The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States of the European Union concerning electrical equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres has been applicable since April 20, 2016.
This directive revises and repeals Directive 1994/9/EC, and lays down the conditions for manufacturing and marketing ATEX protective equipment and systems, in particular those designed to protect workers.
Now in force for almost five years, we take a look at this new European regulation.
What are the requirements of the ATEX directive?
While ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU strengthens existing safety provisions for potentially explosive environments, it should be noted that the 2014 text does not introduce any changes to the essential health and safety requirements for the design and construction of equipment intended for ATEX zones.
This means thatno new certification of conformity is required for products placed on the market before this new ATEX directive and which have not been modified.
But then, what changes in this 2014/34/EU directive?
While the original regulations applied to both electrical and mechanical equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres, the 2014 changes include components integrated into protective devices and systems (pushbuttons, braking systems, etc.).
Note that components not specifically designed for integration in an ATEX product, such as mechanical seals, are considered general engineering components. Their conformity will be assessed with the final product as a whole.
Key points to remember
Among the new features of this ATEX directive applicable since 2016, here are the main points to remember:
- The EC declaration of conformity becomes the EU declaration of conformity, just as the EC examination certificate becomes the EU type examination certificate.
- Obligation for importers of ATEX-dedicated products to indicate their names and contact details on each product
- Responsibilities for placing products on the market have been clarified and strengthened for manufacturers, importers and distributors.
- The need for specific, clear marking on equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
- Enhanced safety and compliance controls
- The level of technology available at the time of construction and technical and economic imperatives will be taken into account to a greater extent.
Non-application of Directive 2014/34/EU
Article 1.2 of Directive 2014/34/EU comes to exclude equipment intended for use in environments in which an explosive atmosphere can only rarely arise. This is particularly the case in domestic and non-commercial environments.
The new regulations also exclude medical devices, protective devices and systems where the hazard is exclusively due to the presence of explosive or unstable chemical materials, seagoing vessels and mobile offshore units, as well as on-board equipment.
The new ATEX Directive reinforces and extends the scope of the rules established in 1994. While it imposes new obligations in terms of supplier liability, the essential elements remain unchanged.
ADF Systèmes makes it a point of honor to help you choose the ATEX equipment best suited to your industrial safety and risk management needs.
