SHAPA Practical Guidance for Suppliers and Operators of Solid Handling Equipment for Potentially Explosive Dusts
This SHAPA technical paper provides practical guidance for organisations involved in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of equipment used in potentially explosive dust atmospheres.
Originally developed with input from SHAPA members, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Cabinet Office Better Regulation Unit, the document remains one of the most accessible introductions to ATEX and dust explosion protection available to engineers and duty holders. The paper was subsequently reviewed to reflect changes in legislation and certification requirements, including the replacement of ATEX Directive 94/9/EC with Directive 2014/34/EU and the introduction of IECEx certification for non-electrical equipment.
The guidance explains:
- Fundamentals of dust explosion hazards
- ATEX legislation and responsibilities
- Area classification principles
- Equipment selection
- Ignition sources
- Dust collection systems
- Explosion protection measures
- Certification requirements
- Supplier and user responsibilities
This resource is relevant to:
- LEV Designers
- Commissioning Engineers
- P601 TExT Engineers
- Dust Extraction Specialists
- Process Engineers
- Occupational Hygienists
- DSEAR Assessors
- Health & Safety Professionals
- Facilities Managers
- Duty Holders
Source Document
View SHAPA Guide here:
Source: SHAPA
Document Type: Technical Guidance Paper
Status: 2014
Last reviewed by LEVCentral: June 2026
LEVCentral Expert Commentary
ATEX and DSEAR are often viewed as specialist subjects that only apply to large chemical plants or hazardous process industries. In reality, many LEV systems operate in environments where combustible dusts may be present, making the principles contained within this guide highly relevant to LEV professionals.
Processes involving wood dust, flour dust, grain dust, pharmaceutical powders, plastics, metal powders, biomass materials and many other fine particulate substances can generate explosive dust clouds when dispersed in air. If an ignition source is present, the consequences can be severe. HSE identifies explosive atmospheres as arising from flammable gases, vapours, mists and combustible dusts.
One of the strengths of this SHAPA paper is that it translates complex legislation into practical engineering guidance. Rather than focusing solely on legal requirements, it explains how explosive atmospheres occur, how ignition sources arise and how equipment should be selected and managed to reduce risk.
For LEV professionals, the document reinforces several important principles:
- Dust extraction systems may form part of an explosive atmosphere risk assessment.
- Area classification should be considered during system design.
- Ignition sources must be identified and controlled.
- Equipment selection must be appropriate for the classified zone.
- Explosion protection measures may be required on filters, cyclones and associated plant.
- Maintenance and inspection are critical to long-term safety.
The paper is particularly valuable because it addresses both supplier and operator responsibilities. Many dust explosion incidents occur not because equipment was incorrectly specified, but because modifications, poor maintenance or operational changes altered the original risk profile.
From a LEVCentral perspective, this guidance provides an excellent introduction to the practical relationship between LEV, DSEAR and ATEX compliance. It helps bridge the gap between occupational hygiene, process safety and engineering design.
Key Learning Points
Combustible Dusts Can Explode
Many common workplace dusts are capable of creating explosive atmospheres when dispersed in air under suitable conditions.
ATEX and DSEAR Are Closely Linked
ATEX addresses equipment and protective systems, while DSEAR implements workplace requirements for managing explosive atmospheres in Great Britain.
LEV Systems May Form Part of the Risk Assessment
Dust extraction systems can influence both the likelihood and consequences of a dust explosion and therefore require appropriate consideration during design and operation.
Engineering Controls Are Essential
Effective area classification, equipment selection, grounding, explosion protection and maintenance arrangements all contribute to risk reduction.
Further Resources
- HSE – ATEX and Explosive Atmospheres
- SHAPA Dust Testing for DSEAR and ATEX Compliance
- HSG258 – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work
- Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR)
- HSE Guidance on Combustible Dusts
