NEW ATEX EN 17348 COMPLIANCE FOR EXTRACTION SYSTEMS

Are your industrial extraction systems compliant with ATEX regulations?

A significant new regulation has come into force for the professional cleaning sector, affecting industrial environments where combustible dust is handled: the new ATEX EN 17348 standard. This regulation goes beyond the ATEX Directive and general standards, introducing specific and stricter requirements for extraction systems used in ATEX risk zones, particularly those that collect combustible dust and create an internal Zone 20.

Why is this regulation important?

Many industrial extraction systems currently claim compliance with ATEX 2014/34/EU, but they do not meet the latest EN 17348 standard. This means that many end users could unknowingly be using equipment that does not comply with the new safety regulations.

Risks of a non-compliant extraction system

If your extraction system does not comply with the EN 17348 standard:

✔ Your operators may be exposed to avoidable explosion risks.
✔ Your company may not comply with updated safety regulations.
✔ In the event of an explosion, insurance may not cover the damages, leaving the company liable.
✔ In case of an accident, public authorities may require additional documentation to verify product compliance, and in case of non-compliance, impose fines or legal actions.

What changes with the EN 17348 standard?

✔ New classification of ATEX vacuum cleaners for solids and liquids, with separate markings for internal and external parts of the machine.
✔ HEPA filtration efficiency with at least two protection stages to ensure adequate safety in Zone 20.
✔ Additional safety requirements and specific tests for electrical, mechanical, and non-metallic components, ensuring resistance to overheating, wear, dust ingress, friction, and ignition.
✔ Additional performance requirements and specific tests for inertization systems used for collecting conductive or self-igniting dust.

Who is responsible for ATEX compliance?

Compliance responsibility does not lie solely with manufacturers, importers, or distributors of Ex equipment.
End users are legally required to ensure that the equipment they purchase and use is fully compliant with ATEX regulations, based on intended use, material type, process, and work area. Choosing an extraction system already compliant with the harmonized ATEX EN 17348 standard is the safest choice.

How to ensure your company’s safety?

To avoid risks and ensure compliance, it is essential to choose industrial extraction systems certified according to EN 17348.
At Delfin, we provide fully compliant solutions with the latest ATEX standards, ensuring maximum safety for your operations.

Contact us today for an assessment of your current system and to discover the best solutions for your company's safety.