With hazardous area regulations evolving across global markets, manufacturers and facility operators need more than just certification, they need a trusted partner. We combine technical expertise, direct access to engineers and active involvement in international standards to deliver certification services that go far beyond compliance.
Our world-class Buxton laboratory provides end-to-end services for IECEx, ATEX and UKEX certification. But what sets us apart is how we deliver them: an expert team with over 300 years of combined experience, personal support throughout the process and a focus on helping you build safer, better equipment for hazardous environments.
What makes hazardous area certification so complex?
Hazardous area equipment must meet strict safety requirements depending on where it's sold and used. Whether it’s IECEx for global markets, ATEX for the EU and Northern Ireland, or UKEX for Great Britain, navigating overlapping standards is a challenge, especially as regulations continue to evolve.
You also need to consider quality systems (QAR, QAN), ongoing inspections and competence requirements for service facilities. Achieving compliance is one thing. Staying compliant and competitive is another. That’s where we come in.
Explosion protection: more than just product certification
Effective explosion protection involves both the right equipment and the right processes. That means:
- Design and manufacture to the correct standard and protection type
- Installation, inspection, maintenance and repair in line with additional safety regulations
In Europe and the UK, this is governed by:
- ATEX 2014/34/EU and UKSI 2016:1107: covering product design and market placement
- ATEX 1999/92/EC and UK DSEAR (UKSI 2002:2776): covering equipment use and workplace safety
Globally, the IECEx scheme supports a consistent approach across design, service and personnel competence. IECEx certification can form the foundation for both ATEX and UKEX approvals, giving your products access to global markets with a single, harmonized approach.
Certification that goes beyond compliance
We offer a complete suite of services covering every stage of Ex compliance:
- Product certification: IECEx, ATEX and UKEX
- Quality system approvals: QAR (IECEx) and QAN (ATEX/UKEX)
- Service facility certification: for repair workshops under IECEx
- Inspection and risk assessments: ensuring safety and reducing downtime
- Training: delivered by our engineers for users, installers and manufacturers
We’re not just ticking boxes, we support you throughout the design, installation and maintenance of equipment to ensure compliance with the highest safety standards.
Types of protection we certify
We certify a full range of protection types under IEC 60079, including:
- Flameproof (Ex d)
- Intrinsic Safety (Ex i)
- Increased Safety (Ex e)
- Encapsulation (Ex m)
- Powder Filled (Ex q)
- Oil Immersed (Ex o)
- Pressurization (Ex p)
- Non-Sparking (Ex n)
- Optical Radiation (Ex op Is)
- Dust Protection by Enclosure (Ex t)
- Special Protection (Exs)
We also certify non-electrical equipment under EN ISO 80079-36/37, fully aligned with IECEx, ATEX, and UKEX standards.
Global certification, local expertise
Our Buxton-based lab is a recognized as a global hub for hazardous area certification. We provide direct access to the engineers working on your project – by phone, email or face-to-face. This hands-on support gives you faster answers, clearer guidance and confidence at every stage. Whether you're bringing a new product to market or auditing your repair workshop, we tailor our support to your specific needs.
Shaping the future of Ex compliance
What truly sets us apart is our influence. Our engineers are not only experts in compliance, they help shape the international and European standards that define it. That means when you work with us, you're getting insights from the very people contributing to the development of IECEx and ATEX regulations.
Why choose us as your certification partner?
- Deep technical knowledge across all Ex protection types
- Full alignment with current and emerging global standards
- Fast, impartial service with complete commercial confidentiality
- Practical training and guidance from industry-active engineers
- Flexible support for product design, system audits and inspections
Ready to simplify your path to Ex compliance?
Or contact us today to find out how our hazardous area certification services can support your business.
Contact:
Tom Engle
Business Development Manager
Connectivity & Products
United Kingdom
t: +44 (0)151 350 6666
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
