Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres

Equipment and Protective systems intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres, ATEX directive 94/9/EC is a so-called "New Approach" Directive which provides the technical requirements to be applied to equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Directive is named after the French "ATmospheres EXplosives" and it has been mandatory from 1st July 2003.

Manufacturers who apply its provisions and affix the CE marking are able to sell their equipment anywhere in Europe without any further requirements being applied with respect to the risks covered being applied. In effect this means access to the largest Single Market in the world, including over 450 million citizens.

The Directive covers a surprisingly 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. The European market for such equipment is estimated at 3 Billion euros per year.

In very broad terms, there are three pre-conditions for the Directive to apply: the equipment
a) must have its own 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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