Health and Safety directives

ATEX (Atmospheres Explosive)

Introduced into British Law March 1996 with transition periods. All hazardous areas must now conform to ATEX 95 & ATEX 137 and applies to both electrical & mechanical equipment.

ATEX comes from the French abbreviation “Atmosphères Explosibles” but is generally known as Atmospheres Explosive.

The ATEX Directive 95 (94/9/EC) forces manufacturers to gain certification of electrical and/or mechanical products that can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres. Equipment conforming to ATEX 95 will bear the Ex symbol shown here.

The main purpose of the directive is to remove technical barriers to trade within the European Community and outlines essential technical and safety requirements.

European Directive 137 (1999/92/EC), The Protection of Workers from Potentially Explosive Atmospheres, makes it mandatory under European law to assess for an explosion risk and classify the area accordingly.

ATEX 95 is known at the equipment directive

ATEX 137 is known as the health and safety or the employer’s directive.