Atex forklift • PGS-15 • explosion safety
ATEX forklift in PGS 15 storage: what is allowed and what is not?
Reading time: ± 8 minutes • Last updated: January 2026
Quick check: do you need an ATEX forklift?
In short not always. It depends on your zone layout (gas/dust), the probability of release of fumes/dust, ventilation, activities (loading/unloading), and what's in your Explosion safety document state.
ATEX 153 (workplace)
ATEX 114 (equipment)
PGS 15 (storage)
Risk assessment and evaluation
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Want to discuss your situation directly? Call 0168 467 467. (Our rental fleet is always VA-approved.)
Important: This article is practical and informative. The deciding factor is always your zone layout and it Explosion Safety Document (ESD). If in doubt, have your ATEX choices reviewed by your prevention officer/safety expert or ATEX specialist.
1) What does “ATEX” mean precisely (and why does it affect forklifts)?
ATEX is the umbrella term for European regulations concerning work in an Explosive atmosphere (dust/gas/mist).
In practice, you have two sides:
ATEX 153 (workplace)
- Is about the environmentRisk analysis, zoning, measures, instructions.
- Is insured in Risk Inventory and Evaluation and it EVD Explosion Safety Document.
- This includes, among other things: where zones are, which activities are risky, and which equipment is allowed or not allowed there.
ATEX 114 (equipment)
- Is about equipment you deploy in areas such as lighting, pumps… and sometimes a ATEX forklift.
- This includes categories/markings suitable for the zone (e.g., for gas: 1/2/3 or dust: 1/2/3).
- Important: “ATEX-certified” is not the same as “convenient”; it must fit a zone.
2) What is PGS 15 (and where does it clash with ATEX)?
PGS 15 is the Dutch guideline with measures to reduce the risks of storage (and temporary storage) of packaged dangerous substances to master.
Consider fire safety, occupational safety, and environmental safety in storage facilities.
The “friction” usually occurs here: hazardous substances are often stored in a PGS-15 storage facility packaged.
Under “normal operation,” the explosion risk may be low, but during incidents (leaks), opening/filling, damaged packaging, or insufficient ventilation, an explosive atmosphere can still arise.
Then the question becomes relevant: Can a standard forklift drive there, or is an ATEX forklift needed?
3) When is an ATEX forklift necessary?
One ATEX forklift most often comes into play when you are in your warehouse or storage area ATEX zones appointed
(e.g., Zone 1/2 for gas or Zone 21/22 for dust) and where the forklift (as a source of ignition) might go.
| Situation | What does this often mean? | Practical direction |
|---|---|---|
| No zones designated (BIA/R&IE) and only closed packaging | The risk of explosion under normal operation is limited (but not “zero”). | Often no ATEX forklift — but clear work agreements & inspections. |
| Zones present (e.g. around filling points, leakage-prone areas, dust formation) | Controlling ignition sources is mandatory. A forklift can be such a source (heat, static electricity, sparks). | Assessing ATEX-compliant deployment - possible ATEX forklift or zone routing. |
| Activities that release vapor/dust (open, fill, spill, clean) | Zones can be larger/more active; risk increases, especially with less ventilation. | Often stricter requirements — separating process and logistics helps. |
| Unclear EVD “feeling says ATEX” but no substantiation | You lack the foundation for a safe choice. | First, have it tested — get zoning and EV ready. |
4) When is an ATEX forklift often *not* necessary (but be careful...)
In many PGS-15 storage facilities, the goods are in Unapproved, sealed packaging containers, cans, IBCs.
If you have set up processes so that no structural emissions if moisture or dust occurs, you may
you don't have a zone in the storage itself—and then an ATEX forklift is often not the standard choice.
But “No ATEX forklift” does not mean “no measures”.
Consider: preventing damage, travel routes, speed limits, good ventilation, spill protocol, inspection rounds, and employee instructions.
5) Practical Do's & Don'ts in PGS-15 / ATEX-Sensitive Environments
Do's (always smart)
- Work from the EVDzone map, prohibited/required equipment, procedures.
- Minimize risksKeep packaging intact, drip pans/containment, spill materials available.
- Ventilation & OrderKeep walkways and travel routes clear; prevent accumulation of vapor/dust.
- Logistics separation: Load/unload and “open actions” preferably outside zones.
- Maintenance/Inspection: machines in top condition. With us, the fleet is always VA-approved.
Don'ts (classic mistakes)
- “Driving ”quickly" in a zone without checking if the forklift is suitable.
- Ignore zone signs or do not share the zone map with suppliers/external parties.
- Stacking/handling packaging without attention to damage (leakage risk).
- Charging/fueling in locations where vapor can accumulate (coordinate with EVD).
- Using ATEX as a label without looking at category/marker matching your zone.
6) What information do we need to properly assess your “ATEX forklift” question?
Do you want to rent a forklift for PGS-15 storage or an ATEX-sensitive environment? Then it helps enormously if you have this ready:
- Zone division (gas/dust) + zone(s): for example 1/2 or 21/22 (preferably with zone map).
- Explosion Safety Document (ESD) Which equipment is allowed?
- Fabric types activity: storage of sealed packaging only, or also opening/filling/cleaning?
- Location dataVentilation, fire compartment, passage widths, thresholds, slopes, floor load.
- StakePallet handling, IBCs, drum grab, lifting height, and capacity (kg at load center).
- Process agreements: driving routes, speed limit, supervision, instructions for driver(s).
Handy approach (in 3 steps)
- InventoryZones + activities + requirements from the EVD.
- The match: correct forklift type (often electric) + possible ATEX version or zone routing.
- To meet up: delivery, instructions, and on-site work agreements.
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Bel 0168 467 467 — then we'll check together which data is needed and what fits your workplace.
7) Frequently Asked Questions about ATEX Forklifts & PGS-15
What is the difference between “PGS-15 storage” and “ATEX zone”?
PGS-15 concerns measures for the safe storage of packaged dangerous substances. ATEX zones concern locations where an explosive atmosphere can arise (gas/dust).
You can have a PGS-15 storage without ATEX zones, but also a situation where zones are present (e.g., around activities that release vapor/dust).
Is an electric forklift automatically safer (safer) in ATEX?
Electric is often practical (no exhaust fumes), but “ATEX” is mainly about controlling ignition sources (heat, sparks, static electricity).
So, electrical equipment is not automatically ATEX-certified. The design must match your zone requirements.
When is a “standard” forklift usually acceptable in a PGS-15 storage facility?
Often when there are no ATEX zones designated and you are working with closed, intact packaging without operations that release vapors/dust.
However: this must always be substantiated in the Risk Assessment and Evaluation (RI&E)/Workplace Assessment (EVD) and with appropriate work agreements.
What can I do if I have zones, but the forklift doesn't need to go everywhere?
Dan, “zone routing” is often a smart solution: you establish delivery routes outside of zones and organize transshipments in a safe place.
This is how you limit where ATEX-compliant equipment is needed.
How do I prevent damage and incidents with IBCs, drums, and cans?
Work with clear driving routes, low speed, correct feeding equipment where necessary, and visual checks of packaging.
Also provide a spill protocol and suitable containment equipment.
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Please note: Rules and interpretation depend on your situation, permit, and documentation. Use this article as a starting point and always have uncertainties verified.
