Buy ATEX Rated Lifting Equipment

Buy ATEX Lifting Gear from UK Specialists

ATEX lifting equipment incorporates a collection of different products that have been designed with spark-proof components to minimise the risk of ignition when used in potentially explosive environments.

Lifting Gear Direct can supply a variety of ATEX rated lifting equipment for use in these hazardous areas. We have a good choice of hoisting equipment which adhere to the ATEX directive and are clearly marked with the  identity symbol. Chain blocks, trolleys, lever hoists, air hoists and tool balancers are some of the products available with an ATEX rating.  ATEX Height safety equipment is another area which includes a number of rated products. But take a look at all of our ATEX lifting gear right here to find the full collection.

What IS ATEX?

The term ATEX is the name which is commonly used for associations with the ATEX directive requirements for keeping explosive atmospheres under tight control, including the suitability of equipment used in them. Its name taken from Atmosphere Explosibles has an easy identifiable trade mark.

Normally used in conjunction with the dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres regulations (DSEAR) to control and minimise the risk of fire and explosions.

What are Potentially explosive environments?

Any atmosphere/environment which could potentially cause fire or explosions must undertake all safety procedures set out by the ATEX directive and DSEAR.

These conditions can be caused by flammable gasses, mists or even vapours and combustible dust particles. If any of these in enough quantities, when mixed with air come together with a source of ignition, combustion and an explosion is likely to occur.

Potentially explosive environments occur in many types of work places, including some that you would not necessarily think of as potentially hazardous. Any where that uses paints, varnishes, solvents and flammable gasses like vehicle spray painting for example, are some of the more obvious hazardous areas, but places undertaking sanding tasks causing wood particles , metal machining, causing metal particles, and even organic dust from food stuff like grain flour can all potentially cause major issues.

When you introduce certain equipment into these environments, it is usually these which are the potential source of ignition.

ATEX Protection

ATEX rated equipment eliminates the risk of sparking as the components that may cause this have been removed and replaced by non-sparking materials, and therefore minimizes the risk of a potential explosion.

Although this area is highly complex and you must independently undertake relevant research to ensure you are complying with the regulations correctly and therefore choose the correct piece of equipment, in short there are 3 key types of explosion protection under ATEX regulations.

1. Primary Protection for halting the formation of explosive conditions.
2. Secondary Protection for halting the ignition of explosive conditions.
3. Tertiary Protection for constraining the effects of an explosion.

Understanding ATEX Zones

Potentially explosive atmospheres should be sectioned into 'zones' according to the risk factor and type. There are six zones in all with the first three relegated to gas and vapour type hazards and the last three relegated to dust type hazards.

Your ATEX lifting equipment should fit into one of these areas.

Further information in the following image shows the equipment groups, category, protection level and risk zone classifications

The temperature of of the environment can have a huge effect on the risk of explosions and therefore should be carefully monitored at all times. Here is some useful information regarding temperature classes.

How To Interpret ATEX Markings

If you are using any type of ATEX rated equipment it will be clearly marked on the device. This must be consistently readable so the user can identify where it can be used safely. The ATEX rating will show as a coded type marking, for example;

CE Ex l 3 GD c T6 (135°C)

Each part of this marking represents a different area of information, the next image shows how to interpret ATEX markings.

If you need equipment for use in potentially explosive areas it is your responsibility to ensure all necessary precautions are in place according to the right regulations, here we have just touched on the basics of ATEX principals and should not be interpreted that it will be right for all situations. Always do your homework and check out the latest guidelines from HSE.

Contact Lifting Gear Direct with any enquiries, our team are always ready to help.

ATEX FAQ's