EU Directive 94/9/EC Equipment and Protective Systems intended

for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX)

Version 3 September 2009

Web: www.global-legislation.com
Q&A: glegislation@premierfarnell.com

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1 Introduction

zzATEX 95:
zzATEX 137:

European Union (EU) Directive ATEX95 94/9/EC

commonly called ATEX covers electrical and nonelectrical equipment that is used in potentially explosive
atmospheres. Explosive atmospheres may be present
where flammable solvents or combustible dusts such
as flour are used. Flammable solvents may be used for
cleaning or as an additive to a process. Equipment that
is used in these environments must be designed to avoid
causing an explosion or fire,
i.e. avoid sparks and other ignition sources and they cannot
be put onto the EU market until approved by a Notified
Body who will issue a Certificate of Conformity.

Manufacturer
User

2.1 Exclusions
ATEX specifically excludes certain categories of equipment
which are:
Medical devices used in medical environments (these would
be covered by the Medical Device Directives).
Domestic and non-commercial equipment where potentially
explosive atmospheres are rare

There is another related directive called the ATEX 137

Workplace Directive 99/92/EC (DSEAR Dangerous
Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations - in UK).
This is concerned with the safety of the workplace and
requires the user to carry out a risk assessment and mark
hazardous areas according to risk. Zones are defined
which are based on the risk levels and these relate to the
Categories defined by the ATEX equipment directive.
Both of these ATEX directives are currently in force in the EU.

Personal protective equipment, Marine shipping and

offshore equipment, transport such as cars and trains
(but not if these are used in explosive atmospheres)
and equipment designed solely for military purposes.
Equipment used where the risk is due only to the presence
of explosive or chemically unstable substances is also
excluded. Simple mechanical products such as clockwork
timepieces and self-closing doors are also excluded but
forks for fork-lift trucks would be included.

ATEX is an EU Directive and equipment sold in other parts

of the world may need to meet different local legislative
requirements. In North America, documentation is
submitted to an appropriate approvals body and testing is
also carried out. In the rest of the world, most countries use
IEC Standards as national standards.

2.2 Equipment categories

Equipment within the scope of ATEX is divided into two
groups. Group I is for equipment used in underground
mines and surface installations. Group II covers other
equipment and this is divided into three categories.

2 Scope

Category 1. Equipment that requires the highest level of

protection as it will be used for long periods in potentially
explosive atmospheres, and must be able to provide
protection even if one means of protection fails or if two
faults occur. or if two faults occur.

Any equipment that is used where there is a risk that the

atmosphere will contain flammable or explosive mixtures
of air and gases, mists, dusts, vapours, etc., even if this is
unlikely to occur. New and used equipment and some types
of components, such as relays, that are placed on the EU
market and put into service has to comply.
This includes equipment made for own use.

Category 2. Equipment needs a high level of protection for

use where potentially explosive atmospheres are likely to
occur.

Category 3. Equipment in this category will have a normal

level of protection and is intended for use where potentially
explosive atmospheres are infrequent or exist for short
periods only.

There are also requirements that are specific to the two

Groups and three sub-Categories as well as additional
requirements for safety related devices, for example they
must be fail-safe. There are also requirements relating to
systems such as hazards caused by power failure.

The frequency that potentially explosive atmospheres

may be encountered is the basis of the zones defined
by the ATEX 137 Workplace Directive. There are six zone
classifications, three where the risk is from gases and
three where the risk is from dusts. Zone 0 (gases) is the
highest level of risk and so only Category 1 equipment is
likely to be acceptable. Zone 1 is where potentially explosive
atmospheres (due to gases) are likely and Zone 2 is where
they are unlikely or may be present for a short time and so
Category 3 equipment could be used. Zones 20, 21 and 22
are the equivalent dust risk zones

All equipment within the scope of ATEX must be marked

and the directive specifies which markings are required
and include the name and address of manufacturer, CE
mark, year of construction, a specific marking of explosion
protection and a symbol to represent the equipment Group
and Category. Equipment in Group II is also marked G to
signify gases and D for dusts.

4 How to comply
Manufacturers will need to submit an application for
examination to an approved Notified Body. There are several
procedures that can be used, a product type can be
approved or an individual unit can be tested and approved
by a Notified Body. For type approval, the Notified body
will review submitted information, examine and test the
equipment and provide a certificate of conformity if the
equipment meets all of the requirements. Manufacturers will
also need to inform the Notified Body if any modifications
are made and further testing may be required before
approval can be given. However ATEX does not apply to
repaired equipment as long as the original function is
maintained.

3 Requirements
Equipment that needs to comply with ATEX must
be designed in such a way as to meet the general
requirements of the directive. The main principles are to
prevent explosions, avoid all sources of ignition and if an
explosion were to occur, to halt it as soon as possible.
There are many design requirements and a few are
summarised here:
zz Designs must be analysed to determine where possible
faults may occur that cause ignition

The types of technical documentation that will be required

includes:

zz Equipment must withstand conditions within the

environment in which it will be used.

zz Design

drawings, layout diagrams, circuit diagrams, etc.

zz All
 equipment must include instructions and the

zz Description

and explanations of drawings

directive specifies what these

zz A
 list of standards which apply

must include.

zz Test reports and any other information such as design

zz Materials must be selected to avoid triggering an

calculations.

explosion. For example, plastics should not be used if

these are likely to fracture as a result of contact with

zz Manufacturers should carry out risk assessments and

solvents.

many possible methods are available for this. The EC

guidance suggests two methods; i) by a systematic

zz The design and construction should avoid triggering

review of all component parts and the likely effect

explosions with attention, for example, to enclosures to

of possible defects to these and ii) by the use of

prevent leaks (keep explosive mixtures out or to contain

brain-storming. EC guidance also suggests that more

explosive mixtures) and to avoid dust

than one technique should be used to avoid overlooking

build up.

risks.

zz Avoid potential ignition sources such as static discharge,

stray leakage currents or overheating.

Written in conjunction with ERA Technology Ltd trading as Cobham Technical Services (www.era.co.uk/rfa)
2009 Premier Farnell plc. Permission is granted for reproduction in whole or in part provided Premier Farnell plc is credited.

ATEX
For the World

For Europe

Putting IECEx and ATEX together

A common approach to lifting barriers to

trade within the European Economic Area
(EEA).

Aim: One single certificate for any

hazardous area product recognised and
accepted throughout the world.
Technically identical standards for electrical
equipment since 2005.

Already accepted in many countries.

Alternatively a single test report (ExTR)
can be sent to any member certification
body (ExCB) to issue locally accepted
certification.
Currently only electrical equipment to IEC
Standards.

For single standards, a single set of tests

and assessments can support both IECEx
and ATEX.

IECEx

ExCB maintains the status of certificate

based on the outcome of further QARs, a
minimum of 2 audit visits in a 3 year period.

Electrical Protection Concepts

60079-0
60079-1
60079-2
60079-5
60079-6
60079-7

61241-0
61241-1
61241-2

Ex d

Ex p
Ex q
Ex o
Ex e
Ex ia
60079-11(*) 61241-11(*)
Ex ib
Ex nA
Ex nL
60079-15
Ex nR
Ex nC
Ex nP
Ex ma
60079-18 61241-18
Ex mb
(*) expected 2006

Ex tD
Ex pD

Ex iaD
Ex ibD

Ex maD
Ex mbD

Protection
Concept
General
Requirements
Flameproof
Enclosure
Pressurised
Powder Filled
Oil Filled
Increased Safety
Intrinsic Safety
Non-sparking
Energy limited
Restricted breathing
Enclosed break
Pressurisation
Encapsulation

T Class
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6

Maximum Surface
Temperature
450C
300C
200C
135C
100C
85C

Mechanical Protection Concepts

Ingress Protection (IP)

20/21/22
21/22

20
21

2
0
1

The manufacturer - alone - is responsible

for the Declaration of Conformity which
must accompany every product which bears
the European
Marking.

Hazardous area equipment typically requires

a minimum IP rating of IP54 but may be
assessed and tested to the higher ratings below:
DUST
IP 5x - Dust protected
IP 6x - Dust tight
WATER
Protected against:
IP x4 - splashing water
IP x5 - water jets
IP x6 - powered water jets
IP x7 - temporary immersion
IP x8 - continuous immersion
See IEC/EN 60529 for full definition of
IP ratings

Zone
Gas
Dust

1
1
1
1
0
1

An EC-Type Examination Certificate and

Quality Assessment Notification (QAN) are
issued by a Notified Body.

Standards Code

Gas Group
Protection Concept

Ex de IIB T4

ABC Engineering

Ingress Protection

Buxton, SK17 9RZ, UK

ATEX Coding

Type XYZ Solenoid

EN13463-3

EN13463-5

EN13463-6

EN13463-7

pressurisation

1
21

EN13463-8

liquid
immersion

1
21

240V ac
5A

II 2G

1180

Potential ignition sources identified in

the risk assessment are made safe by
applying one or more of the concepts.
The number of * in the table below
indicate the number of protection
concepts which need to be applied.

1
21

normal
operation
expected
malfunction
rare
malfunction

cat 3

cat 2

cat1

**

**
*

Gas Groups
Gas
Group
I

Electrical Parameters
Product Identification

IIA
IIB
IIC

ATEX Notified Body

Identification No.

IEC/EN 61508 is the international standard for electrical, electronic and

programmable electronic safety related systems. It sets out the requirements
for ensuring that systems are designed, implemented, operated and
maintained to provide the required safety integrity level (SIL). Four SILs are
defined according to the risks involved in the system application, with SIL4
being used to protect against the highest risks.

The standard is in seven parts:

IEC 61508-1, General requirements
IEC 61508-2, Requirements for E/E/PE safety-related systems
IEC 61508-3, Software requirements
IEC 61508-4, Definitions and abbreviations
IEC 61508-5, Examples and methods for the determination of safety integrity
levels
IEC 61508-6, Guidelines on the application of IEC 61508-2 and IEC 61508-3
IEC 61508-7, Overview of techniques and measures

ATEX certification
Training
IECEx certification
Technical advice
IEC 61508 certification
Technical file storage
Quality system approval
Testing
Assistance with DSEAR (ATEX User Directive) Implementation

Representative
Test Gas
Methane
(mining only)
Propane
Ethylene
Hydrogen

Gases are classified according to the

ignitability of gas-air mixture.
Refer to IEC/EN 60079-20 for classification
of common gases and vapours.

ATEX Certificate No.

IEC 61508 - Safety Systems

Baseefa Services

flameproof
constructional
safety
control of
ignition
sources

Serial No. and Year

of Manufacture

Baseefa05ATEX0001X

Employers must:
- find out what dangerous substances are in their workplace and what the fire
and explosion risks are
- put control measures in place to either remove those risks or, where this is not
possible, control them;
- put controls in place to reduce the effects of any incidents involving dangerous
substances;
- prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and
emergencies involving dangerous substances;
- make sure employees are properly informed about and trained to control or
deal with the risks from the dangerous substances;
- identify and classify areas of the workplace where explosive atmospheres may
occur and avoid ignition sources (from unprotected equipment, for example)
in those areas
The following are just some of the standards that can assist in the
implementation of DSEAR
EN 1127-1
Explosion prevention and protection
IEC/EN 60079-10 Classification of hazardous areas
IEC/EN 60079-14 Electrical installations hazardous areas
IEC/EN 60079-20 Data for flammable gases and vapours

flow restriction

Manufacturers Name
and Address

What does DSEAR require?

www.baseefa.com

fr

Mechanical certification is
based on a risk assessment
approach.
Category 3 equipment must be safe for
use in normal operation.
Category 2 equipment must be safe for
use in normal operation and expected
malfunction
Category 1 equipment must be safe for
use in normal operation, expected and
rare malfunction.

2
22
1
21
1
21

EN13463-2

Ambient Range
-20C to 40C unless
stated on label

2005 s/n 1234 IP66

ATEX User Directive - DSEAR Implementation

Zone

IECEx Certificate No.

-30C < Ta < 50C

Temperature Class

Concept
general
requirements

EN13463-1

20
21

IECEx BAS05.0001X

Temperature Class

Certification from a Notified Body is

Mandatory for cat. 1 and M1 equipment,
protective systems and cat. 2 and M2
electrical equipment. Otherwise selfdeclaration of compliance is permitted.

Conformity
Assessment

The technical requirements of a

manufacturers QA system are effectively
the same, both are based on EN13980 and
an IECEx QAR can support the issue of an
ATEX QAN.

Certificates of conformity created directly

on the IECEx website, fully visible for the
whole world to read and check status.

Code
Gas
Dust

Applicable to non-electrical equipment and

protective systems as well as electrical
equipment.

ATEX

An ATEX EC-Type Examination Certificate

can be based on an IECEx ExTR but ATEX
documentation does not necessarily
support an IECEx certificate.

Product
Certification

ExCB issues an ExTR (covering the

product type) and a quality assessment
report (QAR) (covering the related
production facility)

Standard IEC/EN
Gas
Dust

The Directive becomes law on

implementation in each member country
and compliance is mandatory within the EEA.

With the exception of intrinsic safety, where a revised

IEC/EN 60079-11 and a new IEC/EN 61241-11 are due in 2006.

EU
Explosive
atmosphere
symbol

ATEX Coding
II 2 GD

Equipment
group

Equipment
category

I - mining

M1 - energised
M2 - de-energised (*)

II - non-mining

1 - very high
protection
2 - high protection
3 - normal protection

Gas Dust
0
20
1
2

21
22

(*) = in presence of explosive atmosphere

Rockhead Business Park,

Staden Lane,
Buxton, SK17 9RZ
tel. +44 (0)1298 766600
fax. +44 (0)1298 766601
e-mail info@baseefa.com
Issue 1, September 2005

Ex-Schutz Poster UK ZW 22.12.2005 15:18 Uhr Seite 1

C

Probedruck

CM

MY

CY CMY

9888 ATEX poster 05 for pdf

17/5/05

11:14 am

Page 1

Wolf Safety Lamp Company

ATEX Explained
Ex Equipment
This guide is provided to aid in the selection of Wolf lighting products for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Information given is based on practice within the EU, as specified in the requirements of the 94/9/EC ATEX (Equipment) Directive and the 99/92/EC ATEX (Workplace) Directive.
ATEX MARKING

CE mark denotes
manufacturers
declaration
of product
compliance to
all relevant EU
Directives

Number of
Notified Body
responsible for
EC monitoring
of production
quality

WOLFLITE HANDLAMP
H-251A
II 2 GD

GD

ATEX MARKING
Specific
mark for
Explosion
Protection

Equipment
Group
Equipment
Category

Defines suitability
of use of Group II
equipment in gas
and/or dust
atmospheres

CERTIFICATION CODE

Battery 4V, 5Ah

type H-66 ONLY

gases, vapours & mists

CERTIFICATION CODE
E Ex

IIC

e ib

Serial/batch number
incorporating year of construction

T4

Explosion protection mark (ATEX marking)

EC-TYPE EXAMINATION
CERTIFICATE NUMBER

HPR 3.75V min. 0.75A max.

1180

ATEX

00

2176

Serial
Number

ATEX Certificate

U Suffix denotes Ex component approval

CE mark (ATEX marking)

The Wolf Safety Lamp Company Ltd.

Notified Bodies have been appointed by the governments of individual EC

countries as responsible to carry out part or all of the functions specified in
the ATEX Equipment Directive, such as EC type examination of equipment
and quality assurance assessment of equipment production.

to EN 50281-1-1

Supplementary approval
Lloyds Register of Shipping
marine approval

Batch No.

EC NOTIFIED BODIES

MARKING FOR DUST

IGNITION PROTECTION
IP66

T135C

Ingress
Protection Code

Maximum External
Surface Temperature

Baseefa (2001) Ltd are responsible for the quality assurance assessment of
equipment manufactured by the Wolf Safety Lamp Company, this is identified
by their notified body number (1180) appearing below the CE mark on
Wolf products.

Sheffield - S8 0YA - England

Protection
Concepts

BAS

Year Certificate Issued

X Suffix denotes special conditions of certification

3.6 min. 1.0A max.

Do not open or charge in Ex areas.

Charge in charger unit C-251 HV/LV ONLY.
Recharge battery immediately after use.
Ne pas charger ni ouvrir lappareil en zones Ex.
Ne recharger que sur des chargeur C-251 HV/LV.
Recharger immediatement les batteries dechargees.
Gerat nicht im Ex-Bereich laden oder ffnen.
Nur mit Ladegert typ C-251 HV/LV aufladen.
Nach Gebrauch sofort wieder aufladen.

Safety measures to be applied in service

gases, vapours and mists to EN 50014

Notified body
responsible for
EC-Type
Examination
(Test House)

MARKING FOR DUST

IGNITION PROTECTION

EEx e ib IIC T4
IP66 T135oC
BAS 00 ATEX 2176

Replacement parts specification

Explosion Protected equipment

E prefix denotes compliance
with CENELEC Standards in
the EN50014 series

EC-TYPE EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE NUMBER

Ex EQUIPMENT LABEL

II

1180

Gas Group Temperature

Classification

Note: EEx and Protection Concepts are not marked if a Technical File
from first principles is applied.

GAS GROUP

EQUIPMENT GROUP & EQUIPMENT CATEGORY

Very high
protection

M2

II

Mining

Typical Hazard

Methane

Maximum Safe
Sparking Energy
Intrinsic Safety Ex ia/ib

Gas Dust

Operable in Ex
atmosphere

High
protection

De-energised
in Ex atmosphere

Very high
protection

High
protection

Normal
protection

Mining

Zones 0,1,2,
D

Maximum Safe Gap

Flameproof Ex d

Propane

IIB

Ethylene

IIC

Hydrogen/Acetylene

II

All Gases

GROUP II GAS SUBDIVISION

Applicable
Concepts

Explosion
Protected
Equipment

Industrial

Zones 21,22
Zones 2

IIA

Zones 20,21,22
Zones 1,2

D
Industrial

Group

wide

M1

Use

flameproof
gap size

Hazard

narrow

Protection
Level

energy required more

to ignite gas

Equipment
Category

less

Equipment
Group

ignitio
Risk of
all concepts

IIB

IIC

Ex d, Ex ia/ib

II

Symbol

Concept

Subject to certain safeguards, products bearing the CE mark are permitted to be sold throughout the EU
without interference from national regulatory authorities. The Directives have been put in place in order to
remove artificial trade barriers within the European Union previously caused by individual countries national
standards, a secondary function is as a means of regulating safety.

Category

EN Standard

General requirements

EN 60079-0

Ex o

explosive gas excluded

by immersing ignition
source in oil

EN 50015*
(EN 60079-6)

explosive gas excluded

by surrounding ignition
source with pressurised
inert gas

On this date the existing Explosive Atmospheres and Gassy Mines Directives were
repealed. Since then only equipment and systems CE marked as compliant with the ATEX
Equipment Directive (and all other relevant mandatory directives) may placed on the market within the EU.

explosive gas excluded

by immersing ignition
source in sand

ignition within the apparatus

enclosure is contained and
will not ignite surrounding
explosive atmosphere

design excludes
the possibility of
incendive arcs, sparks
or hot surfaces

EN 60079-7

EN 50020*
(EN 60079-11)

Ex q

Powder filled

The Directive applies to all equipment and systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres within the EU.
The scope of the Directive includes electrical and mechanical equipment for use in Group I (mining) or Group II
(industrial) applications, both on and offshore and considers risks of ignition of potentially explosive gas, vapour,
mist and dust atmospheres. In addition, devices intended for use outside potentially explosive atmospheres that
contribute to the safe functioning of equipment and systems with regard to explosion risk are also included.

Ex d

Flameproof

Compliance of products to the ATEX Equipment Directive, through conformity assessment, takes a modular
approach, and is generally in two stages; design and production.

Ex e

Increased
safety

A common route to product design compliance is to apply to a Notified Body (Ex. Test House) for an EC
Type Examination Certificate. To comply, the equipment or system must meet the Essential Health and Safety
Requirements (EHSRs) listed in the Directive. Harmonised EU standards have been adopted by CENELEC and
CEN, relating to the design, construction and testing of equipment; a product complying with these standards
is deemed to meet the EHSRs to which the standards relate. Where apparatus follows a protection concept
not covered by these standards, compliance to the 94/9/EC Directive is still possible by compiling a Technical
File from first principles, demonstrating compliance through test and assessment to the EHSRs relating to
design and construction of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres.

Description

Ex p

Pressurised

The Explosive Atmospheres 94/9/EC ATEX (Equipment) Directive became

mandatory on 1 July 2003.

Icon

General req.

Intrinsic safety

energy in circuit and

temperature on
components reduced
to a safe level

Ex ia
Ex ib
Ex m

Encapsulation

The production quality stage of the conformity assessment procedures ensure continued product compliance
in manufacturing. Typically a manufacturer should have a certified ISO 9000 quality management system and
comply with one of the quality modules in the ATEX Equipment Directive, however this will vary depending on
product equipment category; equipment used in higher risk areas will require more onerous conformity
assessment procedures to be applied.

Ex n

Non-incendive

In addition to the 94/9/EC ATEX (Equipment) Directive, products for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
may require to be compliant with other Directives including the 89/336/EEC Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
(EMC) Directive, which became mandatory on 1/1/96. This Directive applies to virtually all electrical and
electronic apparatus potentially able to generate interfering emissions or exhibit an undue sensitivity to
interference sources.

will not ignite explosive

gas in normal operation,
faults unlikely to occur

T1

Gases

Dusts
present continuously or for long periods
(>1000hrs per annum)

Zone 0
Zone 20
Zone 1
Zone 21
Zone 2

The Directive covers both Group I and Group II activities, on shore and offshore within the EU, and aims to
provide a better level of protection for the health and safety of workers in potentially explosive gas, vapour,
mist and dust atmospheres.

Zone 22

likely to occur in normal operation occasionally

(>10hrs, <1000hrs per annum)

1st numeral and 2nd numeral

combined to identify level of
ingress protection, e.g. dust tight,
protected from high power water
jets/heavy seas:

T4

200C

Ingress Protection rating: I P

T5

135C

T6

85C

EN 60079-18

T3

T2

T1

T4

osive

pl
ially Ex
Potent ere
ph
Atmos

EN 60079-15

+400C

Equipment approved to the

CENELEC standard have T. class
based on use in an ambient of
-20C to +40C unless otherwise
stated (ie. T amb. = 35C)

To EN 60079-10

200C

Hazardous areas are classified

into zones on the basis of the
frequency and duration of the
occurrence of an explosive
atmosphere. Durations on
table are typical.

APPARATUS GROUPS AND

TEMPERATURE CLASSES FOR
COMMON EXPLOSIVE GASES
AND VAPOURS

T6

T5

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE

99/92/EC ATEX (WORKPLACE) DIRECTIVE ON MINIMUM

REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPROVING THE SAFETY AND HEALTH
PROTECTION OF WORKERS POTENTIALLY AT RISK FROM
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES.
WORKPLACES IN OPERATION BEFORE JULY 2003 MUST
COMPLY BY JULY 2006.
WORKPLACES COMING INTO USE AFTER JULY 2003 MUST
COMPLY IMMEDIATELY.

7
T3

300C

CLASSIFICATION OF
HAZARDOUS AREAS

Zone Criteria

T2

Once compliance with the relevant Directives is complete and an EC Declaration of Conformity issued by the
manufacturer, the CE mark may be applied and the product placed on the market.
Area Classification

360

Protection concept identifies the means by which explosion protection is achieved.

* Shortly to be replaced by standard in brackets.

The ATEX Equipment Directive in full, and EC Commission guidance on the Directive, may be found on the
following website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/atex/index.htm

of ig

100C

60

nition

450C

flammable gas excluded

by encapsulating the
ignition source in resin

> 1mm

Risk

no protection

90

> 2.5mm

EN 60079-2

EN 60079-1

15

tially
Poten e
Explosiv ere
ph
Atmos

Temperature class relates to the hot surface ignition temperature of a particular explosive
atmosphere. It must not be exceeded by the temperature classification of the equipment
intended to be used in that atmosphere.
Explosion Protected
Hot surfaces can ignite explosive atmospheres
Equipment

EN 50017*
(EN 60079-5)

IIC

IIB

IIA

TEMPERATURE CLASS

Oil immersion

2nd Numeral
Protection Against Water

> 12.5mm

Ex e, Ex m, Ex p,
Ex o, Ex q, Ex n

PROTECTION CONCEPTS FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS

CE marking has been introduced as part of the European Unions new approach to technical harmonisation
as a means of identifying products that comply with all relevant EC Directives.

1st Numeral
Protection Against Solid Bodies
no protection
> 50mm

Equipment sub-grouping segregates gases according to ease of ignitability by sparks or flames. These apply to flameproof Ex d and
intrinsically safe Ex ia/ib equipment only.

Equipment Group and Category identify the areas in which equipment may be safely used

to EN 60529

Ex equipment selection for use in gases, vapours, mists or dusts must take into consideration
the environmental conditions of the area in which it is to be used. Apparatus resistance to
ingress of both solid bodies and water is identified by use of an IP rating.

IIA

Zones 22

CE MARKING AND THE 94/9/EC ATEX DIRECTIVE ON EQUIPMENT

AND PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS INTENDED FOR USE IN POTENTIALLY
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES.
MANDATORY WITHIN THE EU

INGRESS PROTECTION (IP) CODE

Gas/Vapour
Temperature

Gas
Group

Temperature
Class

Acetic acid
Acetone
Acetylene
Ammonia
Benzene
Butane
Cumene
Cychlohexane
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
Ethylene
Hydrogen
Methane (industrial)
Methanol
Petroleum
Propane
Toulene
Turpentine
Xylene

IIA
IIA
IIC
IIA
IIA
IIA
IIA
IIA
IIA
IIB
IIC
IIA
IIA
IIA
IIA
IIA
IIA
IIA

T1
T1
T2
T1
T1
T2
T2
T3
T2
T2
T1
T1
T1
T1
T1
T1
T3
T1

A more comprehensive list of gases and vapours

is provided in IEC 60079-20

IGNITION
TEMPERATURES
FOR COMMON
COMBUSTIBLE DUSTS
Dust Cloud

Ignition
Temperature

Aluminium
Coal dust (Lignite)
Flour
Grain dust
Methyl cellulose
Phenolic resin
Polythene
PVC
Soot
Starch
Sugar

590C
380C
490C
510C
420C
530C
420C
700C
810C
460C
490C

A more comprehensive list of dusts is

provided in BS 7535. A database of
'Combustion and Explosion
Characteristics of Dusts is available at
www.hvbg.de/e/bia/fac/expl/

unlikely to occur in normal operation,

if it does will only be for short periods
(<10hrs per annum)

It lists a set of obligations and safety measures for employers, requiring the adoption of a coherent risk
assessment based strategy for the prevention of explosions. These obligations include:
Generation of an explosion protection document, evaluating explosion risk, including: likelihood of the
presence of the explosive atmosphere, the presence of ignition sources (including electrostatic discharge),
identification of the substances and processes in use, definition of specific measures taken to safeguard
the health and safety of workers.

KEY

EXAMPLE OF HAZARDOUS AREA ZONES

This diagram shows how hazardous area zones may occur in typical circumstances.

Classification of areas into zones and marking points of entry with safety signs.

Explosive Atmospheres. Explosion prevention & protection

Basic concepts and methodology

PETROL STATION

Appropriate training and supervision for workers.

ASSOCIATED STANDARDS

Use of written instructions and permits to work.

Explosive atmosphere
consisting of a mixture with
air of flammable substances in
the form of gas, vapour or
mist, or a cloud of
combustible dust in air.

GARAGE

Special requirements for work equipment: Equipment in service before 30 June 2003 may continue to be used after this date if it has been risk
assessed and the explosion protection document indicates it can be safely used.
Equipment brought into service after 30 June 2003 must be CE marked as compliant with the
94/9/EC ATEX (Equipment) Directive.
Due consideration of explosion protection measures, encompassing issues such as:

EN 1127-1

Electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive gases,

vapours and mists - associated non-concept standards
Classification of hazardous areas
Electrical installations
Inspection and maintenance of electrical installations
Repair and overhaul of apparatus
Data for flammable gases and vapours

EN 60079-10
EN 60079-14
EN 60079-17
IEC 60079-19
IEC 60079-20

Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dusts

Control of releases.
Use of protective measures appropriate to the greatest potential risk.
Selection of appropriate equipment by referencing the explosion protection document.

DECANTING OF FLAMMABLE LIQUID

FROM CONTAINER
TO CONTAINER

Ensuring equipment is correctly maintained and operated.

Minimising the risk of explosion and the effect of explosion in the workplace.
Provision of suitable warning and escape facilities.

FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
IN LIQUID FORM

FUEL STORAGE TANK

99/92/EC is a separate directive specifically covering workers in explosive atmospheres, working

within the more general 89/391/EEC Directive on the introduction of measures to
encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work.

PETROL STATION FORECOURT

ZONE 0

UNVENTILATED
GARAGE
INSPECTION PIT

Spark

ZONE 1

Ignition

ZONE 2

DSEAR THE DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES AND EXPLOSIVE

ATMOSPHERES REGULATIONS 2002.

Flameproof flange gap on

Ex d equipment
< = less than
> = more than

In the UK the 99/92/EC ATEX workplace Directive will be implemented as The Dangerous Substances and
Explosive Atmospheres Regulation 2002 (DSEAR). These regulations will also include the safety aspects of
the 98/24/EC Chemical Agents Directive, resulting in flammable and dangerous substances being covered
by a single set of regulations, thus reducing the volume of legislation covering this area.

EN
EN
EN
EN

61241-1
61241-10
61241-14
61241-18

Non-Electrical Equipment for use in potentially explosive gases,

vapours, mists and dusts
Basic method and requirements
Protection by constructional safety c
Protection by liquid immersion k

Ex Environment

The ATEX Workplace Directive in full may be found on the following website:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/atex/index.htm

Protection of enclosures tD
Classification of areas
Selection, installation and maintenance
Protection by encapsulation

EN 13463-1
EN 13463-5
EN 13463-8

These standards relating to apparatus for dust and non electrical

equipment are being supplemented by further standards for specific
concepts of protection.
Standards available from: British Standards Institution, 369 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL www.bsi-global.com

It is the users responsibility to ascertain if a particular product is safe and without risk to health and safety by virtue of its location in a hazardous area, i.e. classification of zones, gas groups, ignition temperatures, etc. Both the specifier and
user should be thoroughly familiar with the standards mentioned in this guide.

A copy of the DSEAR regulations is available at:

http://www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2002/20022776.htm

Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this document, the Company regrets that it cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions contained herein. Readers should not rely upon the information contained in this
document without seeking specific safety advice and ensuring that their own particular circumstances are in accordance with the matters set out.

A guide to DSEAR, published by the Health and Safety Executive can be downloaded at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/dsear/htm

The Wolf Safety Lamp Company Limited 2000 & 2005. Do not reproduce without prior permission from the company. MM Design Limited, Sheffield. Printed in England MM/WK/04.05/10K
SL008 ISSUE 1

For details of our full range of explosion protected lighting products visit our website listed below or contact Wolf to request data sheets.
A-TL44A

Wolflite Rechargeable Handlamp H-251A

Wolf Hazard Lamp HL-95

II 2 GD EEx e ib IIC T4 IP66 T135C

BAS00ATEX2176

II 1 G EEx ia IIC T4

Wolf Rechargeable Torch R-30

BAS99ATEX1044

II 2 GD EEx e ib IIC T4 IP67 T135C

Baseefa05ATEX0068

A-TL45A
Wolf ATEX Turbolite

Wolflite Primary Cell Handlamp H-4DCA

II 2 GD II T4 (Tamb=55C) T135C
SIRA02ATEX5099X

II 2 GD EEx e ib IIC T4 IP66 T135C

BAS00ATEX2203

Wolf Ex-Penlite PL-01

TR-26/TR-24/TR-24+

II 2 G EEx e ia IIC T4

Wolf EX GLS Leadlamp

II 2 G EEx d e IIA T3
IBExU03ATEX1018X

TS-26/TS-24/TS-24+

TV00ATEX1529

Wolf ATEX Safety Torches

IP67 T95C (Tamb=55C)

BAS02ATEX2220X

II 1 G EEx ia IIC T4/T3

Baseefa04ATEX0398

Wolf Flameproof Leadlamp

II 2 G EEx d e IIC T4/T3

II 2 GD EEx e ib IIC T6 IP67 T65C

II 2 GD EEx e ib IIC T4 (Tamb=40/55C)

Wolf Zone 0 Headtorch HT-200

DMT03ATEXE279
Wolf LiteTracker and Bikelite
II 1 G EEx ia IIC T4
BAS99ATEX1017

Wolf Safety Lamp Company Saxon Road Works, Sheffield S8 0YA England
tel: 0114 255 1051 fax: 0114 255 7988 e-mail: info@wolf-safety.co.uk web: www.wolfsafety.co.uk