.
By implementing a combination of both preventative and mitigation measures, companies can significantly reduce the risk of explosions and fires in hazardous areas and ensure the maximum safety of their employees and equipment.
Focus on preventing or reducing the likelihood of an explosion occurring in a hazardous area.
the appropriate safety measures where applicable.
Focus on reducing the impact of an explosion or fire if it does occur.
Venting systems are designed to relieve pressure build-up from an explosion, reducing the risk of damage to equipment and personnel.
While implementation of additional safety measures might be somewhat time-consuming and require additional cost, it brings a substantial amount of benefits, such as:
We hope that this article has provided you with a significantly enhanced comprehension of the ATEX directive and the paramount significance of safety within the dust extraction industry. Although this subject matter can be intricate, encompassing various crucial aspects, it is imperative to grasp its essence in order to maintain a leading position in this industry. With our extensive experience of over 30 years as experts in the dust extraction sector, we are dedicated to assisting you not only through the provision of exceptional dust extraction components but also by sharing our wealth of knowledge and expertise. If you have any further questions or wish to collaborate with us on your upcoming ATEX project, we warmly encourage you to reach out to us. Our team is readily available to offer support and guidance.