This is where ATEX cleaning equipment becomes relevant. Designed and assessed for specified potentially explosive atmospheres, suitable ATEX equipment can help businesses meet the requirements of their hazardous-area operations.
In this guide, we explain what ATEX means, why it matters for industrial cleaning, how hazardous areas are classified and what to consider when selecting an ATEX floor scrubber or industrial vacuum cleaner.
What Is ATEX?
ATEX refers to European Union requirements relating to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
An explosive atmosphere can occur when flammable gases, vapours, mists or combustible dust mix with air under conditions that allow an explosion to occur if an ignition source is present.
In certain industrial environments, equipment must be suitable for the specific hazards identified in the workplace.
ATEX requirements are particularly relevant to industries that handle flammable substances or generate combustible dust during production, processing, handling or cleaning.
It is important to understand that not every industrial machine requires ATEX certification. The appropriate equipment depends on the hazardous-area classification, the substances present, the intended use and the applicable regulatory requirements.
Why Is ATEX Cleaning Equipment Important?
Cleaning operations can introduce additional considerations in hazardous areas. Dust may become airborne during cleaning, residues may contain flammable substances, and unsuitable electrical or mechanical equipment may introduce potential ignition sources.
Selecting suitable equipment is therefore an important part of a site's overall explosion-prevention strategy.
Depending on the application, ATEX cleaning equipment can offer several benefits:
- Equipment suitability: Helps ensure the selected machine is appropriate for its intended hazardous-area application.
- Operational safety: Supports the site's broader procedures for controlling ignition risks.
- Industrial cleaning performance: Allows businesses to address cleaning requirements while considering the hazards present.
- Regulatory compliance: Helps organisations select equipment in line with applicable requirements and workplace risk assessments.
ATEX equipment should always be selected alongside appropriate risk assessments, operating procedures, maintenance practices and staff training.
Which Industries May Need ATEX Cleaning Equipment?
Several industries operate in environments where potentially explosive atmospheres may arise.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Chemical and pharmaceutical facilities may handle solvents, flammable liquids, powders and other substances that require careful control.
Depending on the process and area classification, suitable industrial vacuum cleaners and floor cleaning machines may form part of the site's cleaning strategy.
Food and Beverage Production
Some food-processing environments generate combustible dust from ingredients such as flour, sugar and other fine organic materials.
The risks depend on the material, its properties, concentration and operating conditions. Equipment selection must reflect the actual hazards and area classification.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Manufacturing
Manufacturing processes may involve alcohol-based ingredients, solvents, fine powders and other materials requiring specific precautions.
Cleaning equipment must be suitable for the substances and conditions identified in the facility's risk assessment.
Industrial Processing and Manufacturing
Facilities handling combustible powders, flammable chemicals or other hazardous substances may need specialised equipment for routine cleaning and maintenance.
In each case, the presence of a hazardous substance does not automatically mean that every area is classified as an explosive atmosphere. A competent assessment is essential.
## Understanding ATEX Zones
ATEX hazardous-area classifications help determine which equipment may be suitable for a particular location.
For explosive atmospheres involving gases, vapours or mists:
- Zone 0: An explosive atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently.
- Zone 1: An explosive atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation.
- Zone 2: An explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur during normal operation, but if it does occur, it will persist for a short period.
For explosive atmospheres involving combustible dust:
- Zone 20: An explosive dust atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently.
- Zone 21: An explosive dust atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation.
- Zone 22: An explosive dust atmosphere is not likely to occur during normal operation, but if it does occur, it will persist for a short period.
The zone classification is only one part of equipment selection. The equipment category, substance properties, temperature requirements, protection concept and manufacturer documentation must also be considered.
Types of ATEX Cleaning Equipment
Different cleaning tasks require different types of equipment. The correct choice depends on the cleaning method, the material being handled and the hazards identified.
ATEX Industrial Vacuum Cleaners
ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners may be appropriate for collecting certain combustible dusts or other materials in designated hazardous areas.
Before selecting a vacuum cleaner, it is important to confirm its suitability for the specific dust or substance, the hazardous-area classification and the intended collection method.
Explore our range of [Delfin ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners](https://www.cleaningmachines.ie/delfin-atex-certified-industrial-vacuum-cleaners) to find equipment for specialised industrial cleaning applications.
ATEX Floor Scrubber-Dryers
Industrial floor scrubber-dryers combine floor washing and liquid recovery in a single cleaning operation.
Where floor cleaning is required in a classified hazardous area, the machine must be specifically suitable for the intended environment. Standard industrial floor scrubbers should not be assumed to be suitable for ATEX applications.
The KlinMak HILO Ex 8065 is one example of a floor cleaning machine offered for specified ATEX applications. Its suitability should be confirmed against the manufacturer's documentation and the requirements of the facility.
Discover the [KlinMak HILO Ex 8065 ATEX floor scrubber-dryer](https://www.cleaningmachines.ie/shop/hilex-8065-atex-klinmak-hilex-8065-atex-69874).
How to Choose the Right ATEX Cleaning Machine
Before purchasing ATEX cleaning equipment, consider the following factors.
1. Identify the hazardous area
Confirm whether the area is classified for gases, vapours or combustible dust, and establish the applicable zone classification.
2. Understand the materials involved
The characteristics of the substances present can influence the required equipment protection and suitability.
3. Define the cleaning application
Determine whether the task involves floor scrubbing, dust collection, liquid recovery or another industrial cleaning process.
4. Check the manufacturer's documentation
Verify the equipment's marking, intended use, applicable classification and any restrictions specified by the manufacturer.
5. Consider operational requirements
Assess cleaning performance, capacity, manoeuvrability, maintenance requirements and compatibility with the site's cleaning procedures.
6. Consult a qualified specialist
Where there is uncertainty about the appropriate equipment, seek advice from a competent hazardous-area specialist and the equipment manufacturer.
Why Choose Cleaning Machines?
Choosing industrial cleaning equipment for hazardous areas requires more than comparing machine specifications. The equipment must match the cleaning task and the conditions in which it will operate.
Cleaning Machines provides industrial cleaning equipment for a range of professional applications, including specialised equipment intended for certain ATEX environments.
Our range includes ATEX-related solutions such as industrial vacuum cleaners and floor cleaning machines. Our team can help you explore the available equipment and identify the technical information needed to assess suitability for your application.
Contact our team to discuss your industrial cleaning requirements and request further product information.
Frequently Asked Questions About ATEX Cleaning Equipment
What does ATEX mean in industrial cleaning?
ATEX refers to European requirements concerning equipment and protective systems intended for potentially explosive atmospheres. In industrial cleaning, it is relevant when equipment is intended for use in a suitably classified hazardous area.
Can a standard industrial vacuum cleaner be used in an ATEX zone?
Not automatically. The equipment must be suitable for the specific hazardous-area classification, materials and intended use. A standard industrial vacuum cleaner should not be assumed to meet these requirements.
What is the difference between ATEX Zone 2 and Zone 22?
Zone 2 applies to potentially explosive atmospheres involving gases, vapours or mists. Zone 22 applies to potentially explosive atmospheres involving combustible dust. Both classifications describe areas where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur during normal operation but may occur for a short period.
Does every industrial cleaning machine need ATEX certification?
No. The need for ATEX-suitable equipment depends on the environment, applicable regulations, risk assessment and intended use of the machine.
How do I choose an ATEX floor scrubber?
Start by confirming the hazardous-area classification and the manufacturer's approved applications. Then assess the machine's technical specifications, cleaning performance, documentation and suitability for the facility's operating conditions.
Find the Right Industrial Cleaning Equipment
Selecting appropriate cleaning equipment can help businesses address their operational needs while taking hazardous-area requirements into account.
Explore our range of [ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners](https://www.cleaningmachines.ie/delfin-atex-certified-industrial-vacuum-cleaners) or discover the [KlinMak HILO Ex 8065 ATEX floor scrubber-dryer](https://www.cleaningmachines.ie/shop/hilex-8065-atex-klinmak-hilex-8065-atex-69874).
For further information about available equipment, contact Cleaning Machines to discuss your application and technical requirements.
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