ATEX Certified Power Tools Ensure a High Level of Safety in Explosive Atmospheres

Protect your Workers and Worksites by Using ATEX Classification Tools

Working in explosive atmospheres carries many challenges, the most important of which is the safety of the workers. An explosive atmosphere is defined as one in which enough flammable gas, mist, vapor or dust is mixed with air to cause an explosion if ignition occurs. The source of ignition could be either electrical or mechanical in origin. The requirements for controlling explosive atmospheres, as well as the standards for equipment and protective systems used in them, are outlined in the ATEX directive.

ATEX (ATmospheres EXplosibles) is a directive outlining a number of technical and quality objectives that must be complied with to the satisfaction of a third party certification association (such as TUV). The ATEX directive is addressed to those who design, manufacture or sell any equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Once the objectives have been met, the approved product is marked with the appropriate ATEX classification label and Ex symbol.

Compliance with the ATEX directive has been a legal requirement in all European Union States since July 2003. The ATEX symbol is recognized internationally, providing safety assurances to users in EU states, as well as assuring users in the U.S. and other non-EU countries that the product was manufactured to high levels of safety.

CS Unitec, Inc., a company specializing in pneumatic, hydraulic and electric power tools for construction and industry, offers a comprehensive line of power tools ideal for the oil, gas and energy industries. ATEX certified pneumatic and hydraulic power tools from the company’s line include:

• Reciprocating Saws
• Hacksaws
• Rotary Hammer Drills
• Impact Wrenches
• Portable Band Saws
• Nut Runners
• Magnetic drills
• Axial fans
• Ventilators
• And more!

“Naturally, it is important to follow the operating instructions for each tool. In addition, it is critical to ensure that you are using the correct safety equipment required when you are working in hazardous areas and Ex zones,” states CS Unitec’s president, Tom Carroll. “The ATEX directive, while not a requirement in the United States, is a practical, detailed guide for working safely in high-risk areas. When choosing the right tool for an explosive zone, each user is responsible for following all safety regulations, including knowing the correct tools to use.” 

Ex Zones are defined for Gas, Mists or Vapors and Dusts as follows:

Gas, Mists or Vapors

Zone 0 - An atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is present frequently, continuously or for long periods.
Zone 1 - An atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
Zone 2 - An atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for only a short period.

Dusts

Zone 20 - An atmosphere where a cloud of combustible dust in the air is present frequently, continuously or for long periods.
Zone 21 - An atmosphere where a cloud of combustible dust in the air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
Zone 22 - An atmosphere where a cloud of combustible dust in the air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for only a short period.

Four ATEX classification elements are used to ensure that a specific piece of equipment is appropriate for its intended purpose and can be safely used in a particular application. These four elements are:

1. Industrial or Mining Application
2. Equipment Category
3. Atmosphere
4. Temperature (see chart below for more information)

ATEX Classification Chart

Group	Equipment Category	Atmosphere	Safety Design	Temp. (surface doesn't exceed)
II - Surface Industry IM - Mining Application	1 - Very High Level of Protection (Zone 0, 1, 2 or 20, 21, 22) 2 - High Level of Protection (Zone 1, 2 or 21, 22) 3 - Normal Level of Protection (Zone 2 or 22)	G - Atmosphere Containing Gas, Vapors or Mist D - Atmosphere Containing Dust	c - (previously known as "machine norms")	T1 - 842°F/450°C T2 - 572°F/300°C T3 - 392°F/200°C T4 - 275°F/135°C T5 - 212°F/100°C T6 - 185°F/85°C

For example, CS Unitec’s Pneumatic Reciprocating Saw, model number 5 1217 0020, is approved for Ex II 2 GcT5, making it appropriate for industrial Ex zones 1, 2 and 21, 22.

Download this

ATEX whitepaper's PDF

.

For more information and product specifications on CS Unitec’s ATEX approved industrial power tools, call 1-800-700-5919 (203-853-9522 international) or email info@csunitec.com.  Also reference the FREE downloadable 

Ex Zone / Non-Sparking Tool Poster

 for more information on Ex Zones.

Read the ATEX directives for more detailed information and guidance on the regulations.