ATEX Scales: Ensure your Safety in Hazardous Environments

ATEX-certified scales are safe for use in hazardous or potentially explosive environments.

These robust scales are ideal for use in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, gas and oil, and food and beverage. ATEX certification guarantees that scales meet strict safety standards, reducing the chance of ignition from static electricity, overheating, or sparks. In certain industries, use of ATEX-only scales is mandatory.

In some environments, scales don’t just need to be accurate, they also mustn’t cause explosions! ATEX-certified scales are designed to ensure they do not cause electrical discharge or sparks in order to not ignite combustible solids, liquids, or gasses, as per the ATEX directive. 

If you work with potentially explosive chemicals or in a workspace that risks explosions, you’ll need something beyond just the classic electronic or platform scales. But what exactly are ATEX scales and when do you need them in place of traditional scales and balances? Let’s get into it. 

What are ATEX Scales?

ATEX scales have ATEX certification, meaning they’re safe to use in potentially explosive environments, minimising the risk of ignition. Since these scales might potentially come into contact with harmful chemicals in a specific environment, the risk of ignition needs to be incredibly low. 

If a set of scales has the ATEX certification, it means they’ve been deemed safe to use in these risky circumstances. They’re typically built to last, too, made from robust materials and less likely to become victims to wear and tear over time. 

They are designed to limit energy release, which helps to prevent a potential spark or overheating. Compliance with ATEX ensures that the scales won’t become a fire hazard through issues such as electric sparks, static electricity, or hot surfaces. 

They are also available for different hazard zones, so your business can select the appropriate model for your work environment. But no matter the type of scale you buy, remember that ATEX scales are mandatory in explosive environments.  

Why is ATEX Compliance Important?

Using non-compliant equipment in hazardous spaces is simply not an option. Using ATEX equipment, like the scales sold by Dini,  in zoned areas is a mandatory requirement not a choice – you can’t use regular scales. The zoning identification of the ATEX equipment is your responsibility. Failing to follow the appropriate regulations can put you in serious legal hot water.  

Being ATEX-compliant offers the following benefits:

• • Legal compliance. Any company that controls a potentially hazardous environment should place the utmost importance on legal compliance. Not only is it crucial for safety, but it also ensures you won’t suffer consequences for not adhering to regulations. 
  • Safety assurance. When using ATEX-certified products, you’ll enjoy peace of mind that your brand new scales aren’t going to threaten your safety. By reducing the risk of ignition, you protect personnel as well as your physical workspace.
  • Improved reputation. Being a safe and legally compliant place to work boosts your reputation, and makes it easier for you to hire qualified staff. 
  • Operational continuity. Downtime can seriously affect a company’s bottom line. By doing your best to prevent accidents and disruptions in the workplace, you’ll ensure operational continuity. 
  • Reduce costs. Not only is workplace damage potentially harmful to your staff members, but it’s costly, too. It’s a much wiser financial decision to spend a little more upfront on your ATEX-certified scales than to have to spend money cleaning up the damage caused by ignition.

Who Needs ATEX Scales? 

Numerous industries typically have workplaces with potentially hazardous conditions. Here are typical users of ATEX scales.

• Chemical industry. Many chemical processing plants deal with flammable chemicals that can easily lead to a fire. These processing plants will likely use ATEX-certified scales as a way to avoid ignition. 
• Pharmaceutical industry. The production of many pharmaceutical powders and other substances can generate flammable dust and vapours. Using ATEX-cerified goods allows for peace of mind that even when working with processes that release harmful vapours, the risk of ignition is minimal. 
• Food and beverage industry. While the food and beverage industry might not be your first thought when you think of explosives, certain food processing operations create flammable dust, such as flour.
• Oil and gas industry. Naturally, the oil and gas industry deals with extreme flammable substances daily, which means ATEX-certified products are a must. 
• Waste management and recycling industries. The presence of flammable substances in waste means waste management companies often use them. 

If you believe your business might need ATEX scales, check with your internal Health and Safety officer/risk assessor, before purchasing regular scales, which would be legally noncompliant. 

ATEX Scale Hazardous Zone Guide

Not all ATEX-certified scales are the same – they come in different zone classifications. By understanding the varieties, you can work out which is best for your needs. 

• Zone 0 (Gas) / Zone 20 (Dust): Explosive atmospheres are present continuously or for long periods.
• Zone 1 (Gas) / Zone 21 (Dust): Explosive atmospheres are likely to occur during normal operation.
• Zone 2 (Gas) / Zone 22 (Dust): Explosive atmospheres are unlikely to occur but may happen for short periods.

Need Help Finding ATEX Scales?

Work with a third-party provider, such as Scales and Balances, to find the right scales for you. Home to a wide variety of scales at different sizes and price points and from different brands, you can work with an expert to establish which type of scale and hazard level you need for your business.