DSEAR - ATEX compliance

ATEX is derived from the first two letters of each word for the French translation of explosive atmosphere, (ATmosphere EXplosible). Two ATEX Directives have been implemented throughout the European Community for the promotion of free trade of goods and to help increase the safety of workers.

These are:
Directive ATEX 100a – 94/9/EC – The Equipment Directive
Directive ATEX 137 – 1999/92/EC – The Use Directive

In the UK, ATEX 100a was implemented as the EPS Regulations, Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996. ATEX 137 was implemented as the DSEAR Regulations, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002.

These regulations govern the procedures and requirements which an employer must have in place to maintain equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

ATEX Compliance
To know whether your company falls under the ATEX Directives legislation, ask yourself these simple questions:

Do we store explosive materials?
Do we produce potentially explosive materials?
Do we transport potentially explosive materials?
Do my staff work in areas where the above activities are carried out?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions then you must comply with the Directives. Compliance with the minimum Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs) is NOT optional, it is the Law.

Addison Project has a great deal of expertise in the design and installation of instrument and electrical equipment and circuits in areas where flammable and explosive atmosphere could occur.

We can help and assist you with your ESHR compliance by advising you on what you need to do to comply with the law. These are the type of questions you need to be asking to see if you comply with the requirements:

Have I carried out a risk assessment of the dangers?
Have I eliminated or reduced the risks?
Do I have and maintain an Explosion Protection Document?
Have I classified my plant and site into hazardous and Non-hazardous zones?
Have I adequately trained my staff to the level of competency required?
Do I provide adequate written Instructions, Permits to Work and Control of Work Procedures and do I enforce them?
Do I have an adequate maintenance strategy in place?
Do I routinely inspect, identify and correct any defects in the explosion protection systems deployed?

If you have answered no to any of these questions then you are not complying with the requirements. We can guide you through the maze of ATEX compliance requirements. We can arrange for site equipment surveys to be carried out, with management, production and implementation of the necessary systems, strategies and documentation put in place to support proof of initial and ongoing compliance with the directives.

ATEX Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements that you need to implement to ensure that you comply with the ATEX Directives are as follows:

For ATEX 100a – 94/9/EC – The Equipment Directive
(Or in the UK, Statutory Instrument 1996 / 192 – The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996)
EHSRs
Integrated explosion safety management systems must be in place.
Consideration must be given to the environment in which the equipment will be used.
Equipment must be marked for compliance (Groups / Categories).
Material selection in design and construction must be considered.
Potential ignition sources must be identified.
Risk caused by explosive mixtures of dust, vapour and gas identified?
For ATEX 137 – 1999/92/EC – The Use Directive
(Or in the UK, Statutory Instrument 2002 / 2776 – The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002)

Minimum Requirements necessitate implementation of the following:

Risk Assessment.
Provide coordinated compliance strategy.
Eliminate or reduce risk so far as is reasonably practicable.
Training.
Written instructions and Permit to Work procedures.
Warning signs.
Identification of containers / pipes containing hazardous material.
Classification of areas into zones.
Selection of approved equipment (94/9/EC).
Regular inspection philosophy.
Emergency response plans.
Hazardous Area Classification

Area Classification is a procedure carried out by a skilled team to identify and quantify potential explosive atmospheres and assign Hazardous Area Zones.

The procedure requires analysis of such data as flammable materials, equipment, site conditions and ventilation. Addison Project has a great deal of experience in Hazardous Area Classification and the design and installation of electrical equipment and circuits in Hazardous Areas. We can offer expertise in a range of services tailored to suit your needs such as:

Chair and lead Area Classification Meetings.
Provide experienced Process and Electrical engineers to support the Clients own personnel.
Carry out detailed plant, equipment and services surveys.
Produce the necessary AutoCAD Hazardous Area plan and elevation layout drawings, with supporting calculations, data sheets and reports.
APP can also give advise on the clients requirements to implement a compliant maintenance and inspection strategy, including production of equipment Inspection Schedules and associated Equipment Location Diagrams.

Using our skills knowledge, you can relax, knowing you are compliant with the ATEX Directives.