What is an explosive atmosphere?

The European Commission states “A potentially explosive atmosphere exists when a mixture of air gases, vapours, mists, or dusts combine in a way that can ignite under certain operating conditions.”

If there is a sufficient concentration of gases, mists, vapours, or dust, mixed with air, an ignition source can cause an explosion. There are many potential workplaces which may contain or produce potentially explosive atmospheres, for example food environments where fine dusts such as flour are created, along with production environments where sugar, fine plastic powder, light metal powder and textiles are used.

In these environments an ATEX rated vacuum cleaner should be used. Due to their special construction, the creation of an ignition source is avoided, and maximum operational safety is guaranteed. The Kerstar product range has a variety of protection ratings for various potentially explosive zone areas. Kerstar’s ATEX vacuum cleaners also include Class H rated products that are suitable for hazardous dusts - these vacuum cleaners can be used in environments where there is a combination of explosive and hazardous dusts.

ATEX Pentagon

What does ATEX mean and what are the directives?

ATEX stands for “Atmosphères Explosibles”. ATEX is the name given to the two following European Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres:

  • ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. This Directive defines the essential health and safety requirements and conformity assessment procedures that need to be applied before products are placed on the EU market. In force from 20 April 2016, it replaces the previous Directive 94/9/EC.

  • ATEX Workplace Directive 1999/92/EC covers the minimum requirements for improving the level of health and safety protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

UKCA ‘Ex’ (UKEX) Regulations - The UK’s ATEX Equivalent

With the end of the transition period for the UK moving outside of Europe, the ATEX directive is superseded within the UK by the "Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016”. The UK directive is otherwise referred to as UKEX, or UKCA Ex. Kerstar’s ATEX products will be suitable in both Europe and the United Kingdom; where units that have technical files lodged in the EU, will likewise have technical files lodged in the UK under a different notified/approved body. The new UKCA regulations published by the UK government can be seen here as a pdf. All products maintain the same degree of safety, and are now subject to more testing and certification.

How do you know if your Kerstar vacuum cleaner is ATEX approved?

Every Kerstar ATEX approved vacuum cleaner is marked with a ratings plate as shown here

ATEX label ATEX products

The rating plate gives the precise information about this product, including:

  1. Name and address of manufacturer
  2. Manufacturers model or type number
  3. The Serial Number (For example 10B 123 - made in February 2010 number 123)
  4. Year of manufacture, assembly or construction
  5. The CE Logo and UKCA Logo mark
  6. ATEX Logo symbol. The distinctive community mark showing a product is suitable for use in a potentially explosive dust and or gas atmosphere
  7. II - Equipment group II (surface industries)
  8. 3 - Category 3 product
  9. D - Explosive dust atmosphere (Zone 22)
  10. Ex - Assessed against Harmonised European Standards
  11. h - Mechanical equipment according to EN 80079-36
  12. tc - Level of protection for electrical equipment (for EPL De)
  13. IIIC - Conductive dusts
  14. T100oC - Surface temperature less than 100oC for dust evaluation
  15. De - IECEx Equipment Protection Level
  16. Weight - Weight of the unit
  17. KEVA - Kerstar Electric Vac ATEX

It is possible to use higher category equipment in a lower category requirement, for example category 2 equipment can be used where category 2 or 3 equipment is required.

Our ATEX vacuums adhere to strict health and safety requirements and are supplied with an earth path continuity certificate.

To find out more about ATEX in the UK visit the Health and Safety Executive here.

Unsure if the dust being handled is explosive? You can check using the IFA explosion characteristics of dusts here. The link opens up a widely regarded database giving important combustion and explosion characteristics of more than 4600 dust samples from virtually all sectors of industry.

  • An ATEX vacuum cleaner is an industrial vacuum specifically designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres where combustible dusts or flammable gases may be present. Unlike standard industrial vacuums, ATEX-certified models are engineered to minimise potential ignition sources, including sparks, static electricity and excessive surface temperatures. They are commonly used in industries such as food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, woodworking, metal processing and chemical manufacturing where hazardous materials are handled.

    Kerstar offers a range of ATEX-certified industrial vacuum cleaners to help manufacturers safely collect hazardous dusts and maintain safe, compliant workplaces.

  • Whether you need an ATEX vacuum depends on the materials you are collecting and the level of explosion risk within your workplace. If combustible dusts or flammable gases are present, a standard industrial vacuum may not provide the appropriate level of protection. A workplace risk assessment, including consideration of DSEAR requirements, should determine whether ATEX-certified equipment is required.

    Kerstar's specialists can help you identify the most suitable vacuum for your application and explain the differences between ATEX and non-ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners.

  • Combustible dust is any fine solid material that can ignite and explode when suspended in the air under the right conditions. Materials such as flour, wood dust, aluminium, magnesium, carbon, grain, plastic powders and some pharmaceutical ingredients can all create combustible dust hazards. Even materials that are not flammable in larger pieces may become explosive when reduced to fine particles.

    Safely removing combustible dust using the correct industrial vacuum is an important part of reducing explosion risks and maintaining good housekeeping standards. Kerstar supplies specialist vacuum solutions designed for hazardous dust applications.

  • An ATEX Zone is a classification used to identify areas where explosive atmospheres may occur due to the presence of combustible dusts or flammable gases. The zone reflects how often these hazardous atmospheres are likely to be present and helps determine what equipment can be safely used within that environment. Employers should identify hazardous zones as part of their DSEAR risk assessment.

    Kerstar supplies industrial vacuum cleaners suitable for a range of ATEX dust and gas zone applications to help manufacturers clean safely and maintain compliance.

  • An ATEX vacuum cleaner is an industrial vacuum specifically designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres where combustible dusts or flammable gases may be present. Unlike standard industrial vacuums, ATEX-certified models are engineered to minimise potential ignition sources, including sparks, static electricity and excessive surface temperatures. They are commonly used in industries such as food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, woodworking, metal processing and chemical manufacturing where hazardous materials are handled.

    Kerstar offers a range of ATEX-certified industrial vacuum cleaners to help manufacturers safely collect hazardous dusts and maintain safe, compliant workplaces.

  • Zone 21 is an area where a combustible dust cloud is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation. This might include areas close to production machinery, dust transfer systems or bagging equipment where dust is released as part of the manufacturing process.

    Equipment used in Zone 21 must be suitable for the level of explosion risk present. Kerstar offers ATEX-certified industrial vacuum cleaners designed for hazardous dust applications, helping manufacturers safely remove dust while supporting workplace safety.

  • Zone 22 is an area where combustible dust is not normally present as an explosive atmosphere but may occur occasionally for short periods, such as during equipment maintenance or accidental dust release. Many manufacturing facilities handling combustible powders have Zone 22 designated areas.

    Using the correct industrial vacuum is an important part of maintaining safe housekeeping practices in these environments. Kerstar supplies a range of ATEX-certified vacuum cleaners suitable for Zone 22 applications across multiple industries.

  • An ignition source is anything that has the potential to ignite a flammable gas, vapour or combustible dust cloud, leading to a fire or explosion. Common ignition sources include electrical sparks, hot surfaces, static electricity, mechanical friction, open flames and welding activities. In environments where combustible dust is present, identifying and controlling ignition sources is an important part of reducing explosion risks and meeting workplace safety requirements.

    Kerstar's range of ATEX-certified industrial vacuum cleaners is designed to help minimise potential ignition risks when cleaning hazardous dust in explosive atmospheres.

  • Regular industrial vacuuming helps reduce the build-up of combustible dust that can accumulate on floors, machinery, overhead surfaces and production equipment. By removing dust before it reaches hazardous levels, businesses can lower the risk of secondary dust explosions while improving housekeeping and supporting compliance with workplace safety requirements. The vacuum used should always be appropriate for the material being collected and the environment in which it will operate.

    Kerstar's range of industrial and ATEX-certified vacuum cleaners helps manufacturers safely manage dust in a wide variety of industrial applications.

  • DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002) is UK legislation that requires employers to protect workers from the risks associated with dangerous substances that could cause fires or explosions. This includes combustible dusts, flammable gases and vapours. Employers must identify hazardous areas, assess explosion risks and implement suitable control measures, including the use of appropriately certified equipment where necessary.

    Where combustible dust is present, selecting the correct industrial vacuum is an important part of reducing ignition risks. Kerstar offers ATEX-certified industrial vacuum cleaners designed for hazardous dust applications.

  • The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognises combustible dust as a significant workplace hazard because fine dust particles can ignite and explode under certain conditions. The HSE recommends that businesses identify combustible dust risks, prevent dust accumulation, eliminate potential ignition sources and implement effective housekeeping procedures. Suitable equipment should always be used when removing hazardous dust.

    Industrial vacuuming is widely recognised as a safer method of dust removal than dry sweeping or using compressed air. Kerstar supplies industrial vacuum cleaners designed to support effective dust control in manufacturing environments.

    Suggested internal link: ATEX Certified Vacuum Cleaners or Combustible Dust article

Kerstar’s range of ATEX Certified Electric Vacuum Cleaners

Visit our ATEX Certified Electric Vacuum Cleaners page to help in selecting the right Kerstar vacuum for your gas and dust zone.

Gas zone Dust zone Equipment group Dust zone definition
1 21 II Category 2 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
2 22 II Category 3 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.

Need advice on which ATEX vacuum you need?

Please call our industrial vacuum experts on +44 (0) 1952 290500