ATEX

The Product Directive is intended for manufacturers who place equipment, protective systems, and components intended for use in hazardous areas within the EU on the market—such as motors, switchgear, or sensor systems for the process and chemical industries. The Industrial Safety Directive is intended for operators of facilities with potentially explosive atmospheres—such as those in the chemical industry, paint shops, mills, or the oil and gas industry—as well as for all companies whose employees work in these zones.

• Zone Classification: Classification of potentially explosive atmospheres into Zones 0/20, 1/21, and 2/22

• Equipment categories: Classification of equipment into Category 1, 2, or 3 depending on the permitted zone of use

• Explosion Protection Document: Mandatory documentation of zone classification, risk assessment, and protective measures by the operator

• Personnel Qualification: Verifiable training and authorization for work in Ex zones

• Marking: CE marking with a specific Ex symbol and indication of the equipment category

• Organizational measures: Approval procedures for work involving ignition sources, such as permits for hot work

ATEX and the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) address different types of hazards and are not mutually exclusive: ATEX protects against explosion hazards caused by flammable gases, vapors, or dusts, while the PED protects against hazards posed by pressure-retaining equipment. A system may be subject to both sets of regulations simultaneously—for example, a pressure vessel operated in an Ex zone that must meet both the PED’s conformity requirements for pressure resistance and the ATEX requirements for safe operation in a potentially explosive atmosphere.

The use of non-ATEX-compliant equipment in hazardous areas can trigger an explosion—with potentially life-threatening consequences for personnel and significant property damage to the facility. Regulatory authorities may prohibit the operation of the affected plant components if explosion protection documentation is missing or inadequate. In the event of accidents resulting from non-compliance with ATEX requirements, operators and responsible parties also face significant civil and criminal consequences.

• PED 2014/68/EU – Pressure Equipment Directive

• EU Machinery Regulation (2023/1230) – Safety Requirements for Machinery

• EN ISO 12100 – Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction in Mechanical Engineering

• ISO 9001 – Basic Quality Management Standard