RHF Fans & Hazardous Zones - ATEX vs. HazLoc Explained

Published on 22 May 2025

Keeping Safe Standards

Some industrial equipment isn’t just built to perform; it’s engineered to survive. In hazardous environments like manufacturing facilities or chemical plants, even a harmless device can become a spark for disaster. That’s why specialised equipment like industrial fans must meet strict safety standards and pass rigorous certification tests. The exact certification requirements vary depending on which country or region the equipment will be installed and used in. This blog explores the fundamentals of ATEX certification, the differences between ATEX and HazLoc, its US counterpart, and how RHF Fans tailor-make fans to meet these critical standards.

Safety certifications are developed to safeguard lives, equipment, and operations in industrial environments where explosive gases, dusts, or vapours are present. In the United States and Canada, such environments are called hazardous locations, commonly called HazLoc. Devices approved for use in these areas are known as HazLoc-rated. However, both countries are gradually shifting towards adopting the IECEx standard, an international system that sets safety guidelines for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. In Europe, a similar system known as ATEX is already in place and widely used. Regardless of the region, equipment must continually be assessed and certified based on the specific hazards in its intended environment.

What is ATEX Certification?

ATEX (short for ATmosphères EXplosibles) certification originates from two European Union directives:

Directive 2014/34/EU governs equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres (manufacturer’s responsibility).

Directive 99/92/EC relates to the health and safety of workers exposed to explosion risks (employer’s responsibility).

ATEX defines hazardous zones by the frequency and duration of explosive atmospheres:

  • Zone 0 / 1 / 2 for gases and vapours
  • Zone 20 / 21 / 22 for dusts

Industrial fans, in particular those operating in chemical, oil, gas, or food production environments, are potential ignition sources due to mechanical or electrical faults. That’s why ATEX compliance is essential.

direct drive fans

Hazardous Location (HazLoc) Certification in the USA

In the United States, the equivalent to ATEX certification falls under Hazardous Location (HazLoc) regulations governed by:

  • National Electrical Code (NEC) by the NFPA
  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
  • FM Approvals
  • OSHA requirements

In the US, a Class/Division system is used:

  • Class I – gases and vapours
  • Class II – combustible dusts
  • Class III – fibres and flyings

Each class has:

  • Division 1 – normal presence of explosive material
  • Division 2 – abnormal presence (e.g., accidental leaks)

Like ATEX, this system ensures that equipment like industrial fans won’t ignite a hazardous environment under any circumstances.

ATEX vs. HazLoc: A Quick Comparison

ATEX-Certified Centrifugal Fans for Hazardous Locations

RHF Fans is a proud manufacturer of ATEX-certified centrifugal fans that go far beyond basic compliance. These fans are specifically engineered to operate safely in environments where dust, flammable gases, or vapours are routinely present.

Built to the Highest Standards

Unlike standard fans, RHF’s ATEX-certified models are designed strictly with EU ATEX regulations. Every component from the housing to the impeller uses materials chosen for their anti-sparking, corrosion-resistant, and heat-dissipating properties. Common ATEX-approved materials include:

  • Stainless steel – excellent corrosion resistance.
  • Aluminium – lightweight and non-sparking.
  • Polypropylene – chemical resistance for aggressive environments.

Designed with Safety in Mind

Our fans are built to reduce the risk of mechanical sparks or excessive surface temperatures, which are both significant causes of ignition in hazardous areas. We achieve this with:

  • Robust motor housing designs
  • Certified grounding paths
  • Vibration minimisation
  • Heat dissipation mechanisms
  • Non-sparking impeller construction

These fans are certified to operate in Zones 1, 2 (gas) and 21, 22 (dust), depending on application-specific requirements like airflow rate, pressure, and temperature.

Versatile Industrial Applications

ATEX fans from RHF are trusted across multiple industries with high safety requirements:

  • Oil & Gas – ventilation in refineries and petrochemical plants
  • Pharmaceutical – safe air extraction in labs and cleanrooms
  • Food Processing – dust-laden environments like flour or sugar milling
  • Chemical Manufacturing – areas with volatile vapours and solvents
  • Paint & Coatings – flammable mist and fume extraction

Certified Safety and Performance You Can Trust

RHF Fans takes great pride in our expertise and technical capability to design and manufacture air movement solutions that meet the highest international safety standards. Achieving certifications like ATEX reflects our dedication to engineering fans that are safe, reliable, and fully suited for operation in hazardous environments. RHF Fans meet these stringent requirements, and our fans are purpose-built to protect lives and property in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

We’re also highly experienced in developing specialised, custom-made fan solutions. So if your business has unique specifications or compliance standards to meet—whether for ATEX, HazLoc, or other industrial requirements—get in touch with RHF Fans for a tailored quote and expert consultation.