ATEX is The European Regulatory Framework for Manufacture, Installation, and Use of Equipment in Explosive Atmospheres (denoted by Ex). It came into force in 2003 and was enacted in the UK by statutory Instrument (SI) 2002:2776.
It was called DSEAR (The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations of 2002) and implemented both the ATEX and the Chemical Agents Directive (98/24/EC). ATEX is an abbreviation of the term(ATmosphères EXplosives) which is derived from “Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosives” (French for Equipment intended for use in Explosive Atmospheres).
ATEX consists of two directives. ATEX directives apply to all the electrical & mechanical equipment & protective systems which are located within potentially explosive environments. ATEX directives were adopted by the EU (European Union) to facilitate the trade between the member states by aligning the technical and legal requirements for products intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere.
ATEX is applicable in atmospheres where explosions can occur because of dust, vapors, or gases that are likely to ignite or detonate. So, it applies to most workplaces that use or store flammable or explosive materials — for example, factories that use flammable products or generate combustible clouds of dust.
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
• Finding directive and EN standard applicable to the product
• Selecting the appropriate certification scheme
• Based on the scope of the product and certification scheme
• Technical file, Plant Master file and Test Protocol
• Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• ATEX Awareness training to QC manager and Production Manager
• Implementing a well-documented manual throughout the life cycle of the product
• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to ATEX requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the Self Certification/NoBo
• ATEX certificates issued for 3 years
• Surveillance Audits yearly
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
ATEX Certification is a certification of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in the European Union. Equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in the United States must have the specific mark of one of the NRTLs recognized to test and certify this type of equipment.”
Equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX) A potentially explosive atmosphere exists when a mixture of air gases, vapours, mists, or dusts combine in a way that can ignite under certain operating conditions.
ATEX is applicable in atmospheres where explosions can occur because of dust, vapors or gases that are likely to ignite or detonate. So, it applies to most workplaces that use or store flammable or explosive materials — for example, factories that use flammable products or generate combustible clouds of dust.