ATEX Approved Weighing – Intrinsically Safe Scales for Hazardous Environments
Our ATEX-certified weighing equipment is specifically designed and approved for use in potentially explosive atmospheres where standard electrical equipment would present an unacceptable ignition risk. Compliant with the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) and UK PSSR regulations, our range covers Zone 1, Zone 2 (gas and vapour hazards) and Zone 21, Zone 22 (dust hazards) — providing safe, accurate weighing solutions for chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, oil and gas, paint and coatings production, grain handling, and any industry where flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dusts may be present.
ATEX weighing equipment is not simply standard equipment with a label — it is purpose-engineered to prevent ignition sources in hazardous areas. Intrinsically safe designs limit electrical energy to levels that cannot ignite an explosive atmosphere, while explosion-proof (Ex d) enclosures contain any internal ignition within a robust housing. Selecting the correct equipment category and zone classification for your specific hazardous area is a legal requirement under UK DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) — our technical team can advise on the correct specification for your installation.
ATEX Equipment Available
- ATEX platform and floor scales — intrinsically safe and explosion-proof weighing platforms for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas
- ATEX bench scales — compact hazardous area scales for laboratory, production, and dispensing applications
- ATEX load cells — intrinsically safe load cells for integration into custom hazardous area weighing systems
- ATEX weight indicators and controllers — hazardous area displays and process controllers for Zone 1, 2, 21, and 22
- ATEX crane and hanging scales — overhead weighing in explosive atmosphere environments
Key Features
- ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) and UK PSSR compliant for legal use in hazardous areas
- Zone 1, 2, 21, and 22 certified covering gas, vapour, and combustible dust hazardous areas
- Intrinsically safe (Ex i) and explosion-proof (Ex d) designs available depending on zone and application
- High-accuracy weighing without compromising on safety certification
- Stainless steel and robust industrial construction for chemical and process environments
- Full ATEX certification documentation supplied with all equipment
Common Applications
- Chemical processing — weighing of flammable solvents, reactive chemicals, and hazardous raw materials
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing — dispensing and formulation in solvent-rich or dust-generating environments
- Oil and gas — platform and refinery weighing in Zone 1 and Zone 2 classified areas
- Paint and coatings production — accurate weighing of flammable pigments, solvents, and resins
- Grain, flour, and food processing — Zone 21 and Zone 22 dust hazard environments
- Explosives and pyrotechnics manufacturing — specialist hazardous area weighing applications
All ATEX weighing equipment is supplied with full certification documentation. Contact our technical team before purchasing to confirm the correct zone classification, equipment category, and gas group for your specific hazardous area installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ATEX mean and why is it required?
ATEX stands for “ATmosphères EXplosibles” and refers to the EU Directive (2014/34/EU) governing equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. In the UK, equivalent requirements are set out under PSSR and DSEAR. Any electrical equipment used in a classified hazardous area — where flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dusts may be present — must be ATEX certified to prevent it from becoming an ignition source. Using non-certified equipment in a hazardous area is illegal and extremely dangerous.
What is the difference between Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, and Zone 22?
Zones 1 and 2 relate to gas and vapour hazards: Zone 1 is where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation; Zone 2 is where it is unlikely but may occur in abnormal conditions. Zones 21 and 22 relate to combustible dust hazards with the same frequency distinction. Equipment must be certified for the specific zone in which it will be installed — Zone 1 equipment can be used in Zone 2, but not vice versa.
What is the difference between intrinsically safe and explosion-proof equipment?
Intrinsically safe (Ex i) equipment limits electrical energy to levels that cannot ignite an explosive atmosphere under any fault condition — it is inherently safe by design. Explosion-proof (Ex d) equipment contains any internal ignition within a robust enclosure that prevents flame propagation to the surrounding atmosphere. Both are valid ATEX protection methods; the appropriate choice depends on the zone, gas group, and application requirements.
Do I need to consult a specialist before purchasing ATEX weighing equipment?
Yes. Selecting ATEX equipment requires knowledge of your hazardous area zone classification, temperature class, gas group, and equipment category — all of which must be determined by a competent person as part of your DSEAR risk assessment. Our technical team can advise on the correct specification once you have this information. Never install electrical equipment in a hazardous area without confirming it carries the correct ATEX certification for that zone.
Is UKAS calibration available for ATEX weighing equipment?
Yes. UKAS-traceable calibration certificates are available on request for ATEX scales and load cells in our range. Calibration of hazardous area equipment must be carried out by qualified personnel following appropriate safe working procedures for the classified area — contact our team for calibration and service support.
