ATEX‑Certified Weighing Systems: How to Stay Compliant

In many industrial sites, weighing equipment is used every day to monitor materials, manage stock and support key production processes.

However, it’s critical to note that standard weighing equipment is not suitable for all site types.

If your site contains flammable gases, or frequently generates vapours or combustible dust, then your weighing equipment must be carefully selected, to ensure that it is safe for use in this environment (and in the presence of potential ignition sources).

This is where ATEX-certified weighing systems come in.

These systems are specifically designed for use in sites with higher risk atmospheres.

In this article, Weightron’s expert team have outlined how ATEX-certified equipment allows businesses to conduct essential weighing tasks, while maintaining a safe and compliant working environment.

What does ATEX certification mean?

The term ATEX comes from the French term ‘Atmosphères Explosibles’.

ATEX refers to the regulations covering equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

ATEX-certified equipment is specially designed to minimise the risk of sparks, excessive heat or electrical faults – which could pose a risk of igniting flammable materials.

This feature is critical in hazardous sites, where combustible dusts, gases or vapours are frequently present.

Common examples include:

• Chemical processing
• Food production
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Waste management

For businesses in these industries, choosing ATEX-certified equipment is a key part of their legal safety requirements.

How do ATEX zones work?

ATEX zones are a safety initiative, which are designed to accommodate the fact that not all hazardous areas present the same level of risk.

In hazardous environments, a common approach is to divide the area into different ATEX zones (based on how likely an explosive atmosphere is, and for how long it is likely to be present). This helps businesses to choose the correct equipment.

These zones are categorised as follows:

Gas zones – Explosive gas atmospheres

• Zone 0 – Present continuously or for long periods.
• Zone 1 – Likely to occur during normal operation.
• Zone 2 – Unlikely during normal operation, but may occur occasionally, and just for short periods.

Dust zones – Combustible dust

• Zone 20 – Present continuously or for long periods.
• Zone 21 – Likely to occur during normal operation.
• Zone 22 – Unlikely during normal operation, but may occur occasionally, and just for short periods.

By classifying each area in your site, you can determine which types of weighing equipment are suitable and safe for use.

ATEX scales and weighing systems

ATEX-certified weighing solutions are specifically designed for hazardous environments, where standard weighing systems would not be suitable.

These solutions include:

• Platform scales
• Load cell systems
• Weighing indicators
• Process weighing equipment
• Other bespoke industrial weighing systems

The best solution for your site will depend on your weighing requirements, operating processes and the ATEX zone where the equipment will be installed.

Key Compliance & Maintenance Considerations

Installing ATEX-certified equipment is just one part of the process.

Regular inspection and maintenance help ATEX weighing systems continue to operate safely and accurately.

A typical routine maintenance session will include:

• Re-calibration – To maintain weighing accuracy.
• Inspections – To identify (and address) any signs of wear, damage or developing faults.
• Creating and maintaining records – Including details of servicing, calibration and repairs.
• Safe installation – In accordance with the requirements of the hazardous area.

Why choosing a specialist supplier matters

By working with a trusted, specialist and accredited supplier, you can get expert guidance on selecting equipment that is suitable for the classified hazardous area, while still aligning with your operational requirements.

Then, these specialists can support you through installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance, helping the system remain safe, accurate and suitable for its operating environment.

At Weightron, we supply, install and maintain ATEX-certified weighing systems to suit any and all industrial applications.

So, whether you’re selecting equipment for a new installation or replacing an existing system, our experienced team are on hand to help you find the best solution for your specific context.

If you are looking for ATEX weighing solutions, or weighbridge solutions – contact our team.

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