DSEAR and ATEX Regulations - ATEX 100A
ATEX Advisory Service provides specialist advice for companies who use hazardous atmospheres equipment and for companies who supply equipment for use in hazardous atmospheres. Both are subject to European Directives which have applied from July 2003
This Directive applies to all equipment, protective systems and some specified devices, intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres which are made or sold in the EU including imports. These will have to:
- satisfy wide ranging health and safety requirements
- in some cases be subject to type examination by a notified body
- in many cases be subject to conformity assessment procedures by a notified body
- carry CE marking and information
These rules apply anywhere in the European Community
There are transitional arrangements for the application of these Regulations but on 1 July 2003 equipment manufacturers in the UK will have to comply.
The Regulations apply to both electrical and mechanical equipment and protective systems for use on the surface, below ground and on fixed offshore installations and relate to all equipment, protective systems, safety devices, controlling devices, regulating devices and components (defined as any item essential to the safe functioning of equipment).
Equipment must meet essential health and safety requirements and their manufacturer or authorised representative established in the Community must undertake a conformity assessment procedure which might include:
- an EC type examination
- production quality assurance
- product verification
- conformity to type
- product quality assurance
- internal control and production
- unit verification
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