ATEX-Guidelines
ATEX is a directive concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It applies within the EU. The directive is meant to produce standardization of explosion protection in the EU.
The term ATEX derives from the French language (atmosphères explosibles = explosive atmosphere). ATEX is a method to harmonise the conditions of admission for explosion protected electric devices introduced by the European Parliament and the Council. This method is valid in all EU Member States. It should help to reduce trade barriers. The manufacturer is prescribed essential health and safety requirements (GSGA).
The ATEX Directive governs the following requirements concerning explosion-proof electrical and mechanical equipment, components and protective systems:
- Classification of equipment-groups into categories,
- Design and construction,
- Certification,
- Production and quality assurance,
- CE marking,
- Operating instructions and
- EU declaration of conformity
The ATEX-Directive applies to all industrial potentially explosive areas (inclusive mining and dust explosion protection). In Germany it is implemented in national legislation through the Equipment Safety Act (GSGV) and the Explosion Protection Regulation (EXVO).
ATEX 2014/34/EU Guidelines; Guide to application oft he directive 2014/34/EU oft he European Parliament and of the Council of 26th February 2014 on the harmonisation oft he law oft he member states relating to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres