Counterfeit ATEX-certified equipment is flooding industrial supply chains, putting workers and businesses at serious risk of explosions, injuries – and even death.
ATEX certification is essential for explosive environments in Europe, but it is only valid if verified through official channels. Terry McDonald, technical sales manager at Thorne & Derrick International says businesses should take steps to reduce the risk: “As businesses, it’s natural to seek the best price for a product, but this is where unscrupulous distributors and manufacturers are callously risking lives. There are a number of checks that procurement and purchasing departments can and should do to prevent purchasing a falsely ATEX certified product.”
ATEX-certified equipment is specifically designed for use in explosive atmospheres – environments where flammable gases, vapours, mists or combustible dusts may be present. Genuine ATEX products undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure they meet stringent European safety standards. However, counterfeit versions bypass these checks entirely, often masquerading as certified and flameproof equipment.
Fake equipment lacks proper design and safety controls, increasing the risk of sparks or overheating that could trigger explosions in hazardous environments.
Beyond the immediate threat to life and limb, such incidents can cause major disruptions to operations, legal liabilities and reputational damage. Tragically, industrial explosions contribute to over 16 incidents per day globally and resulting in approximately 380,000 fatalities annually due to industrial accidents.
The rise of fake ATEX equipment is more than just a supply chain issue, with lives and livelihoods at stake, companies must prioritise safety over savings and take proactive steps to ensure every piece of equipment entering hazardous environments is fully compliant and certified.
As Thorne & Derrick marks its 40th anniversary, its team is proud to keep delivering safe, fully certified equipment worldwide, where compromising on safety is never an option.
Find out more: https://www.thorneandderrick.com/