The ATEX directive is divided into two main regulations:

ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (Products)
It regulates the design, manufacture, and sale of equipment and protective systems for explosion-hazardous areas. It applies to manufacturers and suppliers.

ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC (Workers)
It establishes the minimum requirements for the health and safety of workers operating in potentially explosive environments. It is intended for employers.

ATEX marking

The ATEX marking is essential for identifying the safety features of equipment intended for explosive atmospheres. A typical example of a marking could be: CE 0081 II 2 G Ex db IIB T4 Gb

CE: Compliance with European standards.

0081: Number of the notified body (optional).

II: Device group:

I: Mines.

II: Environments other than mining (industrial, chemical, etc.).

2: Equipment category (risk resistance):

1: Can be used continuously in high-risk areas.

2: For moderate risk areas (Zones 1/21).

3: For low risk areas (Zones 2/22).

G/D: Atmosphere type:

G: Gaseous atmosphere.

D: Dusty atmosphere.

Ex: Equipment compliant with explosion protection.

db: Type of protection (for example, db indicates explosion-proof enclosure).

IIB: Gas group:

IIA: Less flammable gases (methane).

IIB: Medium flammable gases (ethylene).

IIC: Highly flammable gases (hydrogen, acetylene).

T4: Maximum surface temperature class (T1-T6, where T6 is the lowest limit).

Gb: Equipment protection level:

Ga/Gb: Gaseous.

From/To: Dusty.

ATEX zones

Work areas are classified according to the frequency and duration of the presence of explosive atmospheres:

Zone 0 (Gas) / 20 (Dust): Constant or long-term presence.

Zone 1 (Gas) / 21 (Dust): Occasional presence.

Zone 2 (Gas) / 22 (Dust): Rare and short-lived presence.