ATEX directive

ATEX directive refers to two European Union directives that describe what equipment and work environment is allowed in an environment with an explosive atmosphere. The name ATEX derives from the French title of the 94/9/EC directive: Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles. The directives are designed to ensure the safety of products being used in explosive atmospheres, such as in gas stations, mines, and factories dealing with flammable gases or dust.

Overview

The ATEX directive is split into two distinct EU directives. The first, Directive 99/92/EC (also known as 'ATEX 137' or the 'ATEX Workplace Directive'), focuses on the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. The second, Directive 2014/34/EU (replacing 94/9/EC and often referred to as 'ATEX 95' or 'the ATEX Equipment Directive'), concerns equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Directive 99/92/EC (ATEX Workplace Directive)

Directive 99/92/EC outlines the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers at risk from explosive atmospheres. It mandates employers to classify areas where explosive atmospheres may occur into zones. The classification of zones depends on the likelihood and duration of the presence of explosive atmospheres. Additionally, it requires the development of an explosion protection document, detailing the risks and measures taken to ensure workplace safety.

Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX Equipment Directive)

Directive 2014/34/EU applies to manufacturers and dictates the requirements for the design and construction of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. This directive ensures that equipment meets essential health and safety requirements, and it must undergo appropriate conformity assessment procedures. Once equipment is certified, it is marked with the CE marking and the distinctive Ex symbol, indicating its compliance with the ATEX directive.

Classification of Zones

Explosive atmospheres are classified into zones based on the frequency and duration of the occurrence of an explosive atmosphere:

• Gas atmospheres
  • Zone 0: An area where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods.
  • Zone 1: An area where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation.
  • Zone 2: An area where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it does occur, will exist only for a short time.

• Dust atmospheres
  • Zone 20: An area where an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in the air is present continuously or for long periods.
  • Zone 21: An area where an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in the air is likely to occur in normal operation.
  • Zone 22: An area where an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in the air is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it does occur, will exist only for a short time.

Compliance and Markings

To comply with the ATEX directives, equipment and protective systems must bear the CE marking, followed by the Ex symbol and additional information, including the specific zone classification for which it is suited. This marking indicates that the equipment meets the essential health and safety requirements of the directive.

Conclusion

The ATEX directives play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of workers and the proper functioning of equipment in explosive atmospheres. By setting strict requirements for equipment and workplace safety, the directives help prevent accidents and injuries associated with explosive atmospheres.