ATEX DIRECTIVE
ATEX MANUFACTURERS DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC
THIS DIRECTIVE DEFINES EACH OF THE FOLLOWING PRODUCT GROUPS FOR USE IN POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES:
Electrical and non-electrical equipment
Electrical and non-electrical protective systems
Electrical and non-electrical components
Electrical and non-electrical safety devices
The directive places responsibilities on the manufacturer of these products. The main responsibility of the manufacturer is to prevent the formation and ignition of explosive atmospheres. This may be achieved by using one of the well-established protection concepts (such as flameproof protection, or intrinsic safety), or by proving compliance directly against a set of ‘essential health and safety requirements’, which are given in the directive. ATEX User Directive 99/92/EC This directive is concerned with the health and safety of workers with relation to potentially explosive atmospheres. It places responsibilities on an employer.
TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
The assessment of risks
Hazardous Area Classification
Mitigation &/or removal of risks
Preparation of an Explosion Protection Document
The provision of suitable warning signs for areas where explosive atmospheres may form