--- title: Understanding Acid Pump Safety and Compliance | ATEX description: Covering acid pump safety & ATEX directives, their importance in explosive environments, and how to ensure compliance with safety standards. image: https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/hubfs/10-Tips-for-Good-Piping-Practice.webp --- ![ATEX - General information](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/10-Tips-for-Good-Piping-Practice.webp?width=300&name=10-Tips-for-Good-Piping-Practice.webp) [James Dashwood](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/resources/blog/author/james-dashwood)February 20254 min read # Acid Pump Ranges, Safety & ATEX Ratings [Previous ](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/resources/blog/a-guide-to-magnetic-drive-pumps) [Next ](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/resources/blog/commonly-pumped-chemicals) Understanding Acid Pump Safety and Compliance | ATEX 4:56 ## Explosive Environments Explosive atmospheres can be caused by flammable gases, mists, vapors or by combustible dust. If there is enough of the substance, mixed with air, then all it needs is a source of ignition to cause an explosion. Explosions can cause serious injuries as well as significant damage and in some cases fatalities. Preventing the release of dangerous substances, which can create explosive atmospheres and preventing sources of ignition are two widely used ways of reducing the risk. Using the correct equipment can greatly help. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) place duties on employers to eliminate or control the risks from explosive atmospheres in the workplace.[ A summary of those requirements can be found here](http://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/index.htm). ## What is ATEX? ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres. The first ATEX directive (94/9/EC) deals with the requirement pertaining to equipment used in areas where there is a serious risk of explosion. The manufacturer has to fulfill the requirements and mark the product with relevant approval. The second ATEX directive (99/92/EC) deals with the minimum health and safety requirements that the user has to fulfill, when working within areas where there is a danger of explosion. ## Crest Pumps Group and ATEX Our Centrifugal Chemical Pumps have been built to ATEX standard, all pumps listed below fully meet the criteria of the European Directives; ## Magnetic drive pumps ![AM mag drive acid pump](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mag%20Drives/AM%20resized.jpg?width=300&name=AM%20resized.jpg) TOUCH AM AM[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/magnetic-drive-pumps/am) ![AMXI acid pump](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mag%20Drives/AMXI-1.gif?width=300&name=AMXI-1.gif) TOUCH AMXi AMXi [View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/magnetic-drive-pumps/amxi) ![AME mag drive pump](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mag%20Drives/AME-1.png?width=300&name=AME-1.png) TOUCH AME AME[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/magnetic-drive-pumps/ame) ![AMA mag drive pump](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mag%20Drives/AMAFP.jpg?width=300&name=AMAFP.jpg) TOUCH AMA AMA[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/magnetic-drive-pumps/ama) ![AVF-C canned motor mag drive](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mag%20Drives/AVF-C.webp?width=300&name=AVF-C.webp) TOUCH AVF-C AVF-C[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/magnetic-drive-pumps/avf-c) ## Mechanically Sealed Pumps ![PP mech sealed pump](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mech%20Sealed%20Pumps/PP-1.jpg?width=300&name=PP-1.jpg) TOUCH PP PP[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/mech-sealed-pumps/pp) ![PPM mech sealed pump](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mech%20Sealed%20Pumps/PPM%201.jpg?width=300&name=PPM%201.jpg) TOUCH PPM PPM[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/mech-sealed-pumps/ppm) ![eov mech sealed pump](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mech%20Sealed%20Pumps/eov.png?width=300&name=eov.png) TOUCH EOV EOV[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/mech-sealed-pumps/eov) ![HD-HG-RS MECH SEALED ](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mech%20Sealed%20Pumps/SHC%201.jpg?width=300&name=SHC%201.jpg) TOUCH HD-HG-RS HD-HG-RS[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/mech-sealed-pumps/hd-hg-rs) ![RD-RG-RC-RB MECH SEALED PUMP](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mech%20Sealed%20Pumps/RD-RG-RC-RB%20(2).png?width=300&name=RD-RG-RC-RB%20(2).png) TOUCH RD-RG-RC-RB RD-RG-RC-RB[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/mech-sealed-pumps/rd-rg-rc-rb) ## Vertical Pumps ![Cantilever ](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Vertical%20Immersible/Cantilever%20resized.jpg?width=300&name=Cantilever%20resized.jpg) TOUCH Cantilever Cantilever[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/vertical-immersible-pumps/cantilever) ![vertical ](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Vertical%20Immersible/vertical%20resized.jpg?width=300&name=vertical%20resized.jpg) TOUCH Vertical Vertical[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/vertical-immersible-pumps/vertical) ![Surge](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Vertical%20Immersible/image00011.jpeg?width=300&name=image00011.jpeg) TOUCH Surge Surge[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/vertical-immersible-pumps/surge) ![CSS](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Vertical%20Immersible/CSS1.png?width=300&name=CSS1.png) TOUCH CSS CSS[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/vertical-immersible-pumps/css) ![PPS](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Vertical%20Immersible/PPS.jpg?width=300&name=PPS.jpg) TOUCH PPS PPS[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/vertical-immersible-pumps/pps) ## Cast Iron Centrifugal Pumps ![RN](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/144022160/hubfs/Website/Product%20Images/Mech%20Sealed%20Pumps/RN%20bleu.jpg?width=300&name=RN%20bleu.jpg) TOUCH RN RN[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/other-pumps/rn) ![TS ](https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/144022160/Website/Product%20Images/Other%20Pumps/TS%20(2).bmp) TOUCH TS TS[View our range](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/pumps/other-pumps/ts) ## How can a explosive atmosphere be categorized? An explosive atmosphere is an atmosphere that develops explosively because of changing surroundings or as a consequence of use. An explosive atmosphere consists of air and combustive material such as gases, vapours or dust in which the explosion could spread after ignition. Typical production sites where combustible dust is of major concern is in, for example, the handling of cereals, animal feed, paper, wood, chemicals, plastics and coals. ## What types of equipment does the ATEX directive cover? The Directive covers a surprisingly large range of equipment and industrial applications. Broadly speaking these must comply in the following areas: Safety equipment and safety systems exposed to explosive gases or dust. Safety, control and adjustment devices, which ensure a safe operation of production material and control equipment. Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment including pumps and electric motors. ## What happened on 1 July 2003? Companies that produce, use or distribute this kind of equipment must comply with the basic health and safety requirements contained within the ATEX directive. The ATEX directive does not have retrospective implications. However, pre-existing products maybe be subject to analysis. In case of defects, (wear etc) the old products must be replaced with equipment that complies with the ATEX information directive. In addition, products that are specifically made for use in areas with the high explosion risk should only be marketed when they fully comply with the ATEX directive. The safety requirements within the ATEX directive implies that pumps have to carry a clear indication of which equipment group and category, they belong to, and in what areas they can be used. ## What are the implications for the equipment user? To prevent explosion, the equipment user is required to: - Take all necessary technical and organisational precautions. - Make a complete estimate of any explosion risk. - Divide potential explosive risk areas into zones. - Indicate the danger zones clearly. ## How should explosive atmosphere zones be divided? The ATEX directive distinguishes between two types of explosive atmospheres: gas and dust. Areas within these two kinds of explosive atmospheres are each divided into three sub-zones. Although the zones characteristics are identical for both gas and dust, their numbering is different. Zone 0, 1 and 2 refer to gas and Zone 20, 21 and 22 refer to dust. Zone 0 / 20: Constant danger Permanent presence of explosive gasses or combustive dust. Minimum of Category 1 equipment. Zone 1 / 21: Potential danger Occasional presence of explosive gasses or combustible dust during normal duty. Minimum of Category 2 equipment. Zone 2 / 22: Minor danger Presence of explosive gasses or combustible dust is not likely to occur or only for a shorter period of time. Minimum of Category 3 equipment. Further Information: [Pump Supply & Repair Group Information on ATEX ](http://www.pumpgroup.co.uk/about-us/atex/) [James Dashwood ](https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/resources/blog/author/james-dashwood) [mailto:james.dashwood@crestpumps.co.uk](mailto:james.dashwood@crestpumps.co.uk) ## RELATED ARTICLES ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "United Kingdom", "addressLocality" : "New Milton", "addressRegion" : "Hampshire", "postalCode" : "BH25 5NN", "streetAddress" : "7 Queensway" }, "knowsLanguage" : "en", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/144022160/Branding/Crest-Pumps-Logo-Small-2025.png" }, "name" : "Crest Pumps Ltd", "url" : "https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/resources/blog/understanding-acid-pump-safety" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "abstract" : "Covering acid pump safety & ATEX directives, their importance in explosive environments, and how to ensure compliance with safety standards.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "James Dashwood" }, "dateModified" : "", "datePublished" : "", "headline" : "Acid Pump Ranges, Safety & ATEX Ratings", "image" : "https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/144022160/10-Tips-for-Good-Piping-Practice.webp", "inLanguage" : "en", "keywords" : "[ATEX]", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "Acid Pump Ranges, Safety & ATEX Ratings", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://144022160.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/144022160/Branding/Crest-Pumps-Logo-Small-2025.png" }, "name" : "Crest Pumps Ltd" }, "text" : "Explosive Environments Explosive atmospheres can be caused by flammable gases, mists, vapors or by combustible dust. If there is enough of the substance, mixed with air, then all it needs is a source of ignition to cause an explosion. Explosions can cause serious injuries as well as significant damage and in some cases fatalities. Preventing the release of dangerous substances, which can create explosive atmospheres and preventing sources of ignition are two widely used ways of reducing the risk. Using the correct equipment can greatly help. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) place duties on employers to eliminate or control the risks from explosive atmospheres in the workplace. A summary of those requirements can be found here. What is ATEX? ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres. The first ATEX directive (94/9/EC) deals with the requirement pertaining to equipment used in areas where there is a serious risk of explosion. The manufacturer has to fulfill the requirements and mark the product with relevant approval. The second ATEX directive (99/92/EC) deals with the minimum health and safety requirements that the user has to fulfill, when working within areas where there is a danger of explosion. Crest Pumps Group and ATEX Our Centrifugal Chemical Pumps have been built to ATEX standard, all pumps listed below fully meet the criteria of the European Directives; Magnetic drive pumps TOUCH AM AMView our range TOUCH AMXi AMXi View our range TOUCH AME AMEView our range TOUCH AMA AMAView our range TOUCH AVF-C AVF-CView our range Mechanically Sealed Pumps TOUCH PP PPView our range TOUCH PPM PPMView our range TOUCH EOV EOVView our range TOUCH HD-HG-RS HD-HG-RSView our range TOUCH RD-RG-RC-RB RD-RG-RC-RBView our range Vertical Pumps TOUCH Cantilever CantileverView our range TOUCH Vertical VerticalView our range TOUCH Surge SurgeView our range TOUCH CSS CSSView our range TOUCH PPS PPSView our range Cast Iron Centrifugal Pumps TOUCH RN RNView our range TOUCH TS TSView our range How can a explosive atmosphere be categorized? An explosive atmosphere is an atmosphere that develops explosively because of changing surroundings or as a consequence of use. An explosive atmosphere consists of air and combustive material such as gases, vapours or dust in which the explosion could spread after ignition. Typical production sites where combustible dust is of major concern is in, for example, the handling of cereals, animal feed, paper, wood, chemicals, plastics and coals. What types of equipment does the ATEX directive cover? The Directive covers a surprisingly large range of equipment and industrial applications. Broadly speaking these must comply in the following areas: Safety equipment and safety systems exposed to explosive gases or dust. Safety, control and adjustment devices, which ensure a safe operation of production material and control equipment. Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment including pumps and electric motors. What happened on 1 July 2003? Companies that produce, use or distribute this kind of equipment must comply with the basic health and safety requirements contained within the ATEX directive. The ATEX directive does not have retrospective implications. However, pre-existing products maybe be subject to analysis. In case of defects, (wear etc) the old products must be replaced with equipment that complies with the ATEX information directive. In addition, products that are specifically made for use in areas with the high explosion risk should only be marketed when they fully comply with the ATEX directive. The safety requirements within the ATEX directive implies that pumps have to carry a clear indication of which equipment group and category, they belong to, and in what areas they can be used. What are the implications for the equipment user? To prevent explosion, the equipment user is required to: Take all necessary technical and organisational precautions. Make a complete estimate of any explosion risk. Divide potential explosive risk areas into zones. Indicate the danger zones clearly. How should explosive atmosphere zones be divided? The ATEX directive distinguishes between two types of explosive atmospheres: gas and dust. Areas within these two kinds of explosive atmospheres are each divided into three sub-zones. Although the zones characteristics are identical for both gas and dust, their numbering is different. Zone 0, 1 and 2 refer to gas and Zone 20, 21 and 22 refer to dust. Zone 0 / 20: Constant danger Permanent presence of explosive gasses or combustive dust. Minimum of Category 1 equipment. Zone 1 / 21: Potential danger Occasional presence of explosive gasses or combustible dust during normal duty. Minimum of Category 2 equipment. Zone 2 / 22: Minor danger Presence of explosive gasses or combustible dust is not likely to occur or only for a shorter period of time. Minimum of Category 3 equipment. Further Information: Pump Supply & Repair Group Information on ATEX", "url" : "https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/resources/blog/understanding-acid-pump-safety", "wordCount" : "3612" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "James Dashwood", "url" : "https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/resources/blog/author/james-dashwood" }, "dateModified" : "2025-10-27T12:54:33.045Z", "datePublished" : "2025-02-25T07:16:36.000Z", "headline" : "Understanding Acid Pump Safety and Compliance | ATEX ", "image" : [ "https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/hubfs/10-Tips-for-Good-Piping-Practice.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/resources/blog/understanding-acid-pump-safety", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.crestpumps.co.uk/hubfs/Branding/Crest-Pumps-Logo-Small-2025.png" }, "name" : "Crest Pumps Ltd" } } ```