ATEX zones: what regulations are needed to ensure worker safety?

In ATEX zones, regulations designed to ensure the health and safety of workers must be employers’ top priority.

The presence of explosive atmospheres calls for very specific technical and organizational supervision and compliance.

To do this, we take a look at Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 153) and the ECPRD, two essential tools for preventing the risk of explosion.

ATEX zones and regulations: Directive 1999/92/EC

Since 2003, Directive 1999/92/EC has been transposed into French regulations as ATEX 137 and then ATEX 153.

This set of measures has been designed above all to improve the protection of workers in ATEX zones.

It is the employer’s responsibility to take account of the requirements set out in this directive, and to take all necessary steps to prevent the formation of any ATEX atmosphere.

Directive 1999/92/EC covers 4 main areas which determine the obligations of workers in the face of the ATEX risk:

1. The most appropriate technical and organizational measures according to the type of operation ;
2. Overall assessment of explosion risks ;
3. Classification of ATEX zones (Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2…) and implementation of all safety requirements specified for each.
4. Marking around defined areas.

Based on these steps, the employer is required to draw up an explosion protection document (DRPCE).

The DRPCE, an essential tool for compliance

On the basis of the risk assessment, ATEX zoning and any other analysis, it is mandatory for the employer to provide an adequate response to the hazards and threats faced by workers.

Thanks to the DRPCE, the employee has access to all the information gathered during the assessment. This document forms part of the single document for assessing occupational risks. It contains the following information:

1. Site risk level: explosion risks identified, assessed and updated
2. ATEX zones identified and marked
3. Equipment present in these areas (electrostatic/non-electrostatic) directive 2014/34/EU).
4. Compliance with ATEX directives
5. Instructions given to workers for operating in ATEX zones (procedures to be applied and internal documentation)
6. Level of training required for workers + content
7. ATEX risk taken into account for companies working on the site

In fact, the DRPCE is an essential tool for ensuring that the measures in place are effective and compliant, and for providing the necessary markings to inform workers.

ATEX risk training, a must for worker safety

In addition to the measures listed in the DRPCE, training in the risks of explosion in ATEX zones must be provided for all exposed personnel.

Employers are obliged to comply with the Labor Code.

Of course, the type of training needs to be adapted to the type of audience and the specific features of the site:

1. Personnel working directly in or near ATEX zones: training on the explosion phenomenon, how to prevent it and protect yourself.
2. Managers and decision-makers: training on ATEX prevention issues and appropriate ATEX equipment.
3. Personnel working on ATEX equipment (maintenance): training on protection methods for electrical and non-electrical equipment, as well as maintenance.
4. Personnel responsible for ATEX prevention: trainingin formalizing explosion risk assessments, safety checks, etc.

It should be added that awareness of ATEX PPE is also necessary to enable workers to work in the best possible conditions.

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