Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016

A potentially explosive atmosphere exists when a mixture of air gases, vapours, mists, or dusts combine in a way that can ignite under certain operating conditions.

Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres cover a range of products, including those used on fixed offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, mines, and flour mills, amongst others.

The ATEX Regulations covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Regulations define the essential health and safety requirements and conformity assessment procedures, to be applied before products are placed on the UK market.

In addition to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, the Regulations also apply to safety devices, controlling devices and regulating devices for use outside potentially explosive atmospheres but required for or contributing to the safe functioning of ATEX equipment and protective systems with respect to the risks of explosion. The Regulation does not apply to medical devices, means of transport, seagoing vessels, or personal protective equipment. It also does not apply to equipment and protective systems where the hazard only results from the presence of explosive substances or unstable chemical substances, or from accidental leakage of fuel gas.

Before placing your ATEX equipment on the market you, the manufacturer, must ensure that it has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the safety objectives of the Regulations.

Manufacturers of ATEX equipment are required to:

• Compile the Technical Documentation (TD)
• Test product to applicable “designated standards” (BS EN)
• Issue the Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
• Affix the UKCA mark onto the product

Before proceeding with the conformity assessment procedure, it is important to determine whether you, the manufacturer, can assess your product by yourself or whether you must involve an approved body.

In the case of equipment and protective systems for potentially explosive atmospheres, it depends on the specific product whether the conformity assessment by a approved body is obligatory or not.

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