This legislation requires the evaluation of the health risks, which must be collected in the document “Protection Against Explosion”. This document brings together and identifies the zone classifications which are potentially explosive and indicates the technical means and organisational methods to prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres (ATEX).
It also establishes mecanisms that allow the reduction of the damaging effects of an explosion in a manner that guarantees the safety of the workforce.
WHAT IS ATEX?
ATEX comes from the abbreviation of ATmosphere EXplosive, which comes from a series of European Directives and which member states of the EU are obliged to comply with.
Relevant regulations:
Directive 94/9/CE - ATEX 100:
Regarding the apparatus and protective systems for use in explosive atmospheres.
Directive 1999/92/CE - ATEX 137:
Regarding the protection of the health and safety of the employees exposed to the risks derived from the presence of explosive atmospheres in the workplace.
MAIN TYPES OF EXPLOSIVEATMOSPHERE
Explosive gas atmosphere:
Is a mixture with the air, under atmospheric conditions, of a flammable substance in a gas or vapour state, where, in case of ignition, the combustion propagates to all of the unburnt mixture.
Explosive atmospheres involving dust:
Is a mixture in air, under atmospheric conditions, with flammable substances in the form of dust or fibres, in which, in case of ignition, the combustion propagates to the rest of the umburnt mixture.
PROTECTION AGAINST EXPLOSION
The ATEX Directives establish the necessary measures for the protection and safety of employees within the explosion risk areas. Following measures are obligatory for the employer:
GENERAL
In places where explosive mixtures can take place, the working environment should be adequately protected, so that work can be carried out safely.
In places where explosive atmospheres take place, the following technical measures should be taken along with proper supervision of the working environment whilst employees are present in these environments
ADOPTION OF MEASURES FOR PROTECTION AND PREVENTION AGAINST EXPLOSION
Taking specific technical or organizational measures depending on the type of activity, following a priority order and in accordance to the following basic principals:
Avoid the formation of explosive atmospheres.
Avoid the ignition of explosive atmospheres.
Reduce the effects of a possible explosion.
The previous measures will be combined or will be completed with others to avoid propagation of explosions, where necessary.
The application of measures will be revised periodically and when important changes have occured.
DEVELOPMENT OF DOCUMENTATION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST
EXPLOSION “ATEX”
Including as required by law.
Evaluation and definition of the risks of explosion.
The necessary measures to fulfill the requirements of Directive 1999/92/CE.
The different areas classified into zones.
The areas where the minimum requirements of Annex II of regulation Directive 1999/92/CE apply.
That the place and the equipment is designed, used and maintained according to the safety requirements.
That the work equipment is used according to the safety requirements
ZONE CLASSIFICATION
Gases, vapours and fogs are classified into zones, according to the following criteria:
ZONE 0 (GAS)
ZONE 20 (DUST)
Work area where an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture of air and flammable substances (in the form of gas, vapour, fog or dust), is permanently present for frequent or long periods of time.
ZONE 1 (GAS)
ZONE 21 (DUST)
Work area where it is possible, under normal conditions of operation, the formation of temporary explosive atmospheres consisting of a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour, fog or dust.
ZONE 2 (GAS)
ZONE 22 (DUST)
Work area where it is not usual, under normal conditions of operation, the formation of temporary explosive atmospheres consisting of a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour, fog or dust, but when created, will only be present for short periods of time.
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