ATEX Zone 0

The ATEX 137 Workplace Directive (Directive 99/92/EC) defines safety standards that apply to different levels of dangerous working environments. The more dangerous the environment, the more stringent the requirements. ATEX Zone 0 is one of the two most dangerous zoning classifications.

IPU’s ATEX-Approved Starter Motors and Packages

IPU guarantee reliable engine starting in areas classified as ATEX Zone 0 with our range of high-performance air & hydraulic engine starters. They are ATEX-compliant, meaning that if you operate in such hazardous zones you can install our engine starters with peace of mind your safety will be assured. They are designed to ensure sparking is prevented.

You can find a full catalogue of our ATEX-approved starter motors here. These use a pre-engaged cranking mechanism not the less effective soft-start system.

: IPU’s M28 hydraulic starter gains ATEX-approval through its pre-engaged mechanism and cast iron casing.

: Hydraulic starter mini-packs provide guaranteed engine starting.

: Jetstream pneumatic starter motors can be used with your existing air supply.

Many workplaces may contain or produce explosive atmospheres. Examples include:

- - places where the work creates or releases flammable gases or vapours (e.g. paint spraying)
  - places handling fine organic dusts (e.g. grain storage and woodworking)
  - underground mines (for dust)
  - oil and gas (for vapour

ATEX Zone 0 and ATEX Zone 20 represent the most dangerous workplace environments

ATEX uses Zone numbers to distinguish between environments with different levels of danger. It is an employer’s responsibility to correctly classify the workplaces for which they are responsible. The classification given to a zone depends on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring and its persistence if it does. ATEX distinguishes between explosive atmospheres that arise because of gases, vapours and mists and those that arise from dusts.

ATEX Zone 0 is the most hazardous workplace type where gases, vapours and mists are present.

The zone classifications for gases, vapours and mists are directly relevant to oil and gas platforms, drilling rigs and storage facilities.

Gases, vapours and mists
Zone 0	A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour 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 dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour 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 dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only

The zone classifications for dusts are pertinent to underground mines.

Dusts
Zone 20	A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or 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.

IPU and ATEX Zone 0

IPU works extensively with customers in the oil and gas industries. We supply engine starting systems for drilling rigs and platforms around the world. These fall under ATEX Zone 0, the most dangerous environment recognised under the regulations.