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1. What is ATEX in practice?
Definition and background of the ATEX directives
ATEX stands for ATmosphères EXplosibles, French for “explosive atmospheres”
ASSURED-SYSTEMS.COM
. It is the collective name for two European directives that have been drawn up to control the risks of explosive atmospheres and prevent accidents. These directives describe the minimum safety requirements for both working environments and equipment in explosive atmospheres.
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
ATEX was created in response to serious incidents in the process industry. For example, the 2001 disaster at a fertilizer plant in Toulouse, France, which left 31 dead and more than 2,500 injured, was a catalyst for stricter explosion safety legislation in Europe.
INDUSTRYVANDAAG.NL
Such accidents showed that clear rules were necessary to protect people and the environment against explosions.
Difference between ATEX 114 (2014/34/EU) and ATEX 153 (1999/92/EC) - ATEX in practice
There are two ATEX directives with different scopes of application
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ATEX 114 – the “product directive” (Directive 2014/34/EU) – focuses on equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
This directive imposes requirements on manufacturers and suppliers: devices must meet essential health and safety requirements and undergo a conformity assessment before being placed on the EU market.
. ATEX 114 (formerly known as ATEX 95, Directive 94/9/EC) came into full force on 20 April 2016, replacing older national regulations in this area.
Equipment complying with this directive is given a CE mark with a specific Ex symbol, indicating that it is explosion-proof certified.
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ATEX 153 – the “Workplace Directive” (Directive 1999/92/EC) – focuses on the safety and health of workers working in potentially explosive atmospheres.
This user guideline obliges employers to control explosion risks in the workplace. ATEX 153 (formerly known as ATEX 137) has been implemented in the Netherlands via the Working Conditions Decree and has been in force since July 2006.
It requires, among other things, that employers carry out risk analyses, classify danger zones, take appropriate technical and organizational measures and properly instruct and protect the employees involved. In summary: ATEX 114 concerns the equipment (for manufacturers and suppliers), while ATEX 153 concerns the workplace (for employers and employees).
Explosion-proof technologies and methods.
ATEX in practice
In explosive atmospheres, various technologies and prevention methods are used to minimize the risk of ignition:
- Intrinsic safety (Ex i): A method in which electrical systems are designed in such a way that the energy (voltage/current) in the circuit is too low to ignite an explosive mixture. This prevents sparking or overheating within measuring and control systems. This technique is widely used for sensors and instruments in ATEX zones.
- Flame-tight or pressure-resistant enclosure (Ex d): Here, potential ignition sources are enclosed in a robust enclosure that can withstand an internal explosion and does not allow a flame to escape. This is typical for motors, switches and distribution boards. If an ignition occurs internally, the explosion remains contained within the enclosure and dies out without igniting the surrounding atmosphere.
- Pressure relief and venting: Techniques such as explosion vents or rupture discs are applied to equipment (e.g. silos or filter plants) to allow pressure to be safely released in the event of an explosion. Controlled pressure relief prevents an explosion from destroying the entire plant; the explosion wave is diverted to a safe direction.
- Flame arrestors: These are devices placed in pipes or openings to prevent flames from spreading. They extinguish a flame front by cooling or smothering it. In the oil and gas industry, for example, flame arrestors are placed on tank vents and ventilation systems to prevent ignition of vapors from propagating back into the tank.
- Control of non-electrical ignition sources: Organisational measures are equally important. Static electricity is counteracted by earthing installations and persons (antistatic clothing and footwear). Mechanical sparking is limited by material choices (spark-free tools in Ex zones) and controlling friction (e.g. maintenance to prevent wear). Avoiding open fire or smoking in danger zones is self-evident and is strictly enforced (usually by means of prohibition signs and work permits).
- Inerting: Whenever possible, the atmosphere in a process installation is rendered non-flammable by displacing oxygen. For example, storage tanks or reactors are “blanketed” with nitrogen (inert gas) so that even in the event of a leak, no explosive mixture can form. This is an effective measure to drastically reduce the risk of explosion, although it requires careful monitoring of the oxygen content.
These technologies are often applied in combination according to the safety principle : first prevent explosive atmosphere, then eliminate ignition sources, and finally limit the consequences of a possible explosion.
Such multiple protection creates a redundant layer of safety, which is crucial in petrochemical installations where the hazards are high.
ATEX in practice - Risk analysis and classification of explosion hazardous areas
Image: Example of safety signage for an ATEX zone with mandatory measures and warnings. In potentially explosive atmospheres, zones must be clearly marked with the ‘Ex’ symbol and additional instruction signs (such as “Explosion-proof atmosphere”, “EX gas measurement mandatory”, “Work permit mandatory” and prohibition of open flames). Clear marking and demarcation of zones is a mandatory part of ATEX 153.
A core part of ATEX 153 is the classification of explosion hazard zones . Employers must identify all locations where an explosive atmosphere may occur and classify them into zones based on the frequency and duration of the explosion hazard.
This zone classification must be included in the Explosion Safety Document and forms the basis for all kinds of measures (including the selection of suitable equipment)
A distinction is made between gas/vapour atmospheres and dust atmospheres, with three zones for each
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jungheinrich – Zone 0 (gas/vapour) or Zone 20 (dust): Place where an explosive atmosphere is present constantly, for long periods of time or frequently
This means that an explosive mixture can occur for more than 10% of the operating time. Examples: the inside of a storage tank for volatile gasoline (zone 0) or the inside of a dust silo filler where dust clouds are constantly present (zone 20).
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Jungheinrich – Zone 1 (gas/vapour) or Zone 21 (dust): Place where an explosive mixture may occasionally occur during normal operation
Typically this concerns 0.1–10% of the time. Examples: around a process pump, vent or flange connection where flammable vapour can occasionally escape during regular use (zone 1), or the area around a filter installation that produces dust clouds during cleaning (zone 21).
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jungheinrich – Zone 2 (gas/vapour) or Zone 22 (dust): Place where an explosive atmosphere does not normally occur, and if it does occur, then only rarely and for a short period
These are usually safety zones around zone 1/21 areas. Examples: an area further away from a leak point, for example the periphery around a filling point or vent (zone 2), or the floor of a factory hall where dust can only settle in the event of a fault (zone 22).
Correctly defining these zones requires expertise in both the process and the properties of the substances. The guidelines themselves provide qualitative definitions (“often”, “occasionally”, “rarely”), which leaves room for interpretation
Therefore, best practice such as the above-mentioned time percentages and expert estimates are used. In case of doubt, one should be conservative and assume a higher hazard level (stricter zone)
The zoning is of great practical importance because it determines which equipment category is allowed and which additional precautions are necessary. The boundaries of the zones must also be clearly indicated on plans and on site with signs (yellow triangle with black ‘Ex’ symbol)
Entrances to potentially explosive atmospheres should be provided with warning signs to inform everyone that special rules apply there (such as the use of non-sparking tools, mandatory gas detection, anti-static clothing, etc.)
Performing a good explosion risk analysis requires not only knowledge of the substances and processes, but also insight into ventilation, process flow and possible failure scenarios. In the petrochemical industry, specialized safety experts or engineers are often called in for this. They use standards (such as the NPR 7910-1/2 in the Netherlands, or EN 60079-10) to systematically determine zones. Ultimately, this results in a zone drawing and a list of zone types for all relevant locations in the installation.
4. Challenges in implementation and control - ATEX in practice
Technical and organizational challenges
Implementing ATEX measures involves both technical and organizational challenges. From a technical perspective, companies often have to analyze complex installations for explosion risks. This requires multidisciplinary knowledge (chemistry of substances, process engineering, ventilation, electrical engineering, etc.) and insight into standards and guidelines. Drawing up a thorough explosion risk analysis and determining the size of Ex zones is therefore not trivial and requires analytical skills.
Small changes in the process (e.g. different raw materials, changed temperature or pressure, or new equipment) can affect the zone layout, requiring constant vigilance.
Organizationally, a challenge lies in the awareness and behavior of personnel . Safety in explosion-hazardous environments depends on the correct actions of people, also known as “Safety by Conduct”
Despite technical precautions, unsafe actions (such as welding without a gas-free declaration, or taking non-EX equipment into a zone) can cause an incident. It is therefore a challenge to create a safety culture in which everyone complies with the ATEX regulations. Regular training and drills are important to keep staff alert. ATEX 153 explicitly obliges employers to inform and train employees about explosion risks and measures.
Maintaining staff competencies – for example through personal certification according to IECEx 05 or similar
Can help ensure that tradespeople are competent to work in Ex environments.
Another organizational aspect is the coordination of activities . In large petrochemical complexes, different teams or contractors often work simultaneously, which entails risks. As mentioned earlier, a coordination obligation applies if different parties are carrying out activities in each other’s vicinity in explosion-hazardous zones.
Setting up a strict work permit system is a standard solution here: before anyone is allowed to carry out work in an Ex zone (e.g. maintenance or hot work), a permit must be requested and approved in which all precautions are stated (gas measurement, isolation of equipment, fire watch, etc.). Monitoring compliance with these procedures requires discipline and sufficient safety experts or supervisors on site.
Inspection and enforcement in practice
In the Netherlands, ATEX regulations are enforced by the Labour Inspectorate (now the Dutch Labour Inspectorate, formerly the SZW Inspectorate) and, where relevant, also by the Major Accident Risks Decree (Brzo) for larger high-risk facilities. Inspections will check whether a company has an adequate explosion safety document, whether the zone classification is realistic and marked, and whether the equipment in those zones is certified. Violations may result in sanctions. For example, the lack of an explosion safety document can lead to a fine (indicatively €9,000 for a first violation according to the Working Conditions Decree) – in addition, the inspector can demand that the situation is improved immediately.
Serious defects that pose a direct explosion hazard may result in shutdown of (that part of) the installation until the problems have been resolved.
In addition to government inspections, there is also internal control: companies often perform audits themselves or have themselves certified (for example according to ISO 45001 or specific PSM audits) in which ATEX compliance is a component. Insurance companies may also require inspections, certainly after an incident, to verify that all regulations have been met.
A major point of attention in enforcement is securing in the long term . After the initial implementation of ATEX measures, attention sometimes wanes after a few years, especially if no incidents occur. The explosion safety document can become outdated if process changes are not implemented. Rotation of personnel can also lead to specific ATEX knowledge being lost. It is therefore advisable for companies to periodically (e.g. annually) conduct an internal review of their explosion safety policy: are the zones still up-to-date, is all new equipment covered by certificates, have there been incidents/near-misses that require evaluation, and has training been provided recently? A proactive attitude in this respect prevents unpleasant surprises during an official inspection or – even worse – an accident.
On the positive side, more and more tools and shared knowledge are becoming available. There are non-binding guides from the European Commission and standardisation bodies publish practical guidelines. Industry organisations in the (petro)chemical industry share best practices regarding explosion safety. By using this knowledge and remaining a learning organisation, companies can sustainably embed ATEX compliance in their business operations.
Sources
European Commission – Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114) and Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 153)
SINGLE-MARKET-ECONOMY.EC.EUROPA.EU
Wikipedia – ATEX directives (background and definitions)
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Industrievandaag – “ATEX – explosion safety in the process industry” (practical explanation in Dutch)
INDUSTRYVANDAAG.NL
ATEXcertificaat.nl – “ATEX zoning” (zone classification and categories)
ATEXCERTIFICAAT.NL
DD Engineering – “What is ATEX?” (practical example and approach EVD)
DDENG.BE
Jungheinrich Profishop – “ATEX zones and their classification” (zone definitions)
JUNGHEINRICH-PROFISHOP.BE
Dutch Labour Inspectorate – Working conditions fine policy (enforcement of violations)
SAFETYNET-NEDERLAND.NL
ATEX IN PRACTICE
Petrochemical and gas industry
Introduction
ATEX is an important topic for professionals in the petrochemical and gas industry due to the presence of explosive atmospheres. Leaks of flammable gases, vapours or even fine aerosols can form an explosive mixture with air. To ensure safety, the European Union has drawn up specific ATEX directives that require both technical and organisational measures. In this report, we discuss in depth what ATEX entails, provide examples of applications in petrochemical and gas, explain the relevant laws and regulations and discuss the challenges of implementation and monitoring. Practical examples and concrete recommendations are included to help companies meet the ATEX requirements.
2. Examples of ATEX in practice
Specific applications in the petrochemical and gas industry
The petrochemical industry (including oil and gas extraction, refining and processing) is a sector par excellence where ATEX guidelines apply.
Here, explosive atmospheres frequently occur, for example due to escaping natural gas, evaporating hydrocarbons or hydrogen during processes. Explosion risks also occur in gas distribution installations and LNG terminals. In such environments, companies must take measures to prevent explosions. ATEX requires employers to control the risks of explosions and ensure the safety of employees in these environments.
Practical example: In a natural gas processing plant, flammable gas clouds can form around compressors and pumps. If a normal (non-Ex) electric motor were to be used in such an ATEX zone, a spark or hot surface of that motor could ignite the gas mixture, resulting in an explosion.
This illustrates why it is essential to use only explosion-proof equipment in hazardous areas.
Equipment and installations that fall under ATEX
ATEX covers all kinds of equipment that can come into contact with explosive atmospheres. People often think of electrical equipment, but ATEX applies to both electrical and mechanical equipment.
Examples include: pumps, compressors, agitators, valves, electric motors, switch cabinets, lighting, measuring and control instruments, and even communication equipment used in the hazardous area. All of these devices can be potential sources of ignition (through sparks, hot surfaces, static discharges, etc.) and must therefore be explosion-proof. ATEX-certified devices are designed in such a way that they cannot ignite an explosive atmosphere when used in a certain zone.
This means, for example, that the surface temperature of the device remains below the ignition temperature of the gas or dust present and that no sparks or flames can escape.
In concrete terms, the following applications are common in the petrochemical and gas industries:
- Explosion-proof lighting systems in oil and gas installations (e.g. specially designed luminaires for refineries and drilling platforms) Such lamps are enclosed in non-sparking housings or are intrinsically safe so that they do not constitute a source of ignition even in the event of a fault.
- Explosion-proof pumps and storage systems for flammable liquids in petrochemical plants. For example, pumps with explosion-proof motors and seals for pumping gasoline, or tank storage with inert gas seal.
- Gas detection systems and ventilation: Gas installations are equipped with fixed gas detectors that sound an alarm in the event of a gas leak and activate ventilation systems. This keeps the concentration of the gas below the explosion limit. ATEX zone areas (such as a compressor station hall) are often equipped with forced ventilation to prevent an explosive atmosphere.
- Non-electrical installations: Mechanical components are also covered by ATEX. An example is a valve or agitator whose movement can cause friction. Even a hot surface, such as the exhaust of a diesel generator, can be an ignition source. Therefore, engine exhausts from catalyst regenerations or heating coils in process tanks must also be designed or shielded in such a way that they cannot cause ignition (e.g. by surface cooling or heat-resistant barriers).
3. Legislation and regulations and application of ATEX in practice
How should companies comply with ATEX 114 and ATEX 153?
Companies in the petrochemical and gas industry must comply with both the product and workplace directives. In practice, this means two main obligations:
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Use of suitably certified equipment (ATEX 114): All equipment and protective systems used in explosion hazardous areas must be ATEX certified. Manufacturers supply this equipment with the appropriate markings (CE and Ex logos) and documentation (EU declaration of conformity and, if applicable, an EU type-examination certificate). When purchasing, the company must ensure that the equipment has the correct category for the intended zone. ATEX 114 recognises categories 1, 2 or 3 for equipment in non-mining environments, corresponding to use in zone 0 (or 20), zone 1 (or 21) and zone 2 (or 22) respectively.
For example, a pump placed in zone 0 will have to be Category 1 (very high level of protection), while equipment in zone 2 must be at least Category 3. Depending on the category, the manufacturer must engage a Notified Body for certification (for the highest risk categories) or, in certain cases, may carry out an internal product check for the lower categories.
As a user, you must keep these certificates and be able to show them during inspections. It is also crucial that the special conditions of use from the certificate are observed. For example, it is not permitted to modify equipment yourself in violation of the certificate.
Even a seemingly small adjustment, such as drilling an extra hole in an Ex d enclosure for a cable entry, can negate explosion safety.
Companies must set up procedures for this purpose so that ATEX compliance is maintained during maintenance or changes to installations.
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Controlling explosion risks in the workplace (ATEX 153): Employers are required to design the working environment in such a way that the risk of explosions is minimal and employees are protected. This starts with a risk analysis and the preparation of a written Explosion Safety Document (EVD)
This document identifies and evaluates all explosion risks, inventories the sources of danger (flammable substances), and describes the measures to be taken. The EVD usually includes: a list of flammable gases/vapours/dust present and their properties, the classification of the explosion hazardous zones, technical measures (e.g. ventilation, protected equipment, earthing systems) and organisational measures (e.g. work permits, emergency procedures, training)
In the Netherlands, it has been established that every company with a risk of explosion must have an EVD ; this can be part of the general RI&E. ATEX 153 also emphasises the importance of information and training: only instructed and competent personnel may work in Ex zones. Employees must know which procedures to follow, how to operate equipment safely and what to do in an emergency. Allowing someone to work in a potentially explosive atmosphere without the correct information or training is in conflict with ATEX 153 and can even be punishable as negligence in the event of an incident.
Finally, employers must ensure proper coordination when multiple teams or contractors are working in an explosive atmosphere at the same time, to prevent one party from unknowingly endangering the other.
A strict work permit system and clear coordination of activities are essential in practice.
Certification and inspection of equipment
ATEX in practice
ATEX-certified equipment: Equipment used in explosion-hazardous areas must have an ATEX certificate and the correct markings. The nameplate of such equipment usually shows the Ex marking (with code for gas/vapour or dust, gas group, temperature class, protection method, etc.), the category and zone for which it is suitable, and the certificate number. For example, a pump can have a markingII 2G Ex d IIB T4 Gb – indicating: group II (industry, not mining), category 2 for gas (suitable for zone 1), with flame-tight enclosure, for gas group IIB, temperature class T4, and EPL (Equipment Protection Level) Gb. These codes come from the EN IEC 60079 series of standards and provide detailed information on the level of protection. Companies must check during installation that these markings correspond to the zone in which the device is to be installed.
Testing and inspection: Explosion-proof equipment must often receive a test stamp or report before it is put into service. In some countries (such as Belgium), an independent inspection of the zoning and installation by a recognized inspection body is mandatory before the installation may be put into service.
In the Netherlands, the law requires the employer to ensure that the installation is safe, which in practice means that an expert (internal or external) verifies the correct installation of Ex equipment. In addition, periodic inspection and maintenance are crucial to ensure explosion safety. Explosion-proof equipment can lose its level of protection due to wear or incorrect use (e.g. damaged cable entry, weathered seal, corroding flame-extinguishing surfaces). It is therefore recommended to carry out periodic inspections in Ex zones according to EN 60079-17. This checks whether the equipment is still in good condition and whether all safety devices are intact. Any defects must be remedied immediately while maintaining ATEX conformity (only original or equivalent parts may be used for repairs, and recertification is sometimes required).
Documentation: All ATEX-relevant documents – such as the aforementioned explosion protection document, zone classification report, installation diagrams and equipment certificates – must be up-to-date and accessible. In the event of an audit or inspection by the authorities, a company must be able to demonstrate that it complies with the regulations. The type examination certificate (formerly called “EC type examination certificate”) of each device also contains specific conditions of use . These may, for example, stipulate that a motor may only be used within a certain temperature range, or that a certain component must be replaced periodically. It is the responsibility of the user (the operator) to comply with these conditions.
In daily practice, ATEX compliance comes down to a combination of administrative control (keeping track of zones, inventory of Ex equipment, certificate registration) and physical measures (installing proper equipment, maintenance according to schedule). Many companies draw up internal procedures or work instructions, so that, for example, an ATEX check is carried out for every installation change and ATEX certification is requested as standard when purchasing new equipment.
Costs and complexity of compliance
ATEX compliance can involve significant costs . Explosion-proof equipment and installations are generally more expensive to purchase than standard versions. For example, an explosion-proof motor or switch cabinet can be many times more expensive due to the additional safety constructions (heavy housing, seals, special cable glands). In addition, measures such as inertization systems, gas detection systems or spark-free tools require investment. The necessary ventilation or extraction to remove explosive vapours also entails operational costs (energy costs, maintenance).
In addition to the hardware costs, there is the administrative and engineering complexity . Performing detailed risk analyses and maintaining documentation (such as keeping the explosion protection document up to date with every process change) takes time and expertise. External experts or specialist engineering firms often have to be hired, especially for initial zoning or major overhaul projects. ATEX legislation is also a moving target : regulations and standards evolve (new editions of the EN 60079 series, or changes to the Health and Safety Act)
Companies must follow these developments and adapt their safety systems accordingly, which requires continuous investment in knowledge. Small and medium-sized enterprises sometimes experience the ATEX requirements as complex and administratively burdensome, especially if explosion hazards are not their daily core activity (think of a water purification plant with a biogas storage facility – ATEX-relevant but not a petrochemical company).
However, it should be emphasized that the costs of accidents can be many times higher. An explosion can lead to millions of euros in damage, long downtime and human suffering. In that light, compliance with ATEX is a necessary investment. There are also positive effects of ATEX compliance: it forces a better insight into the process (which often also increases process efficiency), and explosion-proof equipment is often more robust, which increases the reliability of the installation.
Conclusion and recommendations
ATEX in the petrochemical and gas industry is a critical safety factor that requires technical measures, sound organization and continuous attention. In summary, here are some concrete recommendations for companies to ensure ATEX compliance:
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1. Integrate explosion safety into the design process: Apply “Safety by Design” to new projects. Ensure that eliminating or reducing explosion hazards is considered at the design stage (e.g. choose non-flammable materials or closed processes where possible). Position equipment so that potential leak sources are in well-ventilated areas or lead to safe zones. Thoughtful design can reduce the number of ATEX zones or make hazardous areas smaller, which can have operational benefits later.
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2. Keep the Explosion Safety Document up to date and complete: The EVD is a living document. Update changes to process installations or substances in the zone classification and risk analysis immediately. Also document incidents or near misses and include lessons learned in the plan. Ensure that the EVD clearly links identified risks to measures taken. This document must be available to all parties involved and reviewed periodically (e.g. annually or with each significant change).
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3. Select and manage equipment carefully: Keep a register of all equipment in explosion-hazardous zones, including their ATEX certificate details. When purchasing, always check whether equipment is suitable for the zone and dust (group) in question. Keep all manuals and certificates centrally. Implement a management of change procedure in which explosion safety is a checkpoint: every modification to Ex equipment or installations must be assessed by a professional for ATEX consequences. Instruct maintenance technicians that they may not make changes to explosion-proof components without approval. If in doubt about the suitability of a component, consult the supplier or an expert and only use original components for replacement.
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4. Invest in training and safety culture: Ensure that all relevant personnel (from operators to maintenance and cleaning) understand why ATEX measures are necessary. Arrange specific training for personnel working in Ex zones, covering ignition sources, the meaning of zone signs and Ex markings, and procedures such as gas measurements and work permits. Consider having key personnel undergo formal explosion safety training or obtain a personal certificate (IECEx 05 or equivalent) for increased expertise
Encourage a culture in which people address each other about unsafe behavior. For example: if someone brings a sparking tool into zone 1, a colleague must correct this immediately. Rewards for teams that work safely and reporting unsafe situations can contribute to continuously alert behavior.
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5. Perform periodic (external) audits and inspections: Have an internal audit performed on ATEX compliance at least once a year. Physically check the installations: are the Ex signs still present and legible? Are emergency buttons, fire extinguishers and escape routes in Ex zones free of obstacles and marked? Check that all devices are still operating within their certificate specifications (e.g. ambient temperature in summer not exceeding the limit). It is useful to periodically get a fresh look – an external specialist can perform an audit every few years to discover any blind spots. Document the findings and tackle action points promptly. This also prepares the company for any unannounced government inspections.
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6. Emergency plan: Despite prevention, a robust emergency plan must be in place in case something does go wrong. Develop an explosion alarm and evacuation procedure for scenarios where gas detection measures a high concentration or when there is an (imminent) explosion. Practice these scenarios via drills. Provide suitable fire extinguishers (note: not all extinguishers are effective against gas or dust fires) and personal protective equipment such as flame-retardant clothing. Discuss the zones and access with the company fire brigade or external fire brigade, so that they know exactly where dangerous areas are in an emergency. A well-prepared emergency plan can prevent an incident from escalating and is therefore a last but essential line of defense.
Finally, ATEX compliance is not a one-time effort, but a continuous process. By treating ATEX as a fixed part of business operations – similar to quality or the environment – petrochemical and gas companies can maintain a high level of safety. This not only benefits the safety of employees and residents, but also protects the installations against calamities and downtime. With technical care and a strong safety culture, it is possible to reduce the risks of explosive atmospheres to an acceptable minimum and to meet all legal obligations. As the ATEX guidelines aim: preventing explosions is always better than having to manage their consequences.