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ATEX 95 (94/9/EC), and 2014/34/EU

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ATEX 95 #

The Directive 94/9/EC (commonly known as ATEX 95, the ‘product’ directive) was adopted to enable free trade of products between EU member states through alignment of technical and legal requirements. The directive applies not only to electrical equipment but also to mechanical equipment and protective systems used in the presence of potentially explosive atmospheres containing flammable gases/vapours or combustible dusts.

Equipment is defined as any item which is inherently ignition capable or is potentially ignition capable and requiring the inclusion of special design and installation techniques to prevent ignition of any surrounding flammable atmosphere. The ‘equipment’ may also be interfaces located in the non-hazardous area which are part of an explosion protection system. Protective systems include quenching systems, flame arrestors, fast-acting shut-off valves and pressure relief panels installed to limit damage due to an explosion or prevent the spread explosions.

Directive 2014/34/EU is the new ATEX directive which supersedes Directive 94/9/EC, and will take full effect from 20th April 2016. The new directive has more stringent requirements for accreditation and auditing of Notified Bodies, and there will be changes in the format of the Type Certificates etc. The Essential Safety Requirements remain unchanged.

ATEX 137 #

The ATEX Directive 99/92/EC (ATEX 137), commonly known as the ‘use’ or ‘workplace’ directive, is aimed at improving the safety and health protection of workers and the public at risk from explosive atmospheres.

It is implemented in the UK via the Dangerous Substances and Explosives Atmosphere Regulations 2002 (DSEARs). Employers are obliged by these regulations to implement the following minimum requirements in the workplace:

Carry out a risk assessment where dangerous substances are or may be present.

  1. Eliminate or reduce risk as far as is reasonably practicable.
  2. Classify locations in the workplace where explosive atmospheres may be present into hazardous or non- hazardous areas.
  3. Put in place procedures/facilities to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies involving dangerous substances in the workplace.
  4. Provide appropriate information and training of employees for their safety regarding precautions to be taken when dangerous substances are present in the workplace, written instruction for tasks undertaken by employees and operation of a permit-to-work system.
  5. Clearly identify the contents of containers and pipes.
  6. Co-ordinate operations where two or more employees share a workplace in which a dangerous substance may be present.
  7. Post warning signs for locations where explosive atmospheres may occur.
    The directive specifies the exact requirements for the sign but generally it is required to be triangular with a yellow background, black border and marked ‘Ex’.
  8. Select equipment in accordance with ATEX 95 and establishment of a maintenance programme.

Although the ATEX Directives are European, many other countries recognise them. Equipment from manufacturers outside the EU must meet ATEX 95 before it can be imported into Europe. Therefore, to maximise market penetration, much of the Ex-equipment from around the world will have ATEX certification.