The European ATEX directives
The European ATEX directives
Each ATEX zone is standardized according to its degree of danger. In accordance with the ATEX directive 99/92/CE, the employer is required to assess the explosion risks on their site and to classify the risk zones.
ATEX zoning must be carried out by a competent operator, so that the workplace is defined and subsequently secured.
Article 7 of the ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC specifies this obligation as follows: “The employer shall subdivide into zones the locations where explosive atmospheres may occur, in accordance with Annex I.”
The identification of ATE X zones involves an audit of the entire production tool. First of all, it is necessary to define the areas at risk of explosion and then provide the most appropriate safety solutions.
Directive 2014/34/EU
New ATEX directive applicable since 2016 – Directive 2014/34/EU – (Click on the link to consult the Directive)
This new directive is a revision of 1994/9/EC. It has been mandatory since April 20, 2016. It should be noted that 1994/9 EC has not been in force since April 19, 2016. "Directive 2014/34/EU sets out the conditions for the manufacture and placing on the market of protective equipment and systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres."
What you need to remember:
- the EC declaration of conformity (European Community) becomes the EU (European Union) declaration of conformity, which is a file made up of the individual declarations of conformity concerned (to be kept for 10 years)
- the same applies to the CE examination certificate which becomes the EU examination certificate
- It is now mandatory for importers to mention their names and contact details on each product
- responsibilities related to the placing of products on the market are clarified and reinforced for manufacturers, importers and distributors
- Specific and clear marking of devices and systems, indicating their use in explosive atmospheres, is also necessary.
- Notification requirements for conformity assessment bodies are also strengthened and security controls are improved
- the technological level existing during construction and the technical and economic imperatives will be taken into greater consideration
The main requirements initially provided for by Directive 1994/9/EC, and reproduced below, are still applicable.
To access texts relating to French law:
- Decree No. 2015-799 of July 1, 2015 relating to risky products and equipment. (Click on the link to consult the decree)
- Order of 1 July 2015 relating to bodies authorised to carry out conformity assessments and in-service monitoring operations for products and equipment at risk. Click on the link to consult the decree)
Directive 94/9/EC (ATEX 100A)
Since July 1, 2003, electrical equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres within the European Union must comply with this directive and follow the ATEX standard.
This directive sets out "essential requirements" for safety manufacturers and imposes a classification of devices into groups and categories, distinguishing between gas and dust.
What you need to remember:
- its application to electrical and non-electrical equipment
- the definition of safety and health requirements for workers
- consideration of all potential hazards arising from equipment
- a single directive for mines and surface
- the definition of the assessment procedures which lead to the affixing of the CE conformity marking
Directive 94/9/EC (ATEX 100A)
This directive requires users to implement a number of measures to ensure the safety of workers, including: (No explosion risk assessment on their website)
– Classification of different risk and signaling areas:
– Maintaining a document on explosion protection
– The implementation of technical and organizational measures to prevent
– Comply with the electrical appliance selection criteria in the table below:
In terms of French law, the directives are transposed as follows:
- Decree 2002-1553 relating to provisions concerning the prevention of explosions applicable to workplaces. 2 implementing decrees of July 8, 2003.
- Decree 2002-2554 relating to the provisions concerning the prevention of explosions that project owners must observe during the construction of workplaces. 1 implementing decree of July 28, 2003.
- Order of 8 July 2003 relating to the protection of workers likely to be exposed to an explosive atmosphere. (Click on the link to consult the order).
- Order of 28 July 2003 relating to the conditions for installing electrical equipment in locations where explosive atmospheres may form. (Click on the link to view the order).