ATEX stands for ATmosphères EXplosibles, which refers to explosive atmospheres.
An explosive atmosphere is a mixture of flammable gases, vapours, mists, or dust combined with air under atmospheric conditions, where ignition can cause combustion to spread through the entire mixture.
Since July 2003, the European ATEX 95 and ATEX 137 directives have applied. These regulations focus specifically on safety in hazardous environments and require the use of explosion-proof equipment in areas with explosion risks.
ATEX regulations apply to companies and workplaces where flammable substances may create a potentially explosive atmosphere.
Read more about ATEX regulations and explosion-proof equipment here.