ATEX Directive and Regulations

“The term “ATEX” comes from the French “atmosphere explosibles”. It is the name commonly given to the framework for controlling explosive atmospheres and the standards of equipment and protective systems used in them.

If you use or supply hydraulic equipment that may be used in potentially explosive atmospheres or your workplace involves the use of flammable materials that could create a potentially explosive atmosphere, then ATEX applies to you.

ATEX is based on the requirements of two European Directives. One that applies to equipment manufacturers, and another for its end users and both Directives came into effect on 1st July, 2003. ATEX 95 was introduced back in 1995 with a transition period of 8 years for manufacturers to comply. ATEX 137 was introduced in 1999 with a 4 year transition period for employers to comply.

Why do we need ATEX?

Explosive atmospheres can be caused by flammable gases, mists or vapours or by combustible dusts. If there is enough of the substance, mixed with air, then all it needs is a source of ignition to cause an explosion.

Preventing releases of dangerous substances, which can create explosive atmospheres, and preventing sources of ignition are two widely used ways of reducing the risk. Using the correct equipment can help greatly in this.

If you need help and advice in identifying or sourcing "intrinsically safe" or ATEX certified hydraulic equipment, then contact our team on 0845 644 3640 or via: sales@hydraulicsonline.co.uk

ATEX Area Classifications - ATEX Zones

Area classification is a method of analysing and classifying the environment where explosive atmospheres may occur to aid the proper selection and installation of apparatus to be used safely in that environment taking into account gas groups and temperature classes.

A place in which an explosive atmosphere may occur is deemed to be “Hazardous”. A place in which an explosive atmosphere is not expected to occur is deemed to be “Non Hazardous”

Flammable and/or combustible substances are c...

Directive 1999/92/EC - ATEX 137

Directive 1999/92/EC (more commonly known as ATEX 137 or the Worker Protection Directive) places responsibility on employers to eliminate or control the risks from dangerous substances. The worker Protection directive is specifically designed to just what it says, and the responsibility for this is placed clearly on the shoulders of the employer. An employer’s obligations under ATEX 137 are clear:

(1) Prevent the formulation of explosive atmospheres in the workplace, or, avoid the igniti...

Directive 94/9/EC - ATEX 95

Directive 94/9/EC (more commonly known as ATEX 95 or the Manufacturers’ Directive) is intended to aid the free movement of goods throughout the EU by harmonising the technical and legal standards to which equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres is manufactured. It does this by removing the need for separate testing and documentation for each Member State.

In Great Britain, the requirements of the Directive were put into effect through the DTI’s Equipment and Protective S...

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