The Explosive Atmospheres Directive (ATEX 137) is a European Union Directive which requires employers to protect workers from the risk of explosive atmospheres. But, despite the fact that the ATEX Directive has been in force for many years, it is evident that there are still many organisations that do not fully understand the directive requirements.
ATEX is the name commonly given to the framework for controlling explosive atmospheres and the standards of equipment and protective systems used in them. It is based on the requirements of two European directives:
1. Directive 99/92/EC on minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
2. Directive 94/9/EC on the approximation of the laws of Members States concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
In summary, many manufacturing and processing industries generate potentially dangerous substances which are any substances used or present at work that could, if not properly controlled, cause harm to people as a result of a fire or explosion. They can be found in nearly all workplaces and include such things as solvents, paints, varnishes, flammable gases, dusts from machining and sanding operations and dusts from foodstuffs.
Previously there has been no mandatory obligation to use certified equipment (or indeed to classify an area as potentially explosive, however in the event of an accident companies were liable to prosecution), European Directive 137 (The protection of workers from potentially explosive atmospheres) makes it mandatory under European law to assess for an explosion risk and classify the area accordingly.
Once an area is classified as potentially explosive, a risk analysis will normally dictate that only electrical and mechanical equipment that is suitably certified can be installed. Directive 137 has increased the amount of ‘Classified or Zoned’ areas, and hence increased the demand for certified equipment. The ATEX Directive (94/9/EC) has forced manufacturers to gain certification of electrical and/or mechanical products that are intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Products without the appropriate certification are not legally allowed to be placed or offered on the European market.
As a result of the combination of these two directives many manufacturers and workplaces have been forced to deal with issues with which they are unfamiliar, some organisations still operating in ignorance of the law or who have been operating essentially illegally are now addressing their obligations all be it late in the day. This White Paper deals with the basic codes, concepts and methodology of explosion protection.
World’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21 Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
i.safe MOBILE has launched the world’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21. The intrinsically safe mobile device, which was also developed for use in 5G campus networks, offers companies great flexibility thanks to its wide range of possible applications, especially in the automation sector.
Read more...Inspection system for leak detection in valves in hazardous areas Extech Safety Systems
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Leaking valves in industrial plants not only lead to loss, safety risks and possible contamination and pollution, but also result in high economic costs. Therefore, valves in hazardous areas require regular proper inspection and preventive maintenance to ensure their functionality.
Read more...Secure, digital communication in potentially explosive atmospheres Pepperl+Fuchs
IS & Ex
Consistently digitalised processes in the smart factory are a matter of course today, but not in potentially explosive atmospheres. The systems and devices used in these areas must have optimal protection mechanisms to ensure maximum safety.
Read more...Functional and compatible intrinsically safe loop approvals Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
With all the focus on IS loop approval, it is easy to forget to check that the loop will function correctly to see whether the field device has sufficient power (voltage & current) to operate over the full process range.
Read more...Upgrade your legacy alarm units Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
IS & Ex
Darren Barratt, sales manager at alarm annunciator specialist Omniflex, explains the drawbacks of leaving outdated rack-based alarm annunciator systems in place, and why an upgrade might be simpler than you would expect.
Read more...Cathodic protection system for hazardous environments Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
IS & Ex
When NSW Ports in Australia embarked on a two-year programme to rehabilitate the structures and combat corrosion levels at its Bulk Liquid Berth 1, it commissioned Melbourne-based consultancy Infracorr to deliver a bespoke cathodic protection) system. To deliver the system safely, Infraccor engaged cathodic protection specialist Omniflex to support the hazardous area and remote monitoring aspects of the CP system design.
Read more...Leading the way in PDS technology
IS & Ex
Booyco Electronics, an original equipment manufacturer specialising in mine safety equipment, has witnessed a surge in demand for its proximity detection systems (PDS) and collision prevention systems (CPS) since the Mine Health and Safety regulation focusing on trackless mobile machinery was promulgated. These systems offer crucial vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle detection capabilities.
Read more...Ensuring lone worker safety
IS & Ex
The Conextivity Group’s startup – Wearin’ – has developed a solution connecting the lone worker with the control centre. This was commissioned by concrete producer, Pro Beton to ensure the safety of its teams of machine operators and cleaners working on production sites during the day, night, and weekends.
Read more...Safety breakthrough in live testing of large equipment
IS & Ex
While essential to effective maintenance, the live testing of mining vehicles and equipment can be hazardous and time consuming; but this has all changed with the SafeGauge range of digital testing systems. Developed in Australia, SafeGauge is now distributed in South Africa by Booyco Electronics, known for its leading role in promoting safety on mines through its proximity detection systems.
printer friendly version