ATEX vacuum cleaner: When are you required to use one?
Are you unsure whether your business needs an ATEX vacuum cleaner? In production environments where dust, vapours or gases are released, safety is not a minor detail but an absolute priority. In this article, you’ll find out when an ATEX vacuum cleaner is mandatory, what risks you can avoid, and how to choose the right solution for your situation.
What exactly is an ATEX vacuum cleaner?
ATEX stands for ‘ATtmosphères EXplosibles’. You are subject to ATEX regulations if your working environment contains flammable materials that could ignite or explode on contact with a spark or heat source. Examples include fine dust from flour, wood or metal, and vapours from solvents and chemicals.
A standard industrial vacuum cleaner is not safe in such an environment, no matter how powerful it is. It has an electric motor that can produce sparks, and that is exactly what you want to avoid. An ATEX vacuum cleaner is specially designed so that there is absolutely no source of ignition: anti-static materials, explosion-proof components and reliable earthing.
In short: it is a machine that allows you to work safely where it would otherwise be genuinely dangerous.
When should you use an ATEX vacuum cleaner?
The ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC requires employers to draw up explosion safety documents where there is a risk of explosion. In addition, there is also a European ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) which sets out requirements for equipment in areas where there is a risk of explosion. If you work in an ATEX zone, your equipment — including your vacuum cleaner — must be ATEX-certified.
Sectors where this is common:
- Food industry: flour, sugar, cocoa, milk powder
- Wood and furniture industry: sawdust and fine wood dust
- Metal industry: aluminium and magnesium dust
- Chemical industry: solvents, paints, coatings
- Pharmaceutical industry: fine powders
Are you unsure whether your environment falls within an ATEX zone? Have a qualified expert carry out a zone classification. This is not only sensible, but also a legal requirement if there is a risk.
Different zones: what’s the difference?
ATEX zones are classified based on how frequently an explosive atmosphere (gas mixture or dust cloud) is present.
| Zone | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Zone 0 (gas) / Zone 20 (dust) | An explosive atmosphere is present continuously or very frequently (more than 10% of operating time) |
| Zone 1 (gas) / Zone 21 (dust) | An explosive atmosphere is frequently present during normal operation (between 0.1% and 10% of the operating time) |
| Zone 2 (gas) / Zone 22 (dust) | Explosive atmospheres are rare and only occur for short periods (less than 0.1% of operating time) |
Each zone requires equipment of a specific category. The higher the risk, the stricter the requirements for the machine. Choosing the right ATEX vacuum cleaner therefore starts with knowing which zone you are working in.
Not all ATEX vacuum cleaners are the same
Just because a industrial vacuum cleaner is ‘ATEX-certified’ does not automatically mean it is suitable for your application. There are many factors that determine which model you need:
- Is it just dust, or are liquids involved as well?
- Do you need a compressed air-powered model because electricity is not available?
- What volume do you need to vacuum, and for how long continuously?
At Van Damme, we can help you navigate these questions. We work with Delfin ATEX vacuum cleaners, which are available for various zones and applications.
What if you don’t use an ATEX-compliant vacuum cleaner when it’s actually mandatory?
This poses a two-fold risk. Firstly, the safety risk: you are creating a potentially life-threatening situation for your employees. That goes without saying.
But the legal risk is also very real. If an incident occurs and it turns out that the wrong equipment was used, you, as the employer, bear the responsibility. Insurance companies may refuse to pay out, and you risk fines or criminal prosecution.
An ATEX vacuum cleaner is not a luxury. It is an investment in safety that protects you and your employees.
Not sure if you need an ATEX vacuum cleaner?
No problem. Always make sure that the required ATEX zone and classification are determined by yourself or a recognised expert. Once you know what type of ATEX vacuum cleaner is required, we’ll be happy to help you: we’ll review your application together and recommend the right vacuum cleaner based on your requirements.
Contact us for tailored advice.
