ATEX Hoists (Ex. Proof)

About

WHAT DOES ATEX MEAN? The acronym ATEX stands for 'Atmosphere Explosible.' It also refers to two European directives that are in place to control explosive atmospheres. These are 'ATEX 137' or the 'ATEX Workplace Directive', and 'ATEX 95' or the 'ATEX Equipment Directive.' When purchasing an explosion-proof chain hoist, it is the 'ATEX 95' directive that will be most relevant, as this details the use of equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. WHAT ARE ATEX ZONES? ATEX Zones 1 & 2: Hazardous Gas, Vapour, and Mist Environments. Zone 1 atmospheres are considered to be more dangerous than Zone 2. ATEX Zones 21 & 22: Hazardous Dust Environments. Zone 21 atmospheres are considered to be more hazardous than Zone 22. HOW DO I KNOW IF I REQUIRE AN ATEX HOIST? If you manufacture or handle goods in an environment where the risk of sparking could cause an explosion, a risk assessment should identify this risk. Should you be operating in the following environments - chemical and petrochemical plants, oil refineries, gas power plants, wastewater treatment plants, paint shops, and food manufacturing - you will need to use an explosion-proof hoist.