ATEX Regulations:
inspections & obligations
Understand European directives, ATEX zoning and periodic audit obligations to protect your employees and facilities.
What is an explosive atmosphere (ATEX)?
The term ATEX stands for ATmosphères EXplosives (Explosive Atmospheres). It refers to a mixture of air with flammable substances in the form of gases, vapours, mists or dusts, in which an explosion can occur after ignition.
ATEX environments are found in many industrial sectors: petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, water treatment, storage silos, power plants and many more. Wherever combustible substances are handled, stored or transported, the risk of explosion exists.
ATEX regulations were established by the European Union to prevent explosions and protect workers exposed to these risks in their working environment.
Did you know?
In France, an average of 6 industrial explosions per year are linked to explosive atmospheres, causing serious injuries and even fatalities.
The two ATEX European directives
Directive 1999/92/EC
Known as 'ATEX Workers'This directive is aimed at employers and site operators. It defines the minimum requirements for the protection of workers potentially exposed to the risk of explosive atmospheres.
- Explosion risk assessment (DRPCE)
- Classification of ATEX risk zones
- Periodic inspection of installations
- Staff training
Directive 2014/34/EU
Known as 'ATEX Products'This directive concerns manufacturers and distributors of equipment intended for use in ATEX zones. It requires CE certification and marking of all apparatus, protective systems and components used in explosive atmospheres.
- Mandatory equipment certification
- Specific marking (Ex, group, category)
- Technical documentation and declaration of conformity
ATEX zoning: risk area classification
Gas, vapour and mist zones
Zone 0
Explosive atmosphere present continuously or for long periods.
E.g.: inside tanks, reservoirs
Zone 1
Explosive atmosphere likely to occur occasionally
during normal operation.
E.g.: near valves, relief devices
Zone 2
Explosive atmosphere not likely in normal operation,
and if it occurs, only for a short period.
E.g.: areas around sealed equipment
Combustible dust zones
Zone 20
Explosive dust cloud present continuously.
E.g.: inside silos, grinders
Zone 21
Explosive dust cloud occasionally.
E.g.: filling areas, conveyors
Zone 22
Explosive dust cloud not likely.
E.g.: closed storage areas
Periodic inspection obligations
In application of Directive 1999/92/EC, transposed into French law by articles R. 4227-1 to R. 4227-54 of the Labour Code, employers are required to have installations and equipment in ATEX zones periodically inspected.
Initial audit
Before commissioning any installation in an ATEX zone, an initial compliance audit must be carried out. It verifies zoning, equipment suitability and technical documentation (DRPCE).
Annual verification
Installations must undergo periodic verification at least once a year (decree of 8 July 2003). This inspection covers:
- Condition of electrical and non-electrical equipment
- ATEX marking compliance
- Integrity of protection modes
- DRPCE update
Who can inspect?
Inspections must be carried out by an accredited body or a qualified person (IECEx, ISM ATEX level 3). The inspector must have technical competence in explosion protection in accordance with IEC 60079-17.
Penalties
Non-compliance with ATEX inspection obligations exposes the employer to criminal penalties (fines, civil and criminal liability in case of accident) and administrative closure of the installation. Insurers may also refuse compensation in the event of a claim.
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On-site inspections
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Non-conformity tracking
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Automated reports
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