Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX)

Compliance with the Explosive Atmospheres or ATEX Directive became mandatory on July 1, 2003.

Who Needs to Comply with the ATEX Directive?
Manufacturers of mechanical and electrical equipment, as well as protective systems, for use in and around potentially explosive atmospheres wishing to sell into the European Union using the CE Marking route need to comply with the ATEX Directive.

ATEX Directive in Brief
The ATEX Directive replaces the existing Explosive Atmospheres and Gassy Mines Directive and expands coverage to include non-electrical equipment, safety related devices, and potentially explosive atmospheres. Because of this coverage, the ATEX Directive is far reaching in scope and includes a more extensive set of compliance requirements. Products are categorized by the level of protection required in order to prevent them from becoming a potential source of ignition of an explosive atmosphere.

ATEX Directive and Routes to Compliance
The ATEX Directive stipulates that products must satisfy the relevant essential health and safety requirements, and there are three methods of compliance. Equipment must be manufactured in conformity with either:
1. European harmonized standards, or
2. National technical standards and specifications, or
3. Essential health and safety requirements
For the standards approaches, the standard must cover all essential health and safety requirements and must be the latest version.

Conformity Assessment Procedures
Procedures vary depending on the category of equipment and the zones for which the equipment is intended to be used.

Groups I & II Categories 1 & 1	EC Type Examination
Groups I & II Categories 2 & 2	EC Type Examination Internal Control of Production
Group II Category 3	Internal Control of Production

Technology International's approach to the ATEX Directive
The key to certification is understanding the essential health and safety requirements and scope/applicability of European standards. It is important to recognize that the requirements of the ATEX directive take precedent over the standards. Technology International can define the differences and interpret the directive and standards. This knowledge of the complex certification requirements enables us to develop unique compliance solutions that decrease compliance costs and get your products to market quickly.

How Technology International can help

Hazardous Location Compliance Reviews	Assessment of product designs, determination of the applicable directives, and development of the most cost-effective plan for regulatory compliance
Project Management	Complete compliance for all types of products and hazardous locations
Technical File Preparation	Complete preparation of the technical documentation, risk assessment, and conformity evaluation required to meet the directive
Technical Consulting	Support to lead customers through the complex tasks of achieving conformity to the applicable directive and standards
Notified Body Verification	Official Notified Body evaluation, including verification report and quality assurance assessment
Safety Training	Customized training on European safety requirements as well as design practices on how to effectively eliminate/reduce hazards
Interpretation of the Directive and Standards	Expert interpretation of the requirements relative to your specific application

Why use Technology International Group?