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SHAPA ATEX seminars to explore explosion safety and compliance

Phil Black - PII Editor 25 seconds ago

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SHAPA ATEX seminars to explore explosion safety and compliance

SHAPA will bring together explosion protection and bulk solids handling specialists for a one-day seminar exploring the practical challenges of ATEX compliance and explosion safety in industry.

ATEX: From Hazard to Protection takes place on Tuesday 10 November 2026 at the Hilton DoubleTree in Stoke-on-Trent. The event is designed to help engineers, plant designers, maintenance and operations teams, health and safety professionals and compliance specialists translate regulatory requirements into practical decisions.

ATEX and DSEAR in practice

Understanding ATEX and the UK Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) is essential for anyone responsible for hazardous areas, equipment selection, plant design or explosion protection. However, interpreting the requirements and applying them to specific industrial environments can be challenging.

The seminar will examine how explosion risks can be identified, assessed and managed, covering hazardous area classification, equipment selection, protection measures, maintenance and operational responsibilities.

Combustible dust remains a significant hazard across industries including food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plastics, woodworking and metal manufacturing. Understanding the risks and appropriate protective measures is essential for safeguarding personnel, equipment and business continuity.

Addressing areas of uncertainty

Although the ATEX Directives have been in place for decades, differing interpretations can still create uncertainty for engineers and those responsible for compliance.

John Pethullis of Southdowne Solutions will examine areas of contention surrounding the Directives, exploring how terminology and interpretations can lead to conflicting advice and highlighting the importance of informed decision-making.

Industry expertise and practical insight

Presenters from Fike, Southdowne Solutions, StuvEx, Gexcon, Orthos (Firefly) and the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Handling Technology will share expertise spanning explosion hazards, flameless explosion venting, dust management, plant hygiene and combustible dust risk.

The programme offers delegates an opportunity to consider different approaches to explosion protection and take practical knowledge back to their own organisations.