🌍 That's what it's all about
- Counterfeiting instead of safety: Counterfeit ATEX devices often lack technical designs or protective mechanisms that are essential for use in explosive atmospheres. Sparks, overheating, or faulty components can trigger explosions – posing an immediate threat to the lives of workers. Electrical Times.
- Risk factor chain: The damages caused by such devices range from serious injuries to production downtime, legal liability, and loss of reputation. Electrical TimesStorage Terminals Magazine.
- Global Dimension: According to Electrical Times, there are more than 16 industrial accidents with explosive consequences worldwide every day – this amounts to around 380,000 fatalities annually. Electrical Times+1Storage Terminals Magazine+1.
🛠 What companies should do
- Check certification: Always verify the authenticity of the ATEX approval through official EU Notified Bodies – counterfeit certificates can be identified by the fact that they are not properly registered. Electrical Times.
- Use reputable sources of supply: Only order from recognized, traceable suppliers who provide complete technical dossiers and proof of authenticity.
- Demand transparency: Technical documents, test certificates and certificates of origin must be traceable at all times - essential for auditors, authorities and insurers.
💼 Relevance for your target group
- Operators and buyers in ex-areas: Risk cannot be justified by low prices. Counterfeit devices represent calculated risk.
- Ex-responsible persons & safety officers: Procuring risky products - without verification and testing - is contrary to the company's duty of care.
- Manufacturers & planners: Ensuring that the suppliers used are ATEX-compliant - through supplier management and QM systems.
✅ Conclusion
The spread of counterfeit ATEX devices is not an abstract danger: it endangers lives, jeopardizes businesses, and can lead to legal and financial disaster.
Buying unsafe goods cheaply is short-sighted from a safety point of view.
Our appeal:
- Check the ATEX certification thoroughly
- Only source devices from trusted suppliers
- Documents and archives all safety records
Further sources:
- Electrical Times: Alarming rise in fake ATEX equipment threatens worker safety across Europe
- 360 Compliance: Hinweise zur Validierung CE-/ATEX-Zertifikate
- Heating & Process: Branchenwarnungen zur Verbreitung gefälschter Produkte