Electrostatic Risks And Chemical Protective Clothing In Atex / Ex-zones

Managing Ignition Hazards Through PPE Regulation, EN 1149 and Proper Earthing

Executive Summary

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is an often overlooked ignition source in potentially explosive atmospheres. While many organizations ask for "ATEX-certified clothing," protective garments are not covered by the ATEX Directive and cannot be ATEX certified. Instead, chemical protective clothing is regulated under the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and evaluated against standards such as EN 1149 for electrostatic performance. Our latest DuPont #ExpertInsight guide explains the role of EN 1149, proper grounding practices, and system-level approaches to managing electrostatic risks in EX zones.

What You'll Learn

By downloading this guide, you'll gain insights into:

• Why electrostatic discharge remains a significant ignition hazard in hazardous environments
• The difference between ATEX requirements and PPE regulations
• The role of EN 1149 standards in electrostatic risk control
• Why antistatic protection depends on a complete grounding system
• Key considerations when selecting chemical protective clothing for use in EX-zones
• Common misconceptions surrounding "ATEX-certified clothing"