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Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres
The Objective
Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must comply with several regulations, standards and directives before it can be traded worldwide.
In the European Union, equipment must be certified according to the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. Directive 94/9/EC replaces the three old approach directives: 6/117/EEC, 79/196/EEC, 97/53/EEC and 83/130/EEC.
This new ATEX Directive applies to new and used equipment, components, safety devices, controlling devices and regulating devices.
Access to market in North America is likewise subject to appropriate approvals in accordance with equipment safety requirements (UL, NEC, IECex).
In the rest of the world, several countries use IEC Standards and European Standards as national standards.
The Solution
There are several procedures for conformity assessment. In the European Union if the product complies with the ATEX Directive, a safety mark, called Ex-mark or Ex-proof can be issued.
For other countries and regional regulations please contact SGS advisory team.
Why SGS?
SGS, supported by its extensive experience and numerous laboratories, has established itself as an ideal partner to assist your business with regard to safety of working locations, working equipment and technical installations. Our services can be combined to significantly save costs and time. You may contact SGS specialists for some advice on your product and conformity procedures anytime.
Our Services
SGS offers you full support and specialist expertise on the following fields for equipment in explosive areas:
- Design Verification: SGS verifies the design of equipment to be used in explosive atmospheres and its safety components in accordance with the ATEX Directive and other design codes. The service can also include explosion risk-related analysis, and assistance in the following areas: defining equipment groups and categories, verifying stress calculations, working drawings, equipment specifications and ability to be operated in accordance with intended use. To ensure your compliance with the regulations, SGS may likewise propose adaptation and assessment of working equipment and locations.
- Type-approval: SGS performs series of testing and inspections against a specification, code, directive or industry standard. The service may include design verification, inspection, Non-Destructive Testing and Materials Testing.
- Inspections and audits: Statutory inspection applies after a complete or almost complete assembly/installation of the device and at regular intervals thereafter. Inspections can be carried out as well after conversion modification or modernization of the equipment. A typical inspection includes complete check of mechanical, structural, electrical, and safety systems.
- Testing of machines and components: SGS provides independent witnessing of performance tests of equipment to guarantee that performance values are met. The service may include verification of test reports for routine tests, witness test and a review of performance calculations. Typical operations performed on the equipment include load testing and operational testing to reassure that the unit is functioning properly.
- Risk Assessment: As the directive is not just applicable to electrical equipment, risk analysis should be carried out from a multidisciplinary viewpoint. Risk assessment offered by SGS may include:
- Assistance in completing hazard analysis, like dividing hazardous areas into zones with regard to the frequency and duration of an explosive atmosphere or determining the potential ignition source
- Analyses of the consequences involved with mechanical or electrical equipment and protective systems.
First Steps
Please contact SGS with the following information:
- A description of your product, including illustrations, schematics, wiring diagrams, a copy of the marking plate and any appropriate product information
- The name and address of the company responsible for the product and a list of manufacturing locations.
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