ATEX-certified fans are specially designed equipment that provide safe ventilation in environments containing explosive gases, vapors, or dust. According to the European Union Directive 2014/34/EU, all mechanical and electrical devices used in such hazardous atmospheres must be ATEX certified. Certified fans are manufactured using special materials and insulation techniques that prevent spark formation. In this way, both worker safety and the operational continuity of the facility are ensured.
Chemical and Petrochemical Plants
In these facilities, the intensive use of solvents, hydrocarbons, and flammable gases increases the risk of explosive atmospheres. Gas leaks may occur especially in production, filling, and storage areas. ATEX fans safely discharge these gases and minimize explosion risk.
Without ATEX certification, equipment may cause dangerous outcomes due to electrical sparks or mechanical friction. For this reason, the use of ATEX fans is mandatory in chemical plants classified as Zone 1 and Zone 2. It is a critical requirement for both worker safety and production continuity.
Paint and Varnish Production Areas
Solvents used in paint and varnish production can create explosive vapors when mixed with air. In areas where these vapors accumulate, standard fans pose a serious risk. ATEX fans ensure safe discharge of vapors and protect environmental safety.
In particular, ATEX-certified fans must be used in filling stations, mixing rooms, and oven inlets. Since these areas fall into Zone 1 classification, where explosion risk is high, ATEX equipment is legally required.
Flour, Sugar, and Starch Plants
Fine dust generated in these facilities can create explosive atmospheres when suspended in air. Dust explosions can be even more destructive than gas explosions. ATEX fans prevent dust accumulation and eliminate contact with ignition sources, ensuring safe air discharge.
In areas classified as Zone 21 and Zone 22, working without ATEX-certified fans poses major risks in terms of both occupational safety and legal compliance. Their use is mandatory particularly in silos, grinding, and packaging sections.
Battery and Cell Production Areas
During battery production, hydrogen gas may be released. This gas, when mixed with air, creates a highly explosive atmosphere. ATEX fans safely discharge hydrogen in a controlled way and protect workplace safety.
In these Zone 2 classified production areas, ATEX-certified fans must be used instead of standard ones. Otherwise, electrical arcs or static electricity can cause explosions. Therefore, ATEX fans are an indispensable part of the production line.
Mines and Tunnels
Explosive substances such as methane gas and coal dust are frequently found in mines and tunnels. Fans used to provide air circulation in these environments must be ATEX certified. Otherwise, the risk of explosion becomes inevitable.
In areas classified as Zone 1 and Zone 21, ATEX fans are manufactured to withstand harsh conditions such as high temperature and humidity. The use of these fans is mandatory for safe ventilation, worker health, and operational continuity.
An ATEX fan is a type of fan specifically designed to provide safe ventilation in environments containing explosive gases, vapors, or dust. Manufactured in compliance with the European Union Directive 2014/34/EU, these fans are equipped with insulated components that prevent ignition sources such as electrical sparks or mechanical friction. They are commonly used in chemical plants, paint production areas, mines, and food processing facilities where explosion risks are present. ATEX-certified fans not only protect worker safety but also ensure the facility's legal compliance.
ATEX fans are mandatory in environments with explosive atmosphere risks both for legal compliance and safety reasons. These fans minimize the risk of explosion by preventing spark formation and overheating. While standard fans can generate ignition sources such as electrical arcs, static electricity, or mechanical friction, ATEX-certified fans eliminate these risks through special insulation techniques and antistatic materials. In this way, the safety of workers is ensured and the operational continuity of facilities in industries such as chemical, petrochemical, paint, food, mining, and energy is protected.
In addition, according to the European Union Directive 2014/34/EU, all equipment used in environments containing explosive gases, vapors, or dust must be ATEX certified. This certification guarantees that the fan has been tested for specific zone classifications and can operate safely. ATEX fans not only provide safety but also offer advantages such as energy efficiency, long service life, and ease of maintenance. Therefore, the use of ATEX fans is a critical requirement for both legal compliance and operational performance.
ATEX fan zone classifications are the European Union standards that define the safety levels at which equipment can be used in environments containing explosive gases, vapors, or dust. This classification is based on the frequency and duration of explosive atmospheres occurring in a given environment. Each zone is defined according to different risk levels, and mechanical equipment such as fans must be certified in compliance with these classifications.
Gas and Vapor Atmospheres
Dust and Fiber Atmospheres
If ATEX-certified fans are not used in mandatory areas, it can lead to serious consequences in terms of both occupational safety and legal compliance. In environments containing explosive gases, vapors, or dust, the use of standard fans may result in ignition sources such as electrical sparks, static discharge, or mechanical friction, which can trigger explosions. This not only endangers the lives of workers but can also cause extensive material damage to the entire facility. In addition, operational losses such as production shutdowns, loss of reputation, and exclusion from insurance coverage may occur.
From a legal perspective, the use of non-ATEX-compliant equipment may result in severe penalties. The European Union Directive 2014/34/EU requires all equipment used in explosive atmosphere risk areas to be ATEX certified. During inspections, the detection of fans lacking this certification can lead to facility closures, fines, and legal liabilities. Furthermore, non-ATEX-certified products cannot be placed on the international market, and export activities may be restricted. In short, the absence of these fans poses a major risk both for safety and for operational sustainability.
At ERF Group, our ATEX fan solutions are designed to provide safe ventilation in environments with explosive atmosphere risks, aiming to maximize industrial facility safety and operational continuity. Used in high-risk sectors such as chemicals, petrochemicals, food, energy, and mining, our fans minimize explosion risks with special insulation techniques, antistatic materials, and designs fully compliant with ATEX directives. Each product is tested and certified for different classifications such as Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, and Zone 22. In this way, we not only ensure regulatory compliance in your facility but also guarantee worker safety.
In our ATEX fan solutions, we operate on the principles of safety, high efficiency, and long service life. Our fans, equipped with wide airflow capacity, low noise levels, and durable motor structures, deliver uninterrupted performance in your production processes. With wall-mounted, duct-type, cabinet, and axial models, we easily adapt to different installation needs. Through our project-specific engineering support, we determine the most suitable fan for your facility and add value to your operations with fast delivery.