Devices and security systems placed on the market and intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must be sufficiently safe.
For which devices?
The RD on products used in explosive atmospheres ( “ATEX”), concerns devices and security systems placed on the European market and intended for use in explosive atmospheres (gas, vapour, dust, etc.).
The scope of this Decree also covers safety, monitoring and regulatory devices that are intended for use outside potetially explosive atmospheres, but that are necessary or contribute to the safe operation of devices and security systems in relation to the danger of explosion.
There are various groups and categories of such devices depending on where they can be used.
However, some products are excluded from this directive but are regulated by specific European legislation with regard to explosion risks. For example: equipment intended for use on seagoing ships or equipment related to the arms or ammunition trade.
Regulations
The general and safety regulations for “ATEX” products are described in the Code of Economic Law, Book IX on the safety of products and services. More specific requirements and procedures are expanded upon further in the Royal Decree of 21 April 2016 on to the placing on the market of devices and security systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX).
This RD is the transposition of European Directive 2014/34/EU.
Obligations for the producer
As a producer (manufacturer, representative of the manufacturer, importer, etc.), you must ensure that the products you are placing on the market meet the essential health and safety regulations.
Furthermore, all ATEX placed on the market must bear the CE marking and the accompanying EC declaration of conformity. This means that, depending on the type of design, a number of procedures must be followed before an ATEX product may be placed on the market. The main differences in terms of procedures are the following:
- ATEX products in Group I Cat. M1 and Group II Cat. 1 (products with a very high level of protection)
- Subjecting the product to an EC-type audit, to be carried out by a notified body;
- Having manufacturing quality control carried out either by an EC guarantee system for end product quality or an EC quality guarantee system from the producer, with monitoring.
- ATEX products in Group I Cat. M2 and Group II Cat. 2 (products with a high level of protection)
- For combustion engines and electrical devices:
- Subjecting the product to an EC-type audit, to be carried out by a registered authority.
- Having manufacturing quality control carried out either by an EC guarantee system for end product quality or an EC quality guarantee system from the producer, with monitoring.
- For other devices:
- Inspection of the internal production;
- Transferring the technical documentation to a notified body.
- For combustion engines and electrical devices:
- ATEX products in Group II Cat. 3 (normal level of protection)
- Inspection of the internal production.
A CE hallmark per unit is also allowed for all these products.
Further information on conformity assessment procedures can be found in the Royal Decree of 21 April 2016 on the placing on the market of devices and security systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX).
