It is a CE marking directive, which is sometimes referred to as the 'ATEX product directive' or 'ATEX 100'. This is a two stage assessment process:

  • Product test and assessment;
  • Factory inspection.

Click the link to download Introducing the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC

At the end of the process the manufacturer must complete a Declaration of Conformity. Click the link to download Content of the ATEX Declaration of Conformity.

Equipment is classified into categories according to the explosion risks that they present. For most categories mandatory third party certification by an ATEX Notified Body – such as TRAC is required. ATEX Notified Bodies are European organisations accredited by their national governments as competent to conduct ATEX assessments and issue Notified Body certificates for equipment and the manufacturing facilities used to make them.

Once the required ATEX equipment category has been established then the process of proving the safety of the equipment can start. Depending on the category and technology, the manufacturer may be required to use an ATEX Notified Body to certify their equipment.

The ATEX product directive covers the different requirements applicable to mining (group I) and surface (group II) applications and it applies to electrical and mechanical equipment, including:

  • Control and communications devices
  • Lighting fittings
  • Process mixers
  • Monitoring and detection equipment
  • Motors

Under the ATEX product directive, manufacturers must design and test equipment to prevent or minimise the risk of explosion due to the production or release of explosive atmospheres. Essentially, manufacturers must consider every possible electrical or non-electrical source of ignition. And, at the same time, consider all potentially hazardous environments a product could operate in; the different ways it could be applied and the technical ability of the person using the product.

Compliance with the ATEX directive is declared against technical test requirements and in some cases this is supported by production control requirements. The exact requirements depend on the category of equipment and are specified in the conformity assessment Annexes within the directive, Click the link to download The ATEX Conformity Assessment Procedures. These Annexes are:

  • Annex II - List of essential health and safety requirements
  • Annex III - Rules for EC Type Examination Certificates
  • Annex IV - Rules for production quality assurance
  • Annex V - Rules for product verification
  • Annex VI - Rules for conformity to type
  • Annex VII - Rules for product quality assurance
  • Annex VIII - Rules for internal production control and technical files
  • Annex IX - Rules for Unit Verification Certificates