Atex directive

  • Product Directive 1994/9/EC
  • User Directive 1999/92/EC

  

  

Product Directive 1994/9/EC

This has been mandatory in Europe from 01.07.2003, and covers the regulations conserning apparatus and protective systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The directive has four chapters which are subdevided into 16 articles. In each chapter it is made reference to the Annex I to XI, which include 7 modules.

For full info. visit: http://ec.europa.ec/enterprise/atex/internationaldevelopment.htm

    

Content of directive 94/9/EC
Main part

Chapter

Article

 Heading

I

1-7

 Scope of application, places in service and reff movement of goods

II

8-9

 Conformity assessment procedures

III

10-11

 CE marking of conformity

IV

12-16

 Concluding provisions
Annexes

I

 Criteria of decision for the classification of groups of apparatus in categories

II

 Essential safety and health requirements for the conception and construction of apparatus and protective systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres

III

 Module: EC-type examination

IV

 Module: Quality assurance of the production

V

 Module: Inspection of the products

VI

 Module: Conformity with the design

VII

 Module: Quality assurance of the product

VIII

 Module: Internal production control

IX

 Module: Individual test

X

 CE marking and contests of the EC certificate of conformity

XI

 Minimum criteria to be taken into accounts by the member states for the authorization of testing laboratories

   

   

The Directive 1994/9/EC is dividing the apparatus/equipment into groups and categories

  • Apparatus/equipment Group I apply for mining. This group is subdivided into categories M1 & M2
  • Apparatus/equipment Group II applies for all other (surface) areas. This group is subdivided into categories 1, 2 and 3.

    

Group

Mining Industries

Group

Regular Industries (gas+dust hazardous areas)

Category

Category

Category

Category

Category

Very high level of protection

(safe with 2 faults)

 

Must remain functional under explosive atmosphere

High level of protection

(safe with 1 fault)

 

De-energized under explosive atmosphere

Very high level of protection

(safe with 2 faults)

High level of protection

(safe with 1 fault)

Normal level of protection

(safe during normal operation)
Marking
I M1 I M2

II 1 G (Gas)

II 1 D (Dust)

II 2 G (Gas)

II 2 D (Dust)

II 3 G (Gas)

II 3 D (Dust)

 

 

Electrical Equipment

Area

Zone

Equipment

category

 How to comply Production requirements

2

3

 The manufacturer to evaluate the product according to valid standard/Directives, and create a technical file and subsequently issuing an EC D.O.C (Declaration of Conformity) The manufacturer needs to have a production quality system

1

2

EC-type examination certificate from NB

(Notified body, DNV, Nemko, INERIS e.g.)

 The manufacturer needs to have a production quality system and obtain a Production Quality Assurance Notification from NB

0

1

EC-type examination certificate from NB

(Notified Body, DNV, Nemko, INERIS e.g.)

 

 

Mechanical Equipment

Area

Zone

Equipment

category

 How to be in compliance with the Atex Directive

2

3

To be verified by the manufacturer and submit a Technical file

Manufacturer to issue EC D.O.C.

1

2

To be verified by manufacturer and submit technical file to NB (Nemko, DNV e.g.)

Manufacturer to issue EC D.O.C

0

1

To be certified by NB

Manufacturer to issue EC D.O.C

 

 

Atex Marking

AtexDirective5.JPG

  

Note:

The equipment also needs to be marked with the conventional protection mode (Ex...) according to EN/IEC 60079-0 (EN/IEC 61241-0 for dust)

Operating instruction/user manual:

The operating instruction of the manufacturer must clearly define the intended use of the equipment by the operator. The minimum requirements for the operating instruction are amongst others:

  • Information about safety aspects
  • Installation
  • Putting into service
  • Use
  • Assembling and dismantling
  • Maintenance (servicing and emergency repair)
  • Adjustment

Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity (EC D.O.C.)

Equipment and systems can be replaced on the market, only if market with the CE mark and complete with operating instructions and manufacturer's Declaration of conformity. The CE conformity marking and the issued Declaration of Conformity confirm that the product complies with all requirements and assessments and assessment procedures specified in the EC Directives.

Note:

According to Directive 94/9/EC the mandatory evidence of complying with this is given in the EC D.O.C. including the operating instructions.

User Directive 1999/92/EC

This directive gives the minimum requirements for the improvement of health protection and safety of employers who could be endangered by explosive atmospheres.

The main issues to be adressed:

  • Assessment of explosion risk
  • Zone classification
  • Explosion protection documents (including requirements for personnel to do engineering, equipment selection, installation, maintenance, repair etc.)

Structure of Directive 1999/92/EC

  

  

  

Ruling part

Section

Article

 Heading

I

1-2

 General requirements

II

3-9

 Duties of employer

3

 Prevention of and protection against

4

 Assessment of the explosion risks

5

 General obligations

6

 Coordination abligations

7

 Areas with explosive atmospheres

8

 Explosion protection document

9

 Special regulations relating to working materials and places of work

III

10-15

 Other requirements
Annexes

I

Classification of areas in which explosive atmospheres can be present

1. Areas in which explosive atmospheres can be present

2. Classification of potentially explosive atmospheres

II

A

Minimum requirements for the improvement of the safety and health protection of employees who could be endangered by explosive atmospheres

1. Organizational measures

2. Explosion protection measures

B

 Criteria for the selection of apparatus and protective systems

III

 Warning signs for marking areas in which explosive atmospheres can occur

 

  

For further information (Directive 1999/92/EC and user guide) please visit:

http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/health_safety/legislation_en.htm