In the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, it is common to handle powdered materials such as flour, sugar, cocoa, starches, pigments and excipients. Although these materials are an integral part of the production process, when dispersed in the air they can create an explosive atmosphere. Cleaning these areas, carrying out maintenance work, or even routine industrial ATEX vacuuming operations must therefore be performed under strictly controlled conditions. Using unsuitable equipment may generate a spark, an electrostatic discharge or a hazardous build-up of dust. The consequences can range from production downtime to dust explosions.
EN 17348:2022 Standard: The Technical Framework That Raises the Requirements
Since March 2023, the European Standard EN 17348:2022 has been in force, establishing the minimum technical requirements for vacuum cleaning systems used in explosive atmospheres where combustible dust is present.
This standard complements the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and reinforces existing legislation, including Royal Decree 681/2003, which is applicable in Spain.
Crucially, EN 17348 is not limited solely to the equipment: it defines criteria for design, filtration, materials, ignition control, earthing and validation of the complete system.
What Has Changed with EN 17348?
EN 17348 specifies that vacuum cleaning systems used in classified hazardous areas (Zones 20, 21 and 22) must comply with strict technical requirements, including:
- High-efficiency filtration capable of retaining fine particles
- Electrostatic control and effective earthing
- Protection against the hazardous accumulation of combustible dust within internal components.
- Robust construction materials designed to minimise the risk of spark generation
- System design tailored to the type of dust being handled and the specific operating conditions
It is no longer sufficient to use a vacuum cleaner simply bearing ATEX certification. The entire vacuum cleaning system must now be designed, installed and validated by qualified professionals to ensure full compliance with the requirements of EN 17348.
Does This Apply to Your Industry?
This requirement applies to all environments where hazardous areas have been classified due to the presence of combustible dust. Typical examples include:
- Milling, blending or conveying processes involving flour, sugar, cereals, cocoa, starch and other powdered materials
- Dosing, packaging or loading of powdered solid materials
- Maintenance or technical cleaning of silos, hoppers, filters and production areas
- Transfer or conveying of powders within automated processing lines
If these operations are carried out in areas where combustible dust may form an explosive atmosphere (as defined by the ATEX zone classification), the vacuum cleaning system must comply with the requirements of EN 17348.
Implementing a Compliant Solution
Many companies assume that complying with ATEX regulations simply means purchasing equipment bearing an ATEX label. In reality, EN 17348 introduces a fundamentally different approach: the entire vacuum cleaning solution must be designed, validated and maintained within a regulated technical framework.
It is therefore not simply a matter of purchasing a product, but of implementing a complete industrial ATEX vacuum cleaning system that requires specialist expertise, engineering, training and ongoing technical support.
How Can Lagupres Help?
At Lagupres, we have over 25 years of experience working in industrial environments with explosive atmospheres. Our technical team specialises in industrial vacuum cleaning solutions, technical cleaning, and ATEX risk prevention.
Our services include:
- Combustible dust risk assessments
- ATEX hazardous area classification within industrial facilities
- Technical design of vacuum cleaning systems tailored to comply with EN 17348 and ATEX requirements
- Installation by qualified and certified personnel
- Compliant technical documentation, including manuals, certificates and system validation records
- Operator training on the safe use of industrial ATEX vacuum cleaning systems
- Preventive and corrective maintenance of industrial vacuum cleaning installations
Our approach is not to sell equipment. It is to ensure that your installation complies with current regulations and operates to the highest safety standards.
Avoid Penalties, Accidents and Legal Liability
Failure to comply with the applicable regulations may result in:
- A genuine risk of explosion or fire
- Penalties imposed by labour or industrial regulatory authorities
- Loss of insurance cover
- Production downtime and the associated costs
- Civil or criminal liability in the event of an accident
Implementing a compliant solution is not only a legal requirement; it is an investment in safety, operational continuity and regulatory compliance.