Falk Quality - ATEX
Certificate of Assessment
Equipment and Protective systems intended for use in a potentially Explosive
Atmospheres "ATEX" Directive 94/9/EC is a so-called "New Approach" Directive
which provides the technical requirements to be applied to equipment intended
for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
It is named after the French "ATmosphere EXplosible".
Manufacturers who apply its provisions and affix the CE marking are able to
sell their equipment anywhere in Europe without any further requirements being
applied with respect to the risks covered being applied.
The Directive covers a surprisingly large range of equipment, potentially
including equipment used on fixed offshore platforms, in petro-chemical plants,
mines, flour mills and other areas where a potentially explosive atmosphere may
be present.
In very broad terms, there are three pre-conditions for the Directive to
apply:
- The equipment must have its own source of ignition;
- Be intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere (air mixtures);
and be
- Under normal atmospheric conditions.
The Directive also covers components essential for the safe use and safety
devices directly contributing to the safe use of the equipment in scope. These
latter devices may be outside the potentially explosive environment.
The Directive has been mandatory from 1st July 2003.
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