ATEXdirektiiv

The ATEX directive is a set of European Union directives that deal with the control of atmospheres potentially capable of causing an explosion. The acronym ATEX is derived from the French "Appareils destinés à être utilisés en atmosphères explosives." There are two main ATEX directives: Directive 2014/34/EU, which covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, and Directive 1999/92/EC, which concerns the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

Directive 2014/34/EU aims to ensure that all equipment and protective systems placed on the EU market are designed and manufactured to be safe when used in potentially explosive atmospheres. This means that manufacturers must assess the risks associated with their products and ensure they meet the essential health and safety requirements outlined in the directive. Products that comply are typically marked with the CE mark and a special ATEX marking consisting of the 'Ex' symbol.

Directive 1999/92/EC focuses on the employer's responsibility to protect workers from the risks of explosions. It requires employers to classify areas where explosive atmospheres may occur into zones based on the likelihood and duration of the presence of such atmospheres. Employers must then implement appropriate safety measures, including the selection of suitable equipment (often ATEX-certified), adequate ventilation, and procedures to prevent ignition sources. Both directives are crucial for ensuring safety in industries where flammable gases, vapors, dusts, or mists may be present, such as oil and gas, chemical plants, mining, and food processing.