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ATEX (ATmosphares EXplosibles) - Directives - Legal requirement from June 30th 2003
There are two ATEX Directives which became law from the end of June 2003:
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Manufacturer's Directive 94/9/EC: ATEX 95 also known as ATEX 100a
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End Users/Employers Directive 99/92/EC: ATEX 137
Like other European Directives, the aim is to facilitate free trade between Member States by harmonising technical and legal requirements for equipment used in Explosive Hazardous Areas.
The ATEX Directives came into effect on a voluntary basis in 1996 and are mandatory from the 1st July 2003 for any equipment newly purchased or installed from this date.
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Further Information
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The European Union web site address for ATEX information is: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/atex/indexinfor.htm
You can also link to http://www.hazardexonthenet.net/ for current information and events
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Manufacturer's Directive 94/9/EC
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The main effect for manufacturers and users of EX equipment has been the inclusion of Dust as well as Gas in Zone Classification. The following table shows the new categories for Dust Zones and the appropriate classification of equipment for each Zone level.
Zone Definitions for Gases and Dusts
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| Zone 0 |
Area in which an explosive gas/vapour atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods or frequently
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Zone 1
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Area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally
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Zone 2
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Area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and if it does occur, is likely to do so only infrequently and will exist for a short period only
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Zone 20
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Place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently
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Zone 21
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Place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally
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Zone 22
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Place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does, will persist for a short period only
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| Criterion for selection of equipment |
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Gas
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Dust
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Equipment Category
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Zone 0
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Zone 20
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1
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Zone 1
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Zone 21
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1 or 2
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Zone 2
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Zone 22
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1, 2 or 3
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All Visilume EX Hazardous Equipment including Light Fittings, Timer Switches and Camera Systems is fully compliant with ATEX for use in Zone 1 areas.
In addition, one of the most popular light fittings, the USL07/95 EX has been redesigned and upgraded. This powerful light fitting now has IP67 protection and is approved for use in Dust Zone 21 as well as Gas Zone 1 contaminated areas.
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End Users/Employers' Directive 99/92/EC - ATEX 137
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Requires employers to protect workers from the risk of explosive atmospheres
This directives applies to most industry sectors but some, such as mines and quarries, are exempt because they already have their own set of stringent regulations.
ATEX 137 (and 'CAD', the Chemical Agents Directive) will be implemented in the UK through new DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) safety regulations. These will be enforced by the HSE.
Essentially there should be no major changes for End Users who are already working with good practise and to current regulations.
Go to Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC
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