New ATEX Directive Information

Apr 29, 2016 | Schemes Updates

EU Legislation and ATEX

The New ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Directive defines the essential health and safety requirements and conformity assessment procedures, to be applied before products are placed on the EU market. It is aligned with the New Legislative Framework policy, and it is applicable from 20 April 2016, replacing the previous Directive 94/9/EC.

A Guidance document on the ATEX Directive transition from 94/9/EC to 2014/34/EUpdf  is available, with a list of frequently asked questions and answers.

Changes to the ATEX equipment directive which may affect manufacturers

  • There is no change to the Essential Requirements of Health and Safety as defined in Annex II thus no technical change in the various evaluation procedures. The terms of Annexes of the Directive, however, are modified and ‘EC Type Examination Certificates’ will change to ‘EU Type Examination Certificates’ under the new ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.
  • Whilst ‘EC Type Examination Certificates’ remain valid, variations will require the Certificate to be reissued to an ‘EU Type Examination Certificate’ and the Standards used for Certification will need to  be as listed on Europa (current Harmonised Standards) or the product may be certified against the EHSR’s.
  • Standards that may be used to demonstrate  compliance with the New ATEX Directive can be found here: Consolidated lists of references of harmonised standards on equipment for explosive atmospheres (ATEX)
  • Manufacturers may need to write new instructions and a new Declaration/Attestation of Conformity with reference to Directive 2014/34/EU instead of the reference to ATEX Directive 94/9/EC even if they do not update from ‘EC Type Examination Certificates’ against 94/9/EC.
  • Standards listed to indicate compliance to 2014/34/EU on the Declaration/Attestation of Conformity should be current, as listed in the Consolidated lists of references of harmonised standards on equipment for explosive atmospheres (ATEX)

Click here to download The first edition of the ATEX 2014/34/EU Guidelines or contact ExVeritas if you have any questions.