ESD and ATEX are protection concepts in connection with the problem of electrostatic discharges, which partially overlap.

In our article, we first explain the difference between an ESD zone and an ATEX zone or ATEX zones. Then we explain what is special about ATEX gloves.

Overview

What is the difference between an ESD zone and an ATEX zone?

One of the main differences between an ESD zone and an ATEX zone is the respective protection objective. This is because an ESD zone is about protecting electrostatically sensitive components from uncontrolled electrostatic discharge. In an ATEX zone, on the other hand, the aim is to protect people, systems and the environment from an explosion.

Please also read our article “Electrostatic discharge (ESD) – dangerous for people and electronics“.

Furthermore, ESD zones and ATEX zones differ in the way they are implemented to achieve their protection goals.

ESD zone

An ESD zone – also known as an ESD protection zone – is characterized by the fact that certain ESD measures are implemented there in accordance with an ESD control program in order to protect electrostatically sensitive components from uncontrolled electrostatic discharges.

Certain ESD rules of conduct should be followed in an ESD protection zone, including

  • Creation of an ESD control program
  • Marking the ESD protection zone
  • Grounding employees, supervisors and visitors
  • Daily check of personal earthing measures
  • Use of ESD furniture
  • Do not place ESD-sensitive components on metal
  • Insulating shelves are prohibited in the EPA
  • Chargeable materials should be avoided in the EPA
  • Use of ESD-suitable cleaning agents and care products
  • Employee training on ESD protection
  • Use of ESD packaging and ESD containers
  • Monitoring the ESD protection concept
  • Checking the ESD protective device

Please also read our article “ESD control program: creation, setup and maintenance“.

ATEX zone

Certain ESD measures are also implemented in an ATEX zone, but some of these have even more specific requirements, such as for ATEX gloves. First, however, it is important to clarify what an ATEX zone actually is.

ATEX stands for the French term “atmosphères explosibles”, which translates as “explosive atmospheres”. A definition of this term can be found in Article 2 of the ATEX Operating Directive 1999/92/EC:

“For the purposes of this Directive, an explosive atmosphere is a mixture of air and flammable gases, vapors, mists or dusts under atmospheric conditions in which the combustion process spreads to the entire unburned mixture after ignition has occurred.”

Such explosive atmospheres occur in particular in the chemical industry, in the oil and gas industry, at filling stations or in grain processing, for example.

But why does ESD play a role here? Electrostatic discharges often take the form of sparks. To ignite a solvent gas, for example, a spark-forming discharge of 1500 volts is sufficient, which is invisible to humans on this scale.

In areas with explosive substances, a sparking discharge can therefore have devastating consequences. So-called ATEX directives have been issued to protect these potentially explosive areas from electrostatic discharges. The main directives are the ATEX Operating Directive 1999/92/EC and the ATEX Product Directive 2014/34/EU.

The ATEX product directive stipulates that manufacturers must have devices and systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres certified and labeled.

The ATEX operating directive, on the other hand, stipulates that employers must take safety measures for explosion protection and prepare documentation. This is where the classification of ATEX zones becomes relevant, as these define the necessary safety requirements.

What ATEX zones are there?

There are three different ATEX zones, also known as EX protection zones, depending on the risk of explosion in connection with potentially explosive atmospheres. Different safety requirements therefore apply depending on the ATEX zone.

For example, only ATEX-certified devices may be used in an ATEX zone, which is intended to reduce the risk of explosion, whereby there are different device categories that also differ in terms of the safety requirements to be met. Depending on the ATEX zone, only devices of the appropriate device category may be used.

When classifying the ATEX zones, i.e. the potentially explosive atmospheres, both the frequency and the duration of the occurrence of the potentially explosive atmosphere are taken into account. The ATEX zones are also subdivided into gas Ex zones (zones 0, 1, 2) and dust Ex zones (zones 20, 21, 22).

The individual ATEX zones are defined as follows in the ATEX operating directive:

Zone 0: “A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is present continuously or for long periods or frequently.”

Zone 1: “A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.”

Zone 2: “A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.”

Zone 20: “A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, for long periods or frequently.”

Zone 21: “A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.”

Zone 22: “A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.”

The definition of ATEX zones, for example in a specific operating site, should be carried out by experts.

ESD measures in ATEX zones

To reduce the risk of electrostatic discharges with sparking in ATEX zones, the following points are recommended, among others:

  • Electrical earthing of personnel, systems and PPE using earthing cables or wrist straps
  • Wear conductive footwear
  • Wearing ATEX-compatible ESD gloves in accordance with the European standard EN 16350
  • Adequate training of personnel on the dangers of static electricity in ATEX zones
  • Absolute avoidance of the use or wearing of insulating materials

What is special about ATEX gloves?

Electrostatic dissipative gloves are essential in ATEX zones. However, these must be ESD gloves that are ATEX-compatible. Such ATEX gloves must comply with the European standard EN 16350, which specifies special requirements for ESD gloves that are used in potentially explosive atmospheres, i.e. in ATEX zones.

The special feature of ATEX gloves is their limit value for vertical resistance, which provides information on how well a charge flows through the material, i.e. from the inner surface of the glove, which is in contact with the skin of the glove wearer, to the outer surface of the glove. This is because the extent of the vertical resistance determines the reduction of static charge between the glove wearer and the environment.

In order for ESD gloves to comply with the EN 16350 standard and thus be ATEX-compatible, they must have a vertical resistance of less than 1.0 x 10^8 ohms under certain temperature and humidity conditions.

You may also be interested in the following article: “Tegera gloves from Ejendals for ESD and ATEX applications“

Advice on ESD and ATEX

The subject of ESD and ATEX is very complex and when choosing the right ATEX gloves or ATEX-compatible ESD gloves, you should seek advice from experts, such as the specialist wholesaler for ESD products abovo.

Simply call the ESD experts at abovo for advice on ESD and ATEX or send us an e-mail:

If you contact us by e-mail, we will reply as quickly as possible.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject of “ESD and ATEX”