FEATURE HAZARDOUS AREA / ATEX
WHAT DO THE ATEX CHANGES MEAN TO EX FORKLIFT USERS?
Following the recent introduction of the new ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, Steve Noakes, engineering manager at Pyroban offers guidance on what this means to users and suppliers of explosion proof forklifts
T
he new ATEX Directive, which concerns equipment and protective
systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, replaces the current ATEX Directive 94/9/EC as part of a new, consistent Legislative Framework for EU Directives. The fundamental basis of the current ATEX Directive has not changed, and while this will minimise impact on manufacturers and suppliers of explosion protection solutions, it may create confusion as to exactly what this means to companies, sales people and end users. Maintaining safety in potentially explosive atmospheres is so important that it is essential to understand what these changes consist of, both for managers, operators and company legal departments. Under the new Directive, Essential Safety & Health Requirements (ESHRs) remain the same, the equipment categories used to define the different explosion protection levels are unaffected (3G, 2G, 3D, 2D), and the certification procedures are also unchanged. Manufacturer self-certification still remains for Category 3 equipment for use in zone 2 and zone 22 applications.
The content of the EU Declaration of Conformity is also revised in the new Directive. Components and equipment having third-party certification to 94/9/EC remain valid under 2014/34/EU and do not need to be re-certified. The new Legislative Framework places a
higher emphasis on market surveillance and the expectations of EU member states to better police the markets, but as the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU exists to control the requirements for producing and bringing a product into the market when new, after-sales activities will not be directly affected by the changes. The other notable ATEX Directive, 1992/92/EC, which affects the end user of the forklift is also not affected by the legislative changes and remains in its current form. Although the 2014/34/EU ATEX
“As equipment becomes older the
‘Justification for Continued Use’ is the responsibility of the end user, not the manufacturer...”
CERTIFICATION CHANGES However, there will be several changes to certification under the new Directive. New products placed on the market following the 20th April 2016 introduction of the Directive should state the new ATEX Directive number 2014/34/EU on documentation instead of 94/9/EC and component level certificates are now called ‘EU Type Examination Certificate’ instead of ‘EC Type Examination Certificate’.
6 SUMMER 2016 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE
Directive exists to govern the safe trade of Ex equipment and protection solutions by manufacturers, suppliers and importers, there are some important considerations for end users too. To ensure that safety levels are not compromised during the equipment’s service life, it is important that the end user maintains
all Ex equipment adequately – as
equipment becomes older the ‘Justification for Continued Use’ is the responsibility of the end user, not the manufacturer. Maintenance and professional audits by
competent persons is considered the basis for assuring that explosion protection equipment is suitable for continued use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Companies should always use specially trained engineers to conduct safety checks, in turn helping to avoid serious legal implications in the
Users of Pyroban explosion protection safety solutions have access to trained engineers to help ensure maintenance, repairs and servicing are carried out to ensure safe equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres
event of an incident. Users of Pyroban explosion protection safety solutions, have access to trained engineers via their equipment dealer to help them carry out maintenance, repairs and servicing to help sustain safe equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. Pyroban’s own specialist engineers are also available should a customer require additional help and support.
ANNUAL INSPECTIONS To further counter the potential problem of defective explosion proof forklifts being used in hazardous areas, Pyroban is also offering Ex –ASA annual inspections as part of the purchase price for all conversions completed within 2016 for use in Europe. Any Directive or standard that improves
safety in potentially explosive atmospheres must be welcomed, but for those needing additional information or support around the new ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU or guidance on servicing Ex equipment we are here to help.
Pyroban
www.pyroban.com T: 01273 456800
/ INDUST RAL COMPA RI CE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28