Equipment for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX)

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

In addition to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, the directive also applies 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 directive 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 Directive.

Manufacturers of ATEX equipment are required to:

• Compile the Technical Documentation (TD)
• Test product to applicable “harmonised standards” (EN)
• Issue the Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
• Affix the CE 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 a notified 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 notified body is obligatory or not.

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