Starting from July 2006 organisations in the EU where 'explosion risk' exist must use the guideline for protecting the employees of the companies.

There are two ATEX directives:

*the ATEX 95 equipment directive 94/9/EC, Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres;

*the ATEX 137 workplace directive 99/92/EC, Minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

ATEX gets its name from the French title of the 94/9/EC directive: Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles

The E.U. Directive can be downloaded HERE

Industrial health/safety wet & dry vacs - Subcategories

Specialist ATEX Vacuum Cleaners Health & Safety Vacuums