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Atex Guide
Atex Guide
ATEX GUIDE
> CONTENTS
2
> 1. INTRODUCTION
What is ATEX?
ATEX
3
Guide to the ATEX directives
The ATEX Directive has been effective throughout the European The surface equipment (group II) is divided into 3 categories,
Union since 1 July 2003, replacing the various existing based on the level of protection (zone of use); the categories
are identified by the number 1, 2, 3 followed by the letter G
national and European legislations regarding explosive
(Gas) or D (Dust).
atmospheres; after that date it has been possible to market • category 1: equipment or protective systems that guarantee
only those products conforming to the directive and a very high level of protection;
supplied with the ATEX CE marking and EC declaration of • category 2: equipment or protective systems that guarantee
conformity. It applies to all the electrical and mechanical a high level of protection;
equipment intended for use in explosion hazard areas, • category 3: equipment or protective systems that guarantee
ranking among the directives that allow free trade of the a normal level of protection.
goods and define the essential safety requirements (ESR) of
the equipment which it covers. In particular, the directive CONFORMITY PROCEDURES
defines the product categories and the characteristics the For marking purposes, there are various conformity
products must satisfy in order to be installed in explosion procedures depending on the product and the category to
hazard areas. which it belongs.
It also describes the procedures that must be followed in order All category 1 and category 2 electrical equipment must
to obtain conformity. mandatorily be certified by ATEX Notified Bodies, i.e.,
The Directive’s field of application also extends to safety, those bodies to which the national authority has assigned
control and regulation devices that are installed outside the the task of verifying conformity with the Directive (in Italy, for
potentially explosive area, but on which the safety of the example: IMQ, CESI, ICEPI, TUV, etc.).
products installed in the explosive atmosphere depend. The updated list of ATEX Notified Bodies (NB) is available on
the site:
PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newapproach/nando/
The directive includes mining and surface installation materials For companies that manufacture category 1 and category 2
since the hazard, protective measures and test methods are electrical equipment, the notification and monitoring of the
similar for both materials. The primary distinction is made with quality system through an ATEX NB is also mandatory; the
the division of the materials into two groups. identification number of the body is reported on the plate
•group I: products to be used in gassy mines; along with the CE marking.
•group II: equipment intended for use on the surface. Self-certification is provided for all category 3 equipment
Directive 94/9/EC classifies the products in categories, in with internal manufacturing control; in TECHNOKONTROL’s
relation to the level of protection and based on the degree of case, the manufacturing control is fulfilled by the ISO 9001: 2008
riskiness of the environment where they will be installed. company quality certification, issued by CSQ. The
manufacturer must prepare the technical documentation that
GROUP I PRODUCTS demonstrates the equipment’s conformity with the
The mining products are divided into 2 categories: requirements of the Directive; the documentation must remain
category M1: equipment or protective systems that guarantee available for at least 10 years after the last introduction on the
a very high level of protection; market.
category M2: equipment or protective systems that guarantee All products (category 1, 2 and 3) must mandatorily be
a high level of protection; they must be able to be disconnected accompanied by the written EC declaration of conformity
in the presence of the gas. and the instructions for use.
The table below specifies the type of certification required
based on the category of the products.
Declaration
Product certification Company certification
Product category Self-certification of conformity and
by NB by NB
instructions for use
M1 YES YES NO YES
M2 YES YES NO YES
1G YES YES NO YES
1D YES YES NO YES
2G YES YES NO YES
2D YES YES NO YES
3G Optional NO YES YES
3D Optional NO YES YES
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MARKING
The products must be equipped In addition to the data required by the ATEX Directive, the
GENERAL INFORMATION
1 TECHNOKONTROL Manufacturer -
Product
3 Code 644.xxx-yyy -
designation
Year
4 2007 -
of manufacture
Specific marking
6 -
of explosive protection
1 for category 1
8 2 Product category 2 for category 2
3 for category 3
G: gas
Type of explosive
9 GD D: dust
atmosphere
GD: gas and dust
(*) Number (4-digit number) of the notified body responsible for ATEX company monitoring (for example: the number 0051 corresponds to IMQ,
the number 0722 corresponds to CESI, etc.).
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Guide to the ATEX directives
Conformity with
10 Ex harmonized -
European standards
Maximum surface
temperature Tyy°C: maximum surface temperature of
16 Tyy
that the electrical the equipment expressed in °C
equipment can reach
6
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ambient
18 Ta –xx°C to +xx°C If not indicated, the range is: -20°C +40°C
temperature range
MARKING EXAMPLE
1 17a 2
3
Cod. 644.xxxx-yyy Year xxxx 4
S/N xxxxxxxxx V xxxx V
SIRA08ATEX3042 U I xxxx A
18 P max xxxx W
12
11 0051
Ex e II Tx Ta -xx° to +xx°C X 5
10 Ex tD A21 IP66 Tyy°C
6
13 II 2 GD
9
14 DO NOT OPEN WHEN ENERGIZED 8
IN PRESENCE OF EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE 7
15 16 17b
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Guide to the ATEX directives
The list below specifies the primary standards applicable for the construction and certification of the equipment, subdivided for
gas and dust.
Note: Always check the validity of the current standards on the site: http://www.ceiweb.it
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> 3. TYPES OF PROTECTION
Principle Principle
The ‘Ex d’ type of protection is the only type of protection The ‘Ex tD’ type of protection is based on the protection by an
based on the containment of the explosion. enclosure which is sealed to the penetration of dust and limits
The electrical components that could ignite an explosive the surface temperature. The electrical components that could
atmosphere are located inside an enclosure which can ignite an explosive atmosphere (high temperatures, sparks,
withstand the pressure of an explosion of the explosive mixture etc.) are located inside enclosures with degree of protection
which has formed inside due to the penetration of a flammable IP6X; in zone 22 with non-conductive dust the degree of
gas or vapour (pressure tightness); the enclosure must also protection IP5X is allowed. Furthermore, the outer surface
prevent the transmission of the explosion to the explosive temperature of the equipment is kept below the maximum
atmosphere surrounding the enclosure (flameproof). surface temperature T, in relation to the maximum temperature
Applications for cloud TCL and layer Tl provided for in the installation site.
Various electrical equipment which, during normal operation, Applications
give rise to sparks or high temperatures: switches, disconnectors, Switches, control units, motors, transformers, lamps,
lamps, control and signal units, motors, MV/LV transformers, instrumentation and generally all the equipment which, during
instrumentation, etc. normal operation, could ignite a cloud or layer of combustible
dust (e.g., due to arcs, sparks or hazardous temperatures).
Principle Principle
The ‘Ex p’ type of protection, protection by pressurized The ‘Ex e’ protection applies to the electrical equipment
apparatus, consists in introducing an ignition shield gas into which does not produce arcs, sparks or hazardous
the enclosure in order to keep it at a pressure above that of temperatures under normal operation (non-sparking
the external atmosphere, thus preventing the formation of an constructions).
explosive atmosphere inside the enclosure itself. Additional protection measures are applied, in order to
The shield gas may be composed of air or inert gas, such as provide increased safety with a higher safety coefficient,
nitrogen; if the overpressure fails, the control unit causes the which must prevent the formation of arcs or sparks or the
alarm or shutdown of the pressurized equipment. possibility of temperatures that could ignite the explosive
The internal overpressure technique may also be applied, mixture; this objective is based on a general oversizing of
essentially with the same characteristics, to the equipment both insulating materials and the active electrical parts with
for dust by applying the specific standard; in this case the respect to electrical constructions of normal industrial
marking is ‘Ex pD’. production, which are already non-initiating in themselves.
Applications Applications
MV/LV transformers, large electrical machinery (as an Plant-engineering materials such as enclosures with
alternative to the ‘Ex e’ protection), automation and terminals, electromagnets and coils, motors and generators,
instrumentation panels, industrial process control systems lamps, batteries, electric resistance heaters, current
(chromatograph gases, analyzers), analysis booths and transformers, voltage transformers.
pressurized rooms.
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Guide to the ATEX directives
10
INTRINSIC SAFETY For intrinsic safety equipment there are 3 levels of protection
provided, depending on the constructional characteristics
Marking “Ex i” II 2G, standard IEC provided for by the standard:
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Guide to the ATEX directives
* Will be replaced by the standard IEC/EN 60079-10-1 (gas). *** Will be replaced by the standard IEC/EN 60079-10-2 (dust).
** As of 1.07.2011, will be replaced by the standard IEC/EN 60079-14 ****As of 1.07.2011, will be replaced by the standard IEC/EN 60079-14
(gas and dust). (gas and dust).
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SOME DEFINITIONS lower explosive limit (LEL) almost immediately.
Lower explosive limit (LEL) • Medium ventilation (MV): when the ventilation is able to
Concentration of a flammable gas or vapour above which an affect the concentration of gas in a stable manner, lowering
N.B.: In order to apply this rule, however, suitable and reliable statistical data must be available.
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Guide to the ATEX directives
SOME EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE HAZARDOUS ZONE SITUATIONS FOR GAS AND VAPOURS
Zone Examples
Connection flange.
2
Pool of flammable liquid which may form infrequently or for short periods.
The points and parts of the installation that may create • the containers of flammable substances with tightly closed covers;
explosive atmospheres only due to catastrophic failures are • the disabled parts of the installation, in which the flow of
not considered to be emission sources: flammable substances is prevented by means of valves or
• the welded piping and containers welded up to standard; similar devices.
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ZONES WITH THE PRESENCE OF DUST • Zone 22: a place in which an explosive atmosphere under
The classification of the areas with risk of explosion due to the form of combustible dust in the air is not likely to occur
the presence of dust is made in a manner similar to that under normal operation but, if it does occur, it will persist
Zone Examples
Filters, cyclones.
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Dust transport systems, interiors of mixers, mills, dryers, desiccators.
Dusts Zone 20 1D
Dusts Zone 21 2D or 1D
Dusts Zone 22 3D or 2D or 1D
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Guide to the ATEX directives
Dusts Zone 20 1D
Dusts Zone 21 2D or 1D
Dusts Zone 22 3D or 2D or 1D
T1 450°C >450°C
T2 300°C >300°C
T3 200°C >200°C
T4 135°C >135°C
T5 100°C >100°C
T6 85°C >85°C
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The equipment certified for a certain temperature class can For example:
also be used, for safety, in the locations where a class with • a T3 apparatus can be used in places which require T1 and T2;
higher maximum surface temperature is allowed. • a T6 apparatus can be used in all the hazardous areas.
Acetone IIA T1
Acetylene IIC T2
Ammonia IIA T1
Butane IIA T2
Cyclohexane IIA T3
Ethylene IIB T2
Hydrogen IIC T1
Kerosene IIA T3
Propane IIA T1
Toluene IIA T1
Xylene IIA T1
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Guide to the ATEX directives
THE TABLE BELOW PROVIDES THE IGNITION TEMPERATURE DATA (CLOUD AND LAYER) FOR SOME FLAMMABLE DUSTS
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
The ambient temperature range for use of the ATEX must be specified directly on the plate or by reporting the
equipment, for both gas and dust, is usually between -20°C symbol X on the plate and providing the temperature range
and +40°C, unless specified otherwise. in the instructions for use.
For values different from the range -20°C / +40°C, the indication The following conditions are provided for:
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> 6. EVOLUTION OF DUST STANDARDS
0 1G Ga
GAS 1 1G or 2G Ga or Gb
2 1G or 2G or 3G Ga or Gb or Gc
20 1D Da
Dusts 21 1D or 2D Da or Db
22 1D or 2D or 3D Da or Db or Dc
Table 1
EVOLUTION OF DUST
The standard EN/IEC 60079-0 (Ed.5) introduces group III
regarding equipment for dusts. The dusts are divided into 3
subgroups: (IIIA, IIIB, IIIC).
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Guide to the ATEX directives
1 3 5
2 4 6
7 9 10 11 12
The list below provides some examples of general and - CAR REPAIR SHOPS
particular situations associated with the possibility of - FUEL FILLING STATIONS
forming an explosive atmosphere (hazardous zones) and - PAINT BOOTHS (LIQUID)
relative characteristics of the installations. - PAINT BOOTHS (POWDERS)
- CHEMICAL / PETROCHEMICAL / PHARMACEUTICAL - WOODWORKING AND FURNITURE INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRIES - GRAIN STORES
- GAS HEATING PLANTS - BAKERIES AND PASTRY SHOPS
- GARAGES
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> CHEMICAL / PETROCHEMICAL / PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES
Dusts Zone 20 1D
Dusts Zone 21 2D or 1D
Dusts Zone 22 3D or 2D or 1D
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Guide to the ATEX directives
> GENERAL INFORMATION DPR 661/96 and the regulations consider these devices to
This example considers the rooms or group of rooms, if be intrinsically safe, not entailing any risk of leaks and thus
directly communicating with one another, in which a heating explosion; these areas are to be considered as “ordinary”. In
plant with a power greater than 35 kW (30000 kcal/h) is installed. the second case the plants do not use devices compliant
The risk of explosion is related to the presence of the gas with DPR 661/96; this category includes all the devices
used for combustion which could leak from the installation. which use hot water with water temperature above 105°C or
are used in an industrial process.
> INSTALLATION CHARACTERISTICS The fundamental difference with respect to the previous
For a proper electrical installation, two distinct cases must situation is that in this case the risk of explosion induced by
be considered: the equipment cannot be excluded a priori. The guide CEI
1. Equipment which use devices that are compliant with DPR 31-35 applies to methane heating plants provided that:
661/96. - the relative operating pressure is not above 4000 Pa
2. Equipment which use devices that are non-compliant with - the emission sources would have an emission hole, due to
DPR 661/96. failure, no larger than 0.25 mm2
In the first case, the heating plant uses gas equipment which The guide CEI 31-35 allows to exclude the risk of explosion
has the CE marking according to Directive 90/396/EC (DPR if the openings have a free area (in m2) of:
661/96). - 0.3 m2, heating plants with a nominal operating pressure of
Art. 1 of the DPR identifies the equipment that falls within the up to 2000 Pa.
scope of application; this equipment includes all the devices - 0.5 m2, heating plants with a nominal operating pressure of
using gaseous fuel and, if applicable, water with normal up to 4000 Pa.
temperature less than 105°C, used for: Cooking – Heating, These openings will have to be located in the highest part of
production of hot water - Cooling - Lighting. the outer walls of the building.
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> GARAGES
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Guide to the ATEX directives
24
> FUEL FILLING STATIONS
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Guide to the ATEX directives
> GENERAL INFORMATION • Concentration within 25% of the LEL (booths with operator
This example considers the environments in which spray presence).
painting is carried out with liquid paints containing flammable Zone 2: the volume inside the booth (including the air
solvents capable of forming an explosive atmosphere. recirculation ducts) and the volume outside the booth up to
1m from the permanent openings.
> INSTALLATION CHARACTERISTICS
Paint booths have demanding conditions concerning the • Concentration within 50% of the LEL (booths without operator
exposure to explosive atmospheres. presence).
The standard UNI EN 12215 “Spray booths for application of The booth must be equipped with an LEL control system
organic liquid coating materials – Safety requirements” that blocks the flow of flammable substances upon reaching
specifies the protective measures to adopt in order to 50% of the LEL.
prevent the risks of explosion. Zone 1: the volume inside the booth (including the air
The standard requires that the concentration of flammable recirculation ducts).
substances be kept below the LEL by means of forced Zone 2: the volume outside the booth up to 1m from the
ventilation. In particular, 2 situations are provided for: permanent openings.
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> PAINT BOOTHS (POWDERS)
27
Guide to the ATEX directives
> GENERAL INFORMATION and are more hazardous; these dusts, however, are removed
This example considers the areas used for woodworking by the aspiration systems.
(cutting, milling, planing, etc.) with machines provided with The hazard of wood dust is marked by its low ignition
aspiration systems to remove sawdust and wood dusts. temperature in layer form; thus in order to limit this risk,
thorough cleaning procedures are recommended to prevent
> INSTALLATION CHARACTERISTICS the formation of layers.
Shavings, sawdust and wood dusts are produced in the In general, the classification includes zone 22 with the
furniture and woodworking industries. extension of a few meters around the machines and the
The shavings and sawdust usually remain suspended in the areas where the dusts may deposit; hazardous zones also
air for brief periods due to their dimensions. exist inside the dust recovery systems (filters) and the ducts
The finer wood dusts remain suspended for a longer time (zone 20 and/or zone 21).
5mm
Cloud ignition Layer ignition Conductivity
Average particle
Substance LEL [g/m3] temperature Tcl [°C] temperature of the dust
size [μm]
T5mm [°C] (C / NC)
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> GRAIN STORES
5mm
Cloud ignition Layer ignition Conductivity
Average particle
Substance LEL [g/m3] temperature Tcl [°C] temperature of the dust
size [μm]
T5mm [°C] (C / NC)
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Guide to the ATEX directives
5mm
Cloud ignition Layer ignition Conductivity
Average particle
Substance LEL [g/m3] temperature Tcl [°C] temperature of the dust
size [μm]
T5mm [°C] (C / NC)
Caster sugar
22 60 380 - NC
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> 8. AMERICAN STANDARDS
In North America the installations in hazardous zones (haz- North American procedure.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN with the definition of hazardous zones (0, 1, 2) and the
PRACTICE possibility of using products approved according to IEC
The American classification uses the method of Classes and 60079-x standards for the various protection types (Ex-d,
Divisions, unlike the European/IEC procedure that uses the Ex-p, Ex-i, Ex-m, etc.) and equipped with a specific marking.
method of Zones. This means that the products can be approved by:
Generally the European/IEC Zone 2 and the American • Either Class, Division and Substance Group
Division 2 can be considered as equivalent, while the For example: Class 1, Division 2, A,B,C,D T3
American Division 1 includes both Zone 1 and Zone 0; • Or Class, Division and Gas Group
consequently the equipment expressly designed for use in For example: Class 1, Zone 2, IIA, IIB, IIC T3
Zone 1 in Europe cannot always be used in Division 1. The table below indicates the differences between the North
In North America the electrical equipment for hazardous American classification and the European/IEC classification.
locations must be approved for a specified class (Class I, II
or III), for the division (Division 1 or Division 2) and must be
Hazard in
suitable for the substances: gas (A, B, C, D), dusts (E, F, G) Continuous Intermittent abnormal
hazard hazard
and for the temperature (Temperature Code). conditions
Article 505 of the NEC also provides for the possibility of Europe/IEC Zone 0 Zone 1 Zone 2
classification according to the standard IEC 60079-19, i.e., North America Division 1 Division 2
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TECHNOKONTROL ATEX / NFPA ADDITIONAL
ANTI-EXPLOSIVE DATA
PLEASE VIEW THESE WEB LINKS FOR FURTHER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN ALL "EXPLOSIVE SECTORS"
WHICH ARE INCORPORATED IN EU ATEX AND NFPA 68/69 2012. SAFETY DIRECTIVES AND GUIDELINES.
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/siaps.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/tankers.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/psaxss.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/valve.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/valve-es.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/roof.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/pipelines.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/roof-axspct.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/mobile-fuel-tanks.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/building-fuel-tanks-es.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/building-fuel-tanks-en.php
-http://www.technokontrol.com/en/products/airports.php
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IMAGE: ATEX/NFPA. SAFETY DIRECTIVES FOR ATMOSPHERIC GAS / PETROL-
CHEMICAL RISK-EXPLOSION ZONES
33
TECHNOKONTROL ATEX / NFPA ADDITIONAL
ANTI-EXPLOSIVE DATA
34
IMAGE: ATEX/NFPA. SAFETY DIRECTIVES FOR ATMOSPHERIC GAS / PETROL-
CHEMICAL RISK-EXPLOSION ZONES
35
TECHNOKONTROL ATEX / NFPA ADDITIONAL
ANTI-EXPLOSIVE DATA
36
ATEX-/NFPA PETROL STATIONS-MAN HOLES, STORAGE FACILITIES, REFUELING
AREAS- ATEX-EU/NFPA EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERIC DIRECTIVE DANGER SECTIONS
37
ATEX – TK SAFETY DIRECTIVES
38
TECHNOKONTROL SPECIALIS ANTI-VAPORIZATION, ANTI-THERMAL, & ANTI-
ELECTROSTATIC CHARGES ALLOYS FORMULATIONS.
39
ATEX DIRECTIVE IN EU SAFETY DIRECTIVES, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN
FOR MY COMPANY PROTECTION & SAFETY NEEDS?
The ATEX directive consists of two EU directives describing what equipment and work
environment is allowed in an environment with an explosive atmosphere
Contents
Directives
As of July 2003, organizations in EU must follow the directives to protect employees from explosion
risk in areas with an explosive atmosphere.
There are two ATEX directives (one for the manufacturer and one for the user of the equipment):
the ATEX 95 equipment directive 94/9/EC, Equipment and protective systems intended for use in
potentially explosive atmospheres;
the ATEX 137 workplace directive 99/92/EC, Minimum requirements for improving the safety and
health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
Employers must classify areas where hazardous explosive atmospheres may occur into zones. The
classification given to a particular zone, and its size and location, depends on the likelihood of an
explosive atmosphere occurring and its persistence if it does.
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Areas classified into zones (0, 1, 2 for gas-vapor-mist and 20, 21, 22 for dust) must be protected
Equipment in use before July 2003 is allowed to be used indefinitely provided a risk
assessment shows it is safe to do so.
The aim of directive 94/9/EC is to allow the free trade of ‘ATEX’ equipment and protective
systems within the EU by removing the need for separate testing and documentation for each
member state.
The regulations apply to all equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres,
whether electrical or mechanical, including protective systems. There are two categories of
equipment 'I' for mining and 'II' for surface industries. Manufacturers who apply its provisions
and affix the CE marking and the Ex marking are able to sell their equipment anywhere within
the European union without any further requirements with respect to the risks covered being
applied. The directive covers a large range of equipment, potentially including equipment used
on fixed offshore platforms, in petrochemical plants, mines, flour mills and other areas where a
potentially explosive atmosphere may be present.
In very broad terms, there are three preconditions for the directive to apply: the equipment a)
must have its own effective source of ignition; b) be intended for use in a potentially explosive
atmosphere (air mixtures); and c) be under normal atmospheric conditions.
The directive also covers components essential for the safe use and safety devices directly
contributing to the safe use of the equipment in scope. These latter devices may be outside the
potentially explosive environment.
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Manufacturers/suppliers (or importers, if the manufacturers are outside the EU) must ensure that their
products meet essential health and safety requirements and undergo appropriate conformity
procedures. This usually involves testing and certification by a ‘third-party’ certification body (known
as a Notified Body e.g. Sira, Intertek, Baseefa, Lloyd's, BAM,TUV) but manufacturers/suppliers can
‘self-certify’ Category 3 equipment (technical dossier including drawings, hazard analysis and users
manual in the local language) and Category 2 non-electrical equipment but for Category 2 the
technical dossier must be lodged with a notified body. Once certified, the equipment is marked by the
‘CE’ (meaning it complies with ATEX and all other relevant directives) and ‘Ex’ symbol to identify it as
approved under the ATEX directive. The technical dossier must be kept for a period of 10 years.
Certification ensures that the equipment or protective system is fit for its
purpose and that adequate information is supplied with it to ensure that it can be used safely. There
are four ATEX classification to ensure that a specific piece of equipment or protective system is
appropriate and can be safely used in a particular application: 1. Industrial or Mining Application; 2.
Equipment Category; 3. Atmosphere; and 4. Temperature.
The ATEX as an EU directive finds its US equivalent under the HAZLOC standard. This standard given
by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines and classifies hazardous locations such
as explosive atmospheres.
Technical definitions
What is an explosive atmosphere?
In DSEAR, an explosive atmosphere is defined as a mixture of dangerous substances with air, under
atmospheric conditions, in the form of gases, vapours, mist or dust in which, after ignition has occurred,
combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture.
Atmospheric conditions are commonly referred to as ambient temperatures and pressures. That is to
say temperatures of –20°C to 40°C and pressures of 0.8 to 1.1 bar.
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Zone classification
Class I
Zone 0 (gases / An area in which an explosive mixture is continuously
Division 1
Vapors) present or present for long periods
(gases)
Class I
Zone 1 (gases / An area in which an explosive mixture is likely to occur in
Division 1
Vapors) normal operation
(gases)
Class II
An area in which an explosive mixture is continuously
Zone 20 (dusts) Division 1
present or present for long periods
(dusts)
Class II
An area in which an explosive mixture is likely to occur in
Zone 21 (dusts) Division 1
normal operation
(dusts)
43
Effective ignition source
Effective ignition source is a term defined in the European ATEX directive as an event which, in
combination with sufficient oxygen and fuel in gas, mist, vapor or dust form, can cause an
explosion. Methane, hydrogen or coal dust are examples of possible fuels.
Lightning strikes.
Mechanically generated impact sparks. For example, a hammer blow on a rusty steel
surface compared to a hammer blow on a flint stone. The speed and impact angle
(between surface and hammer) are important; a 90 degree blow on a surface is relatively
harmless.
Electric sparks. For example a bad electrical connection or a faulty pressure transmitter.
The electric energy content of the spark determines the effectiveness of the ignition
source.
High surface temperature. This can be the result of milling, grinding, rubbing, mechanical
friction in a stuffing box or bearing, or a hot liquid pumped into a vessel. For example the
tip of a lathe cutting tool can easily be 600 Celsius (1100 °F); a high pressure steam pipe
may be above the autoignition temperature of some fuel/air mixtures.
Electrostatic discharge. Static electricity can be generated by air sliding over a wing, or a
non-conductive liquid flowing through a filter screen.
Radiation.
Adiabatic compression. Air is pumped into a vessel and the vessel surface heats up.
44