Explosion protection for manufacturers

The ATEX 2014/34/EU directive harmonises the regulations of the member states for devices and protective systems for the intended use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It regulates the placing on the EU market of electrical and non-electrical equipment and protective systems and is directed at manufacturers and / or importers.

a) Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres,

(b) safety, control and regulation devices for use outside potentially explosive atmospheres, but which are required or contribute to the safe operation of equipment and protective systems with respect to explosion risks;

c) Components (U-mark in the certificate, no CE marking) intended for installation in the equipment and protective systems referred to (a).

Answer the following questions:

If both questions are answered “YES”, your product will most likely fall under the ATEX 2014/34 / EU directive.

One of the first steps in implementing the requirements of your product is to perform an ignition source analysis. The standard EN 1127-1 and -2 (Mining industry) describes 13 sources of ignition. For non-electrical devices there is a good procedure in the standard ISO 80079-36 (ignition hazard assessment). Which apply to your product? And how are these made ineffective (= types of protection). It usually takes 1-3 days, and one thing is for sure: you will get to know your product from a completely different side.

An operator thinks in zones, a manufacturer thinks in categories / EPL.

There are two ATEX directives: User directive 1999/92/EG and producer directive 2014/34/EU.

I support you in choosing the right and possible category (1,2 or 3) and its impact on your customers (possible zones for operators).

In the field of electrical devices, I will gladly advise you on the selection and implementation of the type of protection / s for your product. The holistic approach also takes into account the choice of the notified body, the appropriate type of surveillance, the safe manufacturing and specific training of your staff. The following lists the common types of protection for electrical equipment:

• EN 60079-0, General requirements
• EN 60079-1, “Ex d”, Flameproof Enclosure
• EN 60079-2, “Ex p”, Pressurization
• EN 60079-5, “Ex q”, Powder Filling
• EN 60079-6, “Ex o”, Liquid immersion
• EN 60079- 7, Ex e”, Enhanced safety
• EN 60079-11, “Ex i”, Intrinsically safety
• EN 60079-15, “Ex nR”, Restricted breathing
• EN 60079-18, “Ex m”, Encapsulation
• EN 60079-25, Intrinsically safe systems
• EN 60079-28, “Ex op_”, Optical Protection
• EN 60079-31, “Ex t”, Protection by enclosure

In the field of non-electrical devices, I will gladly advise you on the selection and implementation of the type of protection / s for your product. The holistic approach also takes into account the choice of the notified body, the appropriate type of surveillance, the safe manufacturing and specific training of your staff.

• ISO 80079-36, Basic requirements
• ISO 80079-37, “Ex h”
  • c = Ex h = Non-electrical type of protection constructional safety “c”
  • b = Ex h = control of ignition sources “b”
  • k = Ex h = liquid immersion “k”
• EN 13463-ff

The manufacturer of an ex-product must keep the technical documentation up to date. This is another reason why a documented process (procedure instruction) is required for certified manufacturers (Annex IV or VII). This makes sense in general and should also be part of “Internal Production Control” (Annex VIII). It is always important to have effective change management and to ensure certificate loyalty (type examination). We will gladly assist you in updating your technical documents, of course also against the background of your certificate. The technical documentation consists of:

• General description of the product
• manufacturing drawings
• drawings
• Documentation of components, assemblies, circuits, etc.
• List of applied harmonized standards Reference
• Tests
• Used (calibrated) measuring devices
• Test reports
• List of approved suppliers
• EU Declaration of conformity
• Manual
• Maintenance / installation instructions
• Type plate, etc. CE/EX-Marking
• Procedural instructions, work instructions, forms, checklists

For manufacturers there are different methods (modules) of monitoring by a notified body.

If you choose Annex IV or VII, you need an ATEX quality management system. If you pass the audit, you will receive a Quality assurance notification (QAN).

In the IECEx Equipment Scheme, there are only audits possible (except for single unit verification). You will get a “Quality Assessment Report” (QAR).

In both cases, the basis is ISO 80079-34, based on ISO9001.

The tasks of an ex-authority are complex and challenging. In ISO 80079-34 an ex-authority is mandatory. So, if you want to have an audit accordance with Annex IV or VII of the ATEX Directive 2014/34 / EU or even have to do so in the IECEx, then you need this important key function in your company. Gladly I advise you here to all essential questions!

For further information you will find a professional article here!

Unfortunately, the ideal global system does not exist. Although the IECEx Scheme already offers substantial relief, a “global approval” is still a vision of the future. Here are some HazLoc systems:

• NEC 500-504 / 505-506 for USA
• INMETRO for Brasil
• CHINA EX (CCC Ex) for China
• KOSHA for Korea
• EACEx for Russia

Let us discuss together which systems make sense for you and what significance this has for your company.