PPE for ATEX & Explosive Environments
24 January 2020
Selecting the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for use in explosive (Ex) environments is problematic as PPE is excluded from the equipment categories of the ATEX Equipment Directive (2014/34/EU).
However PPE manufacturers, in conjunction with independent specialist test houses, are able to assess their garments against the relevant standards (IEC TS 60079-32-1:2013, IEC 60079-32-2:2013 and TGRS 727:2016 ) for use in ATEX environments and identify the zones in which they are safe to be used.
Just because PPE is antistatic, it does not necessarily mean that it is safe to use in explosive environments, so you must make sure the garments you use are suitable. If you are not sure always consult the manufacturer before use.
Respirex International have produced a number of suits which are designed to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge and have been tested by an independent test house according to the ATEX guidelines for use in potentially explosive atmospheres; details of the zones in which they can be used are covered under each product.
All of the Respirex suits below must be worn with appropriate Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) footwear to be safe to use in ATEX zones. If you do not wear appropriate ESD footwear, there will be no direct path to the ground and therefore potential to produce a spark. This article has further information on the ATEX Directives and what qualifies as an explosive environment.
The Respirex GLS300A fully encapsulated single-use gas-tight suit made from our Chemprotex 300 chemical barrier fabric incorporates permanently attached antistatic chemical protective gloves, integral sock feet and a lightweight gas-tight zip. It must be worn with ESD footwear when used in potentially explosive environments.
ATEX tested for use in explosive environmentsDust Ex atmospheres: ZONES 20, 21, & 22
Gas Ex atmospheres: ZONES 1 & 2
The Respirex GLS300B is a single-use gas-tight suit made from our Chemprotex 300 chemical barrier fabric and is designed to have the protective breathing apparatus worn outside of the suit e.g. a facemask and filter or airline respirator. It has permanently attached antistatic chemical protective gloves, integral sock feet and a lightweight gas-tight zip. It must be worn with ESD footwear when used in potentially explosive environments.
ATEX tested for use in explosive environments
Dust Ex atmospheres: ZONES 20, 21, & 22
Gas Ex atmospheres: ZONES 0, 1 & 2
The Respirex GLS300C is a single-use gas-tight air-fed suit for use with breathable air from an external compressed air source. It is manufactured in our Chemprotex 300 chemical barrier fabric and it incorporates permanently attached antistatic chemical protective gloves, integral sock feet and a lightweight gas-tight zip. It must be worn with ESD footwear when used in potentially explosive environments.
ATEX tested for use in explosive environments
Dust Ex atmospheres: ZONES 20, 21, & 22
Gas Ex atmospheres: ZONES 1 & 2
The GTL gas-tight suit is a fully encapsulating Type 1A-ET single use gas-tight suit designed to protect emergency responders against toxic, corrosive gases, liquids and solid chemicals. The new ESD version of the suit incorporates antistatic gloves and integral sock feet and must be work with ESD footwear when used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
ATEX tested for use in explosive environments
Dust Ex atmospheres: ZONES 20, 21, & 22
Gas Ex atmospheres: ZONES 1 & 2
The WorkMaster Hazmax ESD is a chemically protective Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) safety boot with an integral steel toe cap and vulcanised rubber sole for superior slip resistance. Suitable for applications such as pharmaceutical electro-protective areas
The WorkMater Solestar ESD is a high performance Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) safety boot; conforming to the latest European standards it incorporates a steel toecap and midsole together with an oil resistant non-marking sole.
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