What is ATEX? Fall protection PPE in explosive atmospheres: what you need to know

Working at height is a risk in itself. Working at height in an ATEX zone means managing two risks simultaneously. And the two are not managed in the same way.

We regularly receive questions about the compatibility of fall protection PPE with explosive atmospheres. We have therefore put together a summary of everything you need to know about ATEX, with a focus on working at height.

ATEX: what exactly are we talking about?

ATEX stands for ATmosphères EXplosives (EXplosive ATmosphere). An ATEX zone is an environment where an explosive mixture can form, consisting of flammable gases, vapours or dust combined with air. Under these conditions, any ignition source is sufficient to trigger an explosion: a mechanical, electrical or electrostatic spark.

Hence the clear requirement that all equipment used in these zones must be designed so as not to constitute a source of ignition. This includes fall protection PPE.

Two product families, two types of risk

The KRATOS SAFETY range for ATEX zones is divided into two categories, each addressing a specific risk.

Textile products (harnesses, lanyards, straps)

The risk here is electrostatic. Synthetic materials naturally accumulate static charges. To address this, our products feature conductive threads directly integrated into the straps: they 

allow for continuous dissipation of charges, preventing what is known as the ‘spike effect’ (the sudden discharge that produces a spark). The straps on our products are tested in accordance with standards EN 1149-5.

Mechanical products (retractors, connectors, vertical and horizontal systems, anchors)

The risk here is mechanical, where two metal parts in contact can generate incandescent particles through friction. These particles are considered potential sources of ignition. Our mechanical products are designed to eliminate this risk, thanks to the intrinsic properties of the materials used and controlled impact energy levels.

Regulatory framework: current requirements

ATEX compliance for non-electrical equipment is now based on two harmonised international standards:

ISO 80079-36:2016, general requirements for the design, construction and testing of non-electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres.

ISO 80079-37:2016, specific requirements according to protection types: structural safety (Ex c), control of ignition sources (Ex b), immersion in a liquid (Ex k).

These two standards have replaced the former EN 13463 series, for which the presumption of conformity with the ATEX Directive expired in October 2019. Any product certified solely under EN 13463 without an update to the ISO 80079 standards no longer has a valid regulatory basis.

The entire KRATOS SAFETY range for ATEX zones complies with ISO 80079-36:2016 + ISO 80079-37:2016, and is suitable for use in Zone 1 (gases/vapours) and Zone 21 (dust), and therefore in Zones 2 and 22. Certain products comply with ATEX Zone 0,

What this means for you in practice

ATEX risk management begins with a rigorous risk assessment. This determines the classification of your zones, and therefore the requirements applicable to each piece of equipment used within them.

If this assessment concludes that fall protection PPE is required in an ATEX zone, two questions immediately arise:

• Does the product comply with the current ISO 80079-36 and -37 standards?
• Can the product be used in the intended zone?

Here is how to read the ATEX marking:

Examples of ATEX Zones

To give you a concrete idea of what an ATEX environment is, here are a few examples:

• A wastewater treatment plant (Zone 1 gas/vapours), where the breakdown of organic matter produces biogas (mainly methane). Pockets of gas can form in sludge treatment facilities, pits or collection areas. The risk is all the greater because methane is an odourless gas.
• A food processing plant (Zone 21 dust), where flour, starch or sugar dusts are present, which are explosive. Explosions in grain silos are among the most devastating industrial accidents in Europe, as the concentration of dust suspended in the air creates an environment conducive to a highly dangerous explosive cloud.
• A hydrocarbon storage tank (Zone 0 gases/vapours). Inside, hydrocarbon vapours are constantly present, mixed with residual air. Any maintenance work inside these tanks – whether an inspection, cleaning or repair – requires ATEX PPE without exception. And as these tanks can be several metres high, the risk of a fall is almost always added to the ATEX risk.

Do you have a project in an ATEX zone or questions about the compatibility of your current equipment? Our team is on hand to help you assess your situation !