In hazardous area environments, temporary heating is essential for worker comfort, equipment protection, and successful maintenance execution in cold or humid conditions. Unlike standard industrial heaters, which are prohibited in explosive atmospheres, ATEX portable fan heaters are purposely engineered for ignition prevention, mechanical robustness, and continuous safe performance.
This guide explains ATEX zones, the limitations of conventional heaters, what defines a genuinely portable hazardous area heater, and why the EXHEAT MFH “The Bulldog” is regarded as the leading certified option for Zone 1/2 and 21/22 operations worldwide.
ATEX-certified equipment is mandatory wherever explosive atmospheres—gas (Zone 1/2) or dust (Zone 21/22)—may be present during normal or abnormal operations.
| Zone | Description |
| Zone 1 | Explosive gas atmosphere is likely during normal operation |
| Zone 2 | Explosive gas atmosphere is unlikely but possible for short durations |
| Zone 21 | Combustible dust atmosphere likely during normal operation |
| Zone 22 | Combustible dust atmosphere unlikely but possible intermittently |
In these zones, heaters must comply with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and the EN/IEC 60079 standards, ensuring:
A fully ATEX & IECEx certified portable fan-assisted heater rated for
Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21 & Zone 22. Designed for
safety-critical heating in offshore platforms, FPSOs, refineries, chemical
plants, and hazardous industrial environments. The MFH delivers
high airflow, rugged stainless-steel construction, and reliable
performance in harsh conditions.
EXHEAT MFH – Portable ATEX Fan Heater for Hazardous Areas
Standard industrial heaters—space heaters, fan heaters, radiant heaters—are not engineered for explosive atmospheres. Their internal components routinely generate temperatures, sparks, or fault conditions that would be unsafe in ATEX zones.
Typical Failure Risks:
This is why only certified ATEX portable heaters may be deployed in these zones.
Many heaters marketed as “portable” fail this definition in operational contexts. True portability in hazardous areas requires:
The EXHEAT Bulldog was specifically designed around these requirements.
The Bulldog directly addresses the major issues reported by operators, maintenance teams and offshore personnel.
1. Lightweight, One-Person Handling
A compact frame and low mass allow single-person lifting—even on offshore platforms where space is limited.
2. Exceptional Durability
3. High Airflow + Fast Temperature Rise
Engineered for airflow optimisation to increase heating efficiency and comfort.
4. Anti-Static Ducting Options
Direct heat exactly where needed—habitats, confined spaces, tank entries and composite repair sites.
5. T-Class Compliance (T3/T4)
Suitable for a wide range of explosive atmospheres without exceeding safe surface temperatures.
Contact Thorne & Derrick to ensure your heating solution meets safety standards and operational requirements.
The EXHEAT MFH “The Bulldog” sets the standard for ATEX portable heating: lightweight, rugged, powerful and fully certified for hazardous environments. For any operator working in explosive atmospheres, it represents a safe, dependable and cost-effective heating solution.
In industries where fluid transfer is mission-critical — from chemical processing and food production to aerospace and pharmaceuticals — the reliability of your heated hose setup can make or break your operation. Whether you’re maintaining product viscosity, preventing freeze-ups, or ensuring consistent flow rates, performance matters.
At Eltherm & Thorne & Derrick, we know that even the most advanced heated hose won’t perform optimally without proper planning, installation, and ongoing care. Here’s how to get the best out of your heated hose system — every time.
Choosing the right heated hose begins with understanding your application. Key factors include:
Selecting the correct materials, length, and configuration upfront reduces downtime, energy waste, and maintenance costs. Look for industrial trace heating hoses specifically designed for your fluid type and operating conditions.
Temperature consistency is vital to prevent product degradation or flow issues:
Accurate control improves product quality and maximizes energy efficiency.
A regular maintenance schedule ensures consistent performance and prevents costly repairs.
Your heated hose is only as effective as the support behind it. Eltherm & Thorne & Derrick provide:
Partnering with a specialist supplier ensures that your industrial trace heating hoses perform safely and reliably.
A heated hose is a flexible, insulated hose with integrated heating elements to maintain fluid temperature during transfer.
Use properly rated industrial trace heating hoses, maintain accurate temperature control, and insulate the hose.
Yes, if specified correctly. Ensure material compatibility with your fluid to prevent degradation.
With proper specification, installation, and maintenance, heated hoses can last many years. Lifespan depends on usage, environment, and care.
A heated hose needs more than just heat — it needs thoughtful integration, expert support, and ongoing care. From accurate specification to smart control and professional support, every detail counts.
Special thanks to Scott Harding for the kind permission to republish.
When it comes to explosive atmospheres, compliance alone isn’t enough — safety must lead the way.
In a powerful new article for the EIC, Scott Harding, Sales Director at Woodcock & Wilson, highlights why relying on self-certification under ATEX 2014/34/EU for non-electrical equipment — like industrial fans — can be dangerously misleading.
Too often, the ATEX mark is mistaken for proof of independent testing. For non-electrical equipment, that’s frequently not the case. The consequences? Variable standards, lack of accountability, and elevated risk to operators and facilities.
At Thorne & Derrick, we distribute Woodcock & Wilson’s ATEX portable fan the EXstream — all fully IECEx certified, independently verified, and unit-by-unit tested to meet the highest levels of safety and performance.
Terry McDonald, Business Development Manager at Thorne & Derrick, is committed to raising awareness around this critical safety issue. Terry works closely with engineers, end-users, and decision-makers to highlight the dangers of counterfeit and self-certified Ex equipment.
“People working in the industry don’t realise the problem exists. They believe the certificates and information they are being given by fraudulent organisations to be true. Everyone working in the industry needs to take this seriously and understand that the consequences will be fatal. It is only a matter of time before an explosion occurs as a direct result of fake equipment.”
In this article, you’ll learn:
Ensuring safety in explosive atmospheres (Ex) is critical. While electrical equipment is closely scrutinized, non-electrical equipment — like fans, gearboxes, and bearings — can generate ignition sources and is often overlooked.
The reliance on self-certification in ATEX 2014/34/EU poses significant risks to end-users, whereas IECEx offers robust independent verification.
Certification Process
ATEX: Self-certification allowed for Category 2 & 3 non-electrical equipment; only Category 1 requires third-party verification
IECEx: Independent certification required for all equipment
Testing & Compliance Verification
ATEX: Manufacturer declaration with minimal oversight
IECEx: Accredited ExCB performs full testing and issues Certificates of Conformity
Transparency & Traceability
ATEX: No public database
IECEx: Global online database for verification
International Recognition
ATEX: EU only
IECEx: International recognition (Australia, US, Asia, Middle East)
| Feature | ATEX | IECEx |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | EU only | Global recognition |
| Third-party Testing | Only Category 1 | Required for all equipment |
| Self-Certification | Allowed for Categories 2 & 3 non-electrical | Not allowed |
| Online Certificate Access | No central database | Public online database |
| Covers Services | No | Yes – repair & overhaul |
The Blue Guide serves as a reference for European regulatory frameworks, including ATEX, but has shortcomings:
IECEx non-electrical certification ensures each fan meets the highest safety standards. Commitment includes:
End-users should verify certification details, understand ATEX limitations, and demand higher standards for safety.
IECEx and ATEX-certified fans prevent ignition risks from mechanical or electrical components.
Verify IECEx certificates online or request unit-specific testing documentation.
Yes — the EXstream portable fan is fully IECEx certified and unit-tested.
Don’t compromise safety. Insist on IECEx-certified solutions for non-electrical equipment like industrial fans.
As winter sets in and daylight hours shrink, ensuring your site remains safe and productive becomes more critical than ever. Poor visibility not only increases the risk of accidents but can also impact operational efficiency. As the nights grow longer this winter, it’s time to ask: Are you prepared for the dark nights?
At Thorne & Derrick, we understand the challenges winter brings to hazardous areas. Our ATEX lighting solutions are engineered to perform in the toughest environments — keeping your workforce safe and your operations compliant.
As daylight hours shorten, ensure your site remains safe, compliant, and operational throughout the darker months. Use the checklist below to help prepare your team and equipment for winter conditions.
Winter brings shorter days, poor weather, and darker working conditions. On industrial and hazardous sites, inadequate lighting can cause:
Effective hazardous area lighting guarantees clear visibility, regulatory compliance, and the safety of your workforce.
We supply a complete range of explosion-proof lighting and industrial LED luminaires designed for the toughest conditions:
With UK stock and next-day delivery, Thorne & Derrick ensures your site stays safe, visible, and compliant throughout the winter months.
Thorne & Derrick, in collaboration with Raytec, delivered a time-critical ATEX lighting upgrade at Calor Gas’s Port Clarence facility — a hazardous gas filling site requiring robust, compliant lighting.
The outdated SON system had failed, posing operational and safety risks. A total of 122 Raytec ATEX LED luminaires — including Mid Power Bays, Linears, and Floodlights — were installed to restore visibility, reduce energy consumption, and ensure full winter readiness.
Durable, energy-efficient, and IECEx/ATEX-certified lighting engineered for explosive and hazardous environments.
“Raytec’s LED lighting has transformed safety and visibility within our filling facility. The new system restored full visibility, reduced light spill, and delivered measurable energy savings. Thorne & Derrick’s support from survey to installation was excellent.”
– Calor Gas
ATEX, IECEx, and UKEX-certified lighting ensures electrical equipment can operate safely in explosive or flammable atmospheres.
Upgrading to high-efficiency LED lighting with precision optics reduces energy consumption and maintenance downtime.
Yes — we provide a free lighting design service to ensure your layout meets ATEX/IECEx/UKEX standards while optimising illumination, safety, and efficiency.
Don’t compromise safety or productivity this winter. With Thorne & Derrick’s hazardous area lighting solutions, you can keep your workforce visible, protected, and compliant — no matter how dark it gets.
Thorne & Derrick International, a leading global supplier of specialist electrical, mechanical, and safety products to the energy, utilities, and industrial sectors, marked its 40th anniversary in spectacular fashion with an elegant celebration at the historic Beamish Hall in County Durham.
The milestone event, held on 4th October 2025 brought together the team to honour four decades of innovation, resilience, and customer-focused service. The evening’s highlight was the presence of Brian Derrick, one of the company’s founders, who was welcomed as the Guest of Honour.
Founded in 1985 by Brian Derrick and Victor Thorne, Thorne & Derrick International began as a small regional enterprise and has since grown into a trusted international brand, renowned for its technical expertise, product quality, and commitment to safety.
Serving clients in over 50 countries, Thorne & Derrick International continue to expand their portfolio which is embedded in renewable energy and industry decarbonisation projects, supplying LV HV Cable Accessories, Tooling and Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment for offshore and onshore wind, solar farms, battery energy storage and process industry projects. Its expertise ensuring safe, efficient power transmission in increasingly complex and demanding energy networks from its headquarters in Chester le Street.
The anniversary gala featured a champagne reception, fine dining and heartfelt tributes to the company’s journey.
““It’s incredibly humbling to see how far we’ve come,” said Brian Derrick. “From a single office with a handful of passionate people to a globally respected business, this is a testament to the dedication, integrity, and hard work of everyone who has been part of Thorne & Derrick over the past 40 years.”
Brian Derrick – Co-Founder of Thorne & Derrick
““Brian’s pioneering spirit and unwavering standards laid the foundation for everything we do today. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we also look ahead with confidence, driven by our core values and a commitment to continued innovation and excellence.””
Richard Derrick – Managing Director
Thorne & Derrick International remains dedicated to supporting critical infrastructure worldwide through its comprehensive range of products, backed by expert engineering support and a customer-first philosophy.
Established in 1985 and headquartered in County Durham, UK, Thorne & Derrick International is a global leader in the supply of specialist products for the electrical, mechanical, and safety sectors. With a focus on hazardous area solutions, cable management, and utility infrastructure, the company serves clients across oil & gas, power generation, rail, water, and industrial markets worldwide.
Published 13 Mar 2020
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement...
Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
