Reducing Costs While Enhancing Safety — Through Zone Reduction
In hazardous areas, lower ATEX zone classifications directly translate into reduced equipment costs and simpler compliance requirements.
Zone Reduction is the process of reclassifying higher-risk ATEX zones into lower categories through targeted engineering controls — most commonly, optimized ventilation.
In practice, we have successfully downgraded areas from Zone 0 to Zone 2 solely through improved airflow management. This approach:
• Reduces capital expenditure on ATEX-certified equipment
• Improves operational safety by lowering explosion risk
• Streamlines maintenance and inspection requirements
Industry Insight: Approximately 80% of ATEX-classified zones are designated as Zone 2 or Zone 22.
Visual Example:
• Before: Large portions of the facility classified as Zone 0 and Zone 1 (high risk).
• After: Majority reclassified to Zone 2, with minimal remaining Zone 1 areas — demonstrating a clear reduction in both hazard level and cost.
