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ATEX

About of Service

  • Origin: ATEX directives originated from two EU directives: Directive 94/9/EC (ATEX 95) and Directive 99/92/EC (ATEX 137). ATEX 95 focuses on the requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, while ATEX 137 deals with the protection of workers in such environments.

  • Scope: The directives cover a wide range of industries where explosive atmospheres may occur, including chemical plants, oil refineries, gas pipelines, mining operations, and pharmaceutical facilities. They apply to both electrical and non-electrical equipment, as well as protective systems, used in these hazardous areas.

  • Classification of Hazardous Areas: ATEX directives provide guidelines for classifying hazardous areas into zones based on the likelihood and duration of the presence of explosive atmospheres. These zones include Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 for gases, vapors, and mists, and Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 for combustible dust atmospheres.

  • Requirements for Manufacturers: Manufacturers of equipment and protective systems covered by ATEX directives must ensure compliance with essential health and safety requirements (EHSRs) specified in the directives. This involves designing, manufacturing, and testing products to meet specific standards and obtaining appropriate conformity assessment procedures.

  • Certification and Conformity Assessment: Products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must undergo conformity assessment procedures to demonstrate compliance with ATEX directives. This may involve self-certification by the manufacturer, involvement of notified bodies, or third-party testing and certification.

  • Documentation and Marking: Manufacturers must provide documentation such as technical files, instructions for use, and declarations of conformity for ATEX-compliant products. These products are marked with the "Ex" symbol, indicating compliance with ATEX directives, along with other relevant information.

  • Overall, ATEX directives play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of equipment and protective systems used in environments where explosive atmospheres pose a risk, contributing to the protection of workers and the prevention of accidents.

Uses and Benefits
  • Equipment and Protective Systems: ATEX directives cover the design, manufacture, and certification of equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. This includes electrical and non-electrical equipment, machinery, components, and protective systems such as explosion-proof enclosures, flame arrestors, and ventilation systems.
  • Hazardous Environments: ATEX directives address the risks associated with explosive atmospheres caused by the presence of flammable gases, vapors, mists, or combustible dusts. These environments can be found in various industries including chemical processing, oil and gas extraction, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and mining.
  • Classification of Hazardous Areas: ATEX directives provide guidelines for the classification of hazardous areas into zones based on the likelihood and persistence of explosive atmospheres. These zones are classified as Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 for gases, vapors, and mists, and Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 for combustible dusts.
  • Requirements for Manufacturers and Importers: Manufacturers and importers of equipment and protective systems covered by ATEX directives must ensure compliance with essential health and safety requirements (EHSRs) specified in the directives. This includes designing, manufacturing, and testing products to meet specific standards and obtaining appropriate conformity assessment procedures such as CE marking.
  • Certification and Conformity Assessment: ATEX directives mandate the use of conformity assessment procedures to demonstrate compliance with applicable requirements. This may involve self-certification by the manufacturer, involvement of notified bodies, or third-party testing and certification.

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Charges Structure & Our Scope of Work

Additional Disclosure

  1. Certification Details:

    • Disclosure of ATEX certification obtained for equipment or protective systems, specifying the scope and validity period of the certification.

  2. Product Compliance:

    • Confirmation that products comply with ATEX Directive requirements, including conformity assessment procedures and standards followed.

  3. Risk Assessment:

    • Description of risk assessment methodologies used to evaluate the potential for explosive atmospheres and measures taken to mitigate risks.

  4. Design and Engineering Controls:

    • Details of design features and engineering controls implemented to ensure products are safe for use in explosive atmospheres as per ATEX requirements.

  5. Technical Documentation:

    • Provision of comprehensive technical documentation demonstrating compliance with ATEX Directive, including drawings, specifications, and test reports.

  6. Usage Instructions and Safety Guidelines:

    • Disclosure of usage instructions and safety guidelines provided with products to ensure safe operation in explosive atmospheres.

  7. Quality Assurance and Production Controls:

    • Information on quality assurance measures and production controls implemented to maintain the integrity and reliability of ATEX-certified products.

  8. Training and Competence:

    • Description of training programs and competence assessments for personnel involved in the handling, installation, and maintenance of ATEX equipment.

  9. Periodic Inspections and Maintenance:

    • Procedures for periodic inspections, maintenance, and calibration of ATEX-certified equipment to ensure continued compliance and safe operation.

  10. Environmental and Safety Considerations:

    • Disclosure of environmental impact assessments and safety considerations aligned with ATEX requirements.

  11. Emergency Response and Contingency Plans:

    • Outline of emergency response procedures and contingency plans in place for handling incidents related to ATEX equipment.

  12. Audit and Verification:

    • Assurance of independent audits or verification processes to validate ongoing compliance with ATEX Directive requirements.

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Documents & Detail Required

  • Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX 2014/34/EU): This directive, also known as the ATEX Equipment Directive, replaced the previous ATEX 94/9/EC directive. It sets out the requirements for manufacturers placing equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres on the EU market. It defines essential health and safety requirements (EHSRs) and outlines conformity assessment procedures that manufacturers must follow.

  • Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137): This directive, known as the ATEX Workplace Directive, focuses on the protection of workers who may be exposed to explosive atmospheres. It requires employers to assess and manage the risks associated with explosive atmospheres in the workplace, including providing appropriate equipment, training, and safety measures for workers.

  • Harmonized Standards: The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) develop harmonized standards that support compliance with ATEX directives. These standards provide technical specifications and testing methods for equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

  • Guidance Documents: Various guidance documents, publications, and technical guidance notes are available to help manufacturers, importers, and users understand and comply with ATEX directives. These documents provide clarification on specific requirements, conformity assessment procedures, and best practices for ensuring safety in explosive atmospheres.

  • Notified Bodies Documentation: Notified bodies play a crucial role in the conformity assessment process for ATEX-certified products. They provide documentation such as assessment reports, certificates, and test results to demonstrate compliance with ATEX directives.

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FAQ'S

What does ATEX stand for?

ATEX stands for ATmosphères EXplosibles, which is French for "Explosive Atmospheres."

What is the purpose of ATEX directives?

ATEX directives aim to regulate equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres within the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). They establish essential health and safety requirements (EHSRs) to prevent explosions and protect workers in hazardous environments.

. What industries does ATEX apply to?

ATEX directives apply to a wide range of industries where explosive atmospheres may occur, including chemical processing, oil and gas, mining, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and manufacturing.

What types of equipment does ATEX cover?

ATEX directives cover both electrical and non-electrical equipment, as well as protective systems, used in potentially explosive atmospheres. This includes machinery, components, devices, and safety systems designed to operate safely in hazardous environments.

How are hazardous areas classified under ATEX?

Hazardous areas are classified into zones based on the likelihood and duration of the presence of explosive atmospheres. These zones include Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 for gases, vapors, and mists, and Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 for combustible dust atmospheres.