Equipment and protective systems intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres, ATEX Directive, 94/9/EC is a so-called “New Approach” Directive which provides the technical requirements to be applied to equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Directive has been mandatory from 1st July 2003. Manufacturers who apply its provisions and affix the CE marking are able to sell their equipment anywhere in Europe without any further requirements with respect to the risks covered. In effect this means access to the largest Single Market in the world, including over 450 million citizens. The Directive covers a surprisingly large range of equipment, potentially including equipment used on fixed offshore platforms, in petrochemical plants, mines, flour mills and other areas where a potentially explosive atmosphere may be present. There are three pre-conditions for the Directive to apply.

The equipment:

• • must have its own source of ignition.
  • be intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere (air mixtures).
  • be under normal atmospheric conditions.

The Directive also covers components essential for the safe use and safety devices directly contributing to the safe use of the equipment in scope. These latter devices may be outside the potentially explosive environment