The objective of the ATEX Directives is to prevent explosions and/or provide protection against them, establishing the employer’s obligations to achieve this.
As established by current regulations, employers must ensure the protection of the health and safety of their workers who may be exposed to risks arising from an explosive atmosphere, being the presence of flammable gases, vapours, mists or dusts with sufficient concentration in the environment in which, after ignition, combustion spreads to the unburned mixture.
Ensure prevention and protection against explosions.
Evaluate the specific risks arising from potentially explosive atmospheres.
Coordinate all work carried out in Explosion Risk Areas.
Classify the Zones with Explosion Risk. (Zoning)
Prepare an Explosion Protection Document. (DPE)
ATEX regulations
The three regulations that regulate the Prevention of Risks in Explosive Atmospheres are the following:
Some activities of certain companies are carried out within these conditions. The most affected industries are of the type: