Storm Goretti is already impacting Europe, bringing a combination of freezing temperatures, snow, ice and strong winds across key industrial regions. While transport disruption and power outages dominate headlines, the most serious risks are being felt quietly across hazardous area industrial sites where temperature control is fundamental to safe operation.
For industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical processing, offshore production, terminals, tank farms and chemical manufacturing, Storm Goretti is not simply a weather event. It is a direct threat to flow assurance, safety compliance, asset integrity and production continuity.
This article explores what Storm Goretti means for hazardous area operations, the specific technical issues sites will face, and how ATEX-certified heating and temperature maintenance solutions can prevent forced shutdowns, damage and lost revenue.
Storm Goretti is a powerful winter storm system that developed over the North Atlantic before intensifying as it moved into Western Europe. Meteorological agencies have issued widespread warnings for sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, freezing rain and strong winds, with conditions expected to deteriorate rapidly in some regions.
What makes Storm Goretti particularly disruptive is not just the snowfall or wind, but the speed at which temperatures are dropping. Sudden cold snaps place significant thermal stress on industrial systems that rely on controlled heat input to remain operational.
For hazardous area sites, these conditions create a perfect storm for freezing, solidification, instrumentation failure and emergency shutdowns.
In hazardous environments, temperature is not simply a comfort issue – it is a critical process variable. Many fluids, chemicals and gases behave very differently as temperatures fall:
Without active temperature maintenance, these changes can lead to blocked pipelines, seized valves, damaged pumps and false instrument readings – all of which can trigger safety trips or forced shutdowns.
Oil & gas assets are especially exposed during extreme cold. Storm Goretti increases the risk of:
On offshore platforms and remote assets, access restrictions caused by weather make rapid intervention difficult, increasing reliance on permanently installed trace heating and hazardous area heaters.
Many chemical processes operate within tight temperature windows. Cold ingress during storms can cause:
Bulk storage and transfer operations face increased challenges as temperatures fall:
Crucially, many sites only discover these vulnerabilities after temperatures have dropped. By that point, options are limited and downtime is already unavoidable.
At Thorne & Derrick, we specialise in engineered heating solutions for hazardous areas, designed to maintain safe operating temperatures during extreme winter weather events such as Storm Goretti.
Typical mitigation strategies include:
All equipment is selected to meet the required zone classification, temperature class (T-class), ingress protection and duty cycle.
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are the leading stockists and suppliers of EXHEAT, Heatfast, Eltherm, Winkler & more – providing technical advice, quotations and fast worldwide delivery for both UK & export projects.
| Feature | Certified ATEX Heater | Non-Certified Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Area Approval | ✔ Zone-rated | ✖ Not permitted |
| Temperature Control | ✔ T-Class compliant | ✖ Uncontrolled |
| Continuous Operation | ✔ Designed for duty | ✖ Short-term only |
Storm Goretti is not a future risk – it is a current one. Sites that delay preparation risk being forced into shutdowns rather than making controlled decisions.
Thorne & Derrick supply ATEX-certified heating solutions for storm response, winterisation and critical temperature maintenance.
The EXHEAT LFH is a purpose-built ATEX/IECEx-certified fan heater engineered for hazardous areas (Zone 1 & Zone 2 gas and Zone 21 & Zone 22 dust). It is commonly specified by engineers, safety managers and procurement teams who require robust performance, full certification and flexible installation options for industrial, offshore and process environments.
Key capabilities that set EXHEAT LFH apart:
To help buyers compare fairly, we summarise the capabilities of a typical portable ATEX-rated fan heater commonly offered by other suppliers (portable up to 18 kW class). This generic unit is designed for rapid plug-and-play deployment and is widely used for short-term, on-site heating tasks.
Typical characteristics: 18 kW power, 3-phase 400–440 V, high free airflow (2,100–2,500 m³/hr), IP65, portable with lifting handles and optional anti-static ducting. Suitable for temporary heating of small enclosures or short-duration tasks in Zones 1/2.
Specs matter — but so does how a heater performs on site. Below are practical advantages of choosing EXHEAT LFH for industrial deployments.
Below are practical points and a quick specification checklist to ensure safe, compliant and effective installation of any ATEX heater. Use this before installation and during your maintenance schedules.
In short: if you require a robust, scalable, long-term hazardous-area heating solution for large rooms, ducted applications or offshore/process environments — EXHEAT LFH is the superior choice. It delivers higher flexibility (mounting & ducting), industrial durability (stainless construction), strong certification coverage (ATEX / IECEx, Zone 1/2 & dust zones), and options for higher kW capacity when you need it.
A portable 18 kW ATEX heater is a useful tool for short-term or emergency work — but for professional installations where reliability, compliance and lifetime cost matter, LFH is the more future-proof investment.
Download datasheets or view EXHEAT LFH product pages for full technical details, or contact our technical sales team for site-specific sizing and ducting advice.
IECEx certification is an internationally recognised standard for verifying the safety of electrical and non-electrical equipment used in explosive (Ex) atmospheres. It provides independent proof that products, repair facilities, and even personnel meet globally accepted safety and quality requirements for hazardous locations.
For industries operating in potentially explosive atmospheres — such as oil & gas, chemical processing, energy, mining, and food production — IECEx certification helps ensure that installed equipment will not become an ignition source and cause an explosion.
IECEx stands for the International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres. It is operated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) — the same global organisation that develops electrical and electronic standards used across over 80 member countries.
IECEx certification demonstrates that equipment has been independently tested and found to comply with the IEC 60079 series of standards. These standards specify how to design, test, and mark electrical and mechanical products for use where flammable gases, vapours, or dusts could ignite.
Unlike regional schemes such as ATEX certification for Hazardous Area Zones (mandatory in the EU), IECEx is an internationally harmonised, voluntary certification system — created to streamline compliance and remove trade barriers between different national approval schemes.
The IECEx certification process involves several stages of technical assessment and quality auditing, all carried out by independent accredited organisations. Here’s how manufacturers typically achieve certification:
The result is a traceable, transparent, and internationally recognised proof of compliance — valid in all countries participating in the IECEx System.
Yes — IECEx is recognised worldwide, with member countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Although IECEx certification is voluntary, it is accepted in many regions as an equivalent or supporting approval for national compliance schemes.
For example:
This global acceptance allows manufacturers to reduce duplication of testing, shorten approval timelines, and demonstrate compliance to a consistent international standard.
IECEx is an abbreviation of “International Electrotechnical Commission Explosive Atmospheres.” It covers certification schemes for:
Each scheme provides its own form of certificate and audit process, all traceable through the official IECEx Certified Equipment database.
Although ATEX and IECEx share the same technical foundation (both use IEC 60079 standards), they differ in scope and purpose. ATEX is a legal requirement within the European Union, whereas IECEx is a voluntary international certification system designed to harmonise standards globally.
Read more on ATEX & IECEx | Approval of Electrical Equipment Used in Hazardous Areas & Explosive Atmospheres.
IECEx certification applies to a wide variety of industrial equipment designed for use in explosive or hazardous environments — anywhere electrical energy or surface temperature could ignite a flammable gas, vapour, or dust. Typical IECEx-certified product ranges include:
All of these product ranges must be IECEx-certified because they contain electrical or thermal components capable of becoming ignition sources if not properly designed. Certification ensures the equipment meets strict international standards for safety, construction, and temperature limitation — protecting both personnel and facilities in explosive environments.
A: No — IECEx is voluntary. It is not required by law but provides globally recognised proof of safety and quality for hazardous area equipment.
A: Yes — IECEx is recognised by over 30 member countries and accepted across many global markets. Some nations require additional national approvals, but IECEx is the foundation for most explosion-protection standards.
A: Yes — most manufacturers pursue dual certification. The same test data can support both systems, simplifying compliance for global markets.
A: All valid certificates are listed on the official IECEx Certificate Database, searchable by certificate number or company name.
IECEx certification offers a reliable, internationally accepted pathway to demonstrate the safety and quality of equipment used in explosive atmospheres. It aligns global standards, enhances confidence for operators and end users, and streamlines international trade in explosion-protected equipment. While not legally required in every country, IECEx remains a key indicator of product safety, quality, and compliance in hazardous environments worldwide.
Safe, compliant lighting is essential where flammable gases, vapours or combustible dusts are present. This guide explains ATEX lighting zones, gas groups, temperature classifications (T-ratings), and the certifications you need to specify the correct explosion-protected luminaires. Whether you are a design engineer, safety manager, or site operator, this guide gives you the practical knowledge to choose, install and maintain ATEX lighting confidently.
Non-certified lighting can create ignition risks through electrical sparking, hot surfaces or degraded components. ATEX-certified luminaires are engineered to eliminate those risks — reducing the chance of explosion and ensuring regulatory compliance. In hazardous industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, mining and grain handling, correct lighting specification is a safety-critical decision.
ATEX is the common name for the European regulations covering equipment used in explosive atmospheres. The current EU regulatory framework derives from Directive 2014/34/EU. ATEX covers design, testing and marking of equipment for safe use in hazardous zones.
Related schemes include:
Together these schemes ensure luminaires are tested and certified to operate safely in specific gas or dust hazards. When specifying lighting, confirm which certification(s) your project or jurisdiction requires.
ATEX uses a zone classification to express the likelihood and persistence of an explosive atmosphere. Knowing the correct zone is the first step in lighting specification.
Key point: Choose luminaires rated for the correct zone. A Zone 1 luminaire is suitable for Zone 1 locations but may not be necessary for Zone 2; conversely, using an under-rated luminaire is unsafe and non-compliant.
Need a full in-depth guide on ATEX Zones? See our Hazardous Zones, Definitions, & Explosion Protection Technical Guide.
ATEX gas groups and temperature classes determine both the flammability properties of the atmosphere and the maximum surface temperature allowed for equipment.
Practical tip: Use conservative T-ratings in situations where combustible liquids or deposits can raise local surface temperatures or where dust layers could accumulate.
ATEX lighting comes in many form factors. Choose the style based on illumination needs, mounting, and zone classification.
Specification is about more than zone and certification. Use the checklist below to make a robust selection.
Correct installation and ongoing inspection are vital to performance and safety.
A: ATEX is derived from the French “ATmosphères EXplosibles”. It refers to EU directives and standards for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. The directive defines essential safety requirements for the design and testing of equipment used in hazardous areas.
A: ATEX is a European compliance system; IECEx is an international certification system administered by the IEC. Both ensure equipment meets safety standards, but IECEx is often used for global projects outside the EU while ATEX is essential for EU jurisdictions. Many manufacturers carry dual ATEX and IECEx certification.
A: No. A Zone 2 rated luminaire is designed for environments where an explosive atmosphere is unlikely under normal operation. Zone 1 locations are higher risk and require luminaires rated specifically for Zone 1. Always match or exceed the required zone rating.
A: Inspection frequency depends on site risk and operating conditions, but regular visual checks and a formal inspection at least annually are common. High-risk or outdoor corrosive environments may require more frequent checks. Follow manufacturer guidance and local regulations.
Specifying ATEX lighting demands a clear understanding of zones, gas groups, T-ratings and the installation environment. Use conservative assumptions when in doubt, prioritise serviceable, modular luminaires for easier maintenance, and ensure qualified personnel manage installation and inspection. If you need help confirming zones or selecting the correct luminaires for your site, our lighting specialists can provide site surveys, specification support, and ATEX-compliant product recommendations.
When temperatures drop, industrial sites face a costly seasonal problem — fluids stored in drums and IBCs freezing or thickening. Whether you’re storing oils, adhesives, resins, chemicals, or food products, cold weather can cause viscosity changes, product solidification, and downtime.
If these materials freeze or become too viscous to pump or pour, operations can grind to a halt. Fortunately, Drum Heaters and IBC Heaters provide a safe, energy-efficient way to keep materials at optimal temperature throughout winter.
When process fluids freeze or thicken, it’s not just inconvenient — it’s expensive:
Drum Heaters and IBC Heaters are purpose-built electric heating systems designed to maintain or raise the temperature of stored fluids, preventing freezing or solidification. They’re available in various forms to suit different materials, drum sizes, and environments.
These systems use electric heating elements encased in durable, flexible materials. The elements deliver consistent, evenly distributed heat across the drum or IBC surface, while thermostats ensure precise temperature control. Combining heaters with insulation jackets maximises efficiency and reduces energy consumption.
In explosive or hazardous zones, standard heaters can’t be used safely. That’s where ATEX-certified Drum Heaters and ATEX-certified IBC Heaters provide peace of mind. Built for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area environments, they deliver:
Modern Drum Heaters and IBC Heaters are designed for maximum energy efficiency. They use self-regulating heating elements, advanced insulation, and smart temperature control. Compared to heating an entire storage area, targeted drum and IBC systems can reduce energy use by up to 60–80%.
A: Yes — ensure they are IP-rated and weatherproof, ideally combined with insulated jackets for maximum protection.
A: Typically 4–8 hours to reach a stable working temperature, depending on the product and heater wattage.
A: Yes, food-grade versions use FDA-compliant materials and are suitable for syrup, honey, and dairy applications.
A: Yes — with a thermostat or controller, heaters maintain safe, consistent temperatures automatically.
Don’t let freezing temperatures halt your operation this winter. Drum Heaters and IBC Heaters provide reliable, efficient, and proven protection for critical materials. Keep your products flowing and your operations efficient with the right heating solution.
Published 13 Mar 2020
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