CE / Atex

CE / ATEX

Klimablock fully comply with the requirements of the European Machinery Directive and the ATEX Directive. All of our customers are supplied with complete documentation on products purchased from Klimablock.

WHAT IS ATEX?

ATEX is a French acronym that stands for “Atmosphere Explosive”. In connection with the EU directives, it is the Directive 94/9/EC concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, and user Directive 1999/92/EC, colloquially “ATEX directives” that is.

WHY ATEX?

These Directives is the desire for uniform rules in the EU, an improved working environment and increased protection of workers and the community from danger and damage from hazardous installations.

User Directive 1999/92/EC replaces a number of old Danish rules, where previously, for example at storage facilities and gas installations, was fixed distance to the surroundings. Now, the employer through various standards and guidelines make an extended APV and a zone classification around the workplaces that because of gas, dust or fumes cannot be improved so that it is no longer explosive. Working Environment and Preparedness Agency has published various guidance documents in this regard.

WHO ARE AFFECTED?

Manufacturers and users of machinery and components containing potential ignition sources to be employed in circumstances where there may be a risk of explosion due to the environment must be aware of the directives, in order to determine when the equipment must comply with 94/9/EC. In this context, users must be aware of the above Directive 1999/92/EC, which is about worker safety in these environments. In the case of explosion risk, both because of gas, dust and vapors in the air around machinery or equipment with mechanical joints. Dust explosions have, for example seen in the transport and storage of feed and grain.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO MANUFACTURERS?

We distinguish between manufacturing and labeling of components and compound machines.

Component Manufacturers produce and brands component according to the hazard class they want to send to the market and it is the buyer’s responsibility to select the proper components from labeling.

Manufacturers of complex machines should first be aware of the hazard class machine to work within and users must for purchases provide information about which zone the equipment is located in. It is therefore important for a manufacturer that in the supply contract is pointed out that the machine must work under the ATEX Directive and the hazard class machine must live up to. It is the employer’s responsibility to zone classification and the equipment used is proper for the purpose

Fabricator must construct and fabricate the machine acc. To the demands in the directive and its standards. The most important guidelines are that the electric components full fill the demands as defined in the standards and ensuring the equipment against sparks due to static electricity. It is important to ensure that the machine cannot be cause of ignition of a potentially explosive atmosphere.

WHAT SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED?

The documentation requirements follow the guidelines applicable to the Machinery Directive. Since in many cases it will be an authorizing body involved, the documents to be tougher compared to machines for self-approval by the Machinery Directive.

The instructions must meet the same requirements as those imposed by the machinery directive, but supplemented with information that is generated by the explosive environment. Marking of equipment for ATEX Directive performed with the special hexagon sign of explosion proof equipment and markings of the hazard class, the device is intended.

 

APPROVALS

Machines to meet the requirements of the Machinery Directive can for 98% of its approval by the manufacturer. Unlike the ATEX Directive, this requires an approval body in most cases. Finally, a wide range of requirements for quality system of the manufacturer claims that normally would be satisfied if the company’s quality system is approved according to ISO 9000. The requirements are also tougher in the manufacture of electrical components, than in the production of actual machines

WHAT IMPACT WILL THE ATEX DIRECTIVE HAVE ON DANISH ENGINEERING?

There is no doubt that the Directive 94/9/EC, taking into account the particularly dangerous conditions that can occur around machinery and equipment, working in an environment that can accommodate a risk of explosions and ignitions of gas and dust will lead authorities will enforce the rules. This will lead authorities; especially fire authorities will require that machinery must work in hazardous areas must also comply with the requirements derived from the ATEX directive. Working Environment Authority will use Directive (1999/92/EC) in hand to demand the same. Both authorities will also be on the basis of directives could apply requirements to cleanliness of particular areas with excessive dust. This particular feed industry and similar areas to be aware of. ATEX dir. 1999/92/EC does not include fireworks.