The phrase “ATEX certification” is often used in engine starting, but what exactly does it mean? If you operate an offshore platform or underground mine – or if you supply products to companies that do – ATEX certification means safety.
The directive 2014/34/EU, which is a revision of the current 94/9/EC directive, was published in the official journal of the European Union dated March 29 th 2014. Since that date, complementary information on its application has been issued: here is an update on the information available at this date
The name ‘ATEX’ is short for “Atmospheres Explosives”. It is a strict set of regulations that applies to products intended for use in any hazardous working environment. Products are categorized according to the level of hazard that exists in the zone they will be used.
Main changes
The EC declaration of conformity becomes an EU declaration of conformity.
The EC type-examination certificate becomes an EU type-examination certificate.
Importers are required to put their names and addresses on the products (or on the packaging, if relevant).
Manufacturer’s, importer’s and distributor’s responsibilities, with regard to placing the products on the market (in particular requirements for traceability and market surveillance), are more precisely defined and reinforced.
Requirements applicable to the notified bodies are reinforced.
What does not change:
The CE marking (it concerns the European Conformity).
The scope of the directive and its essential health and safety requirements.
The conformity assessment procedures.
The classification of groups and categories of equipment and the “ ATEX ” marking.
Date of application :
Directive 94/9/EC will be abrogated on April 19th, 2016. It remains fully applicable until this date.
From April 20th, 2016 the new 2014/34/EU directive will come into force:
EU declarations of conformity according to the 2014/34/EU directive must replace the EC declarations of conformity.
The issuance of certificates according to the new directive becomes possible.
Guidance documents :
The new ATEX guidelines dedicated to Directive 2014/34/EU should be published before April 20th, 2016.
A specific workshop held in September 2015 was organized by the European Commission, with the attendance of LCIE. Contact us for it.
