FEATURE HAZARDOUS AREAS & ATEX EQUIPMENT


being present and require Category 1 equipment. Zone 1 (gas) and 21 (dust) require Category 2, while Zone 2 (gas) and 22 (dust) require Category 3 marked equipment.


CATEGORY DEFINITION Within the Product Directive 2014/34/EU, equipment is classified into two groups. Group I covers mining, while Group II typically covers all other surface industries. Within each group a particular type of equipment is designated a category. Group I, M1 equipment is intended for


Preventing and controlling explosions


Jean-Louis Evans, managing director at TÜV SÜD Product Service, discusses effective prevention of explosions


T


here are two European Directives associated with ATEX and Potentially


Explosive Atmospheres, which set out the minimum requirements regarding equipment and installations. ATEX Product Directive 2014/34/EU is a product design and construction Directive for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, while ATEX Directive 99/92/EC covers the hazardous workplace, employer´s safety and environmental aspects. These two Directives set the minimum


standards for both the employer and the equipment manufacturer regarding explosive atmospheres. It affects all manufacturers and their authorised representatives in the European Union (EU), as well as trade agents, importers or any persons responsible for placing a product on the Common European Market. The following electrical and non-


electrical products are affected by the ATEX Directive: • Equipment: machines, operating


equipment, devices, control components and instrumentation. • Protective systems: such as explosion


suppression and relief systems. • Components: that are essential to


the safe functioning of such equipment and protective systems. The design and construction of


equipment falling under the ATEX Product Directive must be such that ignition of explosive atmospheres is prevented, or that its impacts are limited to an adequate level of safety. It is therefore vital that the design and construction of equipment, protective systems, and components operated in potentially explosive atmospheres comply.


18 SUMMER 2017 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE Before items are placed on the


common market, the CE marking must be affixed in accordance with the Directive 2014/34/EU. This is not a consumer label, but indicates that the product complies with the Directive and may therefore be traded freely.


99/92/EC HAZARDOUS AREAS Explosions can be caused by gas, vapours or mists, as well as dust. Employers and the self-employed must therefore carry out a risk assessment and record its findings in an ‘explosion protection document’. This must detail measures that have been taken to reduce or prevent the risk of explosions and to mitigate the effects of an explosion. It must also include detail of the early warning devices, staff training, operational procedures, maintenance, operation of permits to work, and co- ordination between employers. It is the employer’s responsibility to


ensure a safe working environment, which includes taking the necessary arrangement for coordination when several organisations are operating at the same workplace. Employers are also responsible for


understanding all dangers associated with materials on their sites, and a safety assessment must include how the materials are processed within the facility. Where hazardous materials have been identified, hazardous explosive atmospheres may occur, and the area has to be classified into Ex-zones. Zone classification depends on the


likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring and its persistence if it does. Zone 0 (gas) and 20 (dust) are at the highest risk of an explosive atmosphere


use in underground parts for mines as well as those parts of surface installations of such mines endangered by firedamp and/or combustible dust. Equipment in this field is required to remain functional, even in the event of rare incidents relating to equipment, with an explosive atmosphere present. Group I, M2 equipment is intended for


use in underground parts of mines as well as those parts of surface installations of such mines likely to be endangered by firedamp and/or combustible dust. The equipment is intended to be de-energised in the event of an explosive atmosphere. Group II, Category 1 equipment is


Jean-Louis Evans, managing director at TÜV SÜD Product Service


intended for use where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously. Equipment within this category must be designed to ensure the very highest level of protection, considering rare and expected equipment faults. Group II, Category 2 is for equipment


that is intended for use where explosive atmospheres are likely to occur. It must provide the requisite level of protection, even in the event of frequently occurring disturbances or equipment failures that are considered to be the norm. Group II, Category 3 covers equipment


that is intended for use where explosive atmospheres are unlikely to occur, or occur infrequently and only for short time periods. This equipment must provide the requisite level of protection for normal operation.


EFFECTIVE PREVENTION As explosions can cause loss of life, serious injuries, and significant damage, it is vital that equipment designers, manufacturers and purchasers adhere to both ATEX Directives. The effective prevention of the release of dangerous substances that create explosive atmospheres, as well as preventing sources of ignition to reduce the risk in the workplace are fundamental to avoiding the potentially severe consequences of an explosion.


TÜV SÜD www.tuv-sud.co.uk


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