What is an ATEX certification and what does IES provide?

We often wake up with the news in the media about an explosion or fire in companies with ATEX (Atmosphere Explosive) zones, such as refineries or petrochemical plants, to give two examples. We often wake up with the news in the media about an explosion or fire in companies with ATEX (Atmosphere Explosive) zones, such as refineries or petrochemical plants, to give two examples.

ATEX Certification is a mandatory certification for equipment used in all workplaces where there is a risk of explosions. These areas where, for example, production processes involve liquids, gases, dusts or fuels that can generate explosive atmospheres, must undergo rigorous tests required by the European Union to ensure safe operation.

This certification is therefore essential for those who manufacture products to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres and intend to sell them in Europe as they must ensure that their equipment will not cause an explosion during normal operation and comply with the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.

Many chemical factories, refineries, power plants, gas supply companies and also smaller companies such as wood processing companies, varnishing and painting companies, agriculture or in food production, in addition to complying with European legislation, must contribute to safeguarding the safety of human lives.

Reports of companies that have suffered deflagration accidents with significant material damage continue to be frequent and, therefore, sites that are compliant with the ATEX Directive have a much lower risk of explosions, as well as contributing to the protection of buildings and people.

There are two ATEX Directives issued by the European Standardization Union, one for the user of the equipment and one for the manufacturer:
• ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (Equipment) – Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
• ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC (Workplace) – Minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

Risk reduction measures

To avoid the risk of explosion, at IES Soler we have adopted appropriate technical and organizational measures that prevent both the generation of sparks and the propagation of deflagration, depending on the chosen mode of protection. As manufacturers, an example of this commitment is the wide variety of customized equipment we offer for dangerous and potentially explosive environments (air heaters and air coils, flanges and threads for immersion heaters, reheaters, etc.) always adapting to the specific needs that each customer may have.

The IES products are available in the following versions:
• ATEX certification for Europe / UKCA EX for England / IECEx for the rest of the world.
• Temperature class between T1 (450º) and T6 (85º).
• Protection modes “d” anti-deflagration and “e” increased safety.
• For zones 1 and 2 with categories 2G and 3G for gases and 2D and 3D for dusts.

In addition to this range of products, IES Soler distributes a line of acoustic and luminous signaling devices for industry that includes electromechanical and electronic bells and sirens, public warning systems or evacuation equipment for large areas or fire detectors. The illuminated line is characterized by the design of multifunctional lights with high technology that increases both the optical performance and the product’s useful life.
These measures are crucial for the safety and protection of the company’s workers, as well as for the population, as they are the basis for the evacuation and intervention phases.

What are the benefits of the ATEX certification?

Not all organizations that apply for ATEX certification receive it. The notified body is responsible for conducting rigorous safety inspections and quality audits for weeks or even months under various test conditions before certification is granted. Even after certification has been processed, quality controls, compliance checks and follow-up audits are carried out to ensure that the product meets the strict reference criteria.
ATEX certification indicates that the organization ensures that it complies with safety regulations and provides a hazard-free environment in which to work, giving it greater credibility and enhancing its brand image.

Among the benefits of having ATEX certification are:
• Confirmation of the safety of the working environment inside and outside the organization.
• Improved company identity among customers and potential customers, employees and shareholders.
• Increased customer base.
• Generates brand recognition not only nationally but also in Europe and the rest of the world.

For all these reasons, our ATEX certification, obtained in 2017, according to the European directive 2014/34/EU and later in 2018 the IECEX certification under the international standards of the IEC 60079 series, for the design, manufacture and sale of electrical heating equipment has had a great importance in the identity of the company reaffirming our experience of more than 75 years in the sector and our technical capacity as a company worldwide.