As hydrogen infrastructure continues to expand across the UK transport sector, the requirement for safe, reliable and energy efficient lighting within hazardous environments is becoming increasingly critical.
Hydrogen refuelling facilities operate in areas where explosive gases may be present, meaning all installed equipment must meet strict ATEX hazardous area certification standards while maintaining high levels of performance and reliability.
Thorne & Derrick recently supported a lighting upgrade project for a hydrogen truck refuelling client, delivering a technically engineered solution using the Raytec Spartan Recessed ATEX LED luminaire.
Project Overview:
Hydrogen is widely recognised as a key fuel in the transition toward lower carbon transport, particularly for heavy goods vehicles and commercial fleets. However, hydrogen also presents unique safety challenges due to its extremely flammable properties and physical characteristics. Hydrogen is classified as an IIC gas group under the ATEX hazardous area classification system. The IIC group represents the most severe explosion risk category for gases, meaning any electrical equipment used within these environments must meet the highest design and certification requirements.
Because of these characteristics, hydrogen installations require the most stringent hazardous area equipment protections to prevent ignition sources.
To support the project, a detailed lighting site survey and photometric design study was carried out to determine the most suitable hazardous area lighting solution.
The design process evaluated:
A critical requirement from the client was that any replacement luminaire must match the exact footprint of the existing recessed canopy lighting to avoid costly structural modifications.
Following technical evaluation and design modelling, the Raytec Spartan Recessed ATEX luminaire was selected as the optimal solution.
The Raytec Spartan Recessed (SPX Recess Plank) is specifically designed for hazardous area installations where recessed mounting is required, such as refuelling canopies, industrial ceilings and process facilities.
Certified for Zone 1 gas and Zone 21 dust environments, the luminaire is fully compliant with ATEX, IECEx and UKEX certification schemes, making it suitable for installations where hydrogen or other IIC gases may be present.
The Raytec Spartan Recessed range offered several advantages for this application, including:
One of the most important aspects of the project was the ability of the Raytec Spartan Recessed luminaire to match the footprint of the existing fittings installed within the canopy. This meant the lighting upgrade could be completed without:
At the same time, the new installation provides improved lighting levels, enhanced energy efficiency and fully compliant hazardous area protection.
The new installation provides improved lighting levels, enhanced energy efficiency and fully compliant hazardous area protection.
By matching the footprint of the existing recessed canopy fittings, the project avoided structural modifications to the canopy, additional fabrication or civil works, and extended site downtime.
Projects involving explosive atmospheres require specialist engineering knowledge and responsive technical support.
At Thorne & Derrick, we work closely with leading manufacturers such as Raytec to deliver:
Our team understands the complexity of hazardous area installations and works quickly to identify safe, compliant and efficient lighting solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each client.
As hydrogen continues to play an increasingly important role in the future of heavy transport, the safety and reliability of refuelling infrastructure will be paramount.
By combining the engineering performance of Raytec’s Spartan Recessed ATEX luminaires with the technical expertise and responsiveness of Thorne & Derrick, this project demonstrates how specialist hazardous area lighting solutions can support the safe growth of hydrogen-powered transport.
The ATEX Equipment Directive (2014/34/EU) governs the design and certification of equipment used in explosive atmospheres across Europe and the UK. For hydrogen environments, equipment must be suitable for Gas Group IIC, which includes the most easily ignitable gases such as:
Equipment certified for IIC gases is also suitable for the less demanding IIB and IIA gas groups, but not vice versa. To achieve IIC certification, manufacturers must implement several additional engineering and safety measures.
For explosion-protected equipment using flameproof protection (Ex d), the flamepaths — the engineered gaps that prevent internal explosions from propagating externally — must be manufactured with tighter tolerances and longer flamepath lengths when designed for IIC gases. Hydrogen’s low ignition energy and flame propagation characteristics require these enhanced design measures to safely contain explosions.
Equipment must be designed to ensure that external surfaces cannot exceed defined temperature classes (T-ratings) that could ignite the surrounding gas mixture. In hydrogen environments, maintaining strict thermal management through heat sinking, efficient electronics and LED thermal design is critical.
Manufacturers must minimise the risk of sparks or arcs from electrical components through design approaches such as:
This is especially important for LED drivers and electrical connections within hazardous area lighting.
Equipment must be designed to withstand:
Without compromising the explosion protection concept or the integrity of the enclosure.
Before certification, hazardous area equipment must undergo rigorous testing through approved certification bodies to demonstrate compliance with ATEX and IECEx standards, including:
Contact Thorne & Derrick for expert guidance on ATEX certified lighting solutions for hydrogen infrastructure, oil & gas facilities, chemical processing plants and other explosive atmosphere environments.
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.
Published 13 Mar 2020
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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...
