ATEX and EX classification

In industrial processes where there is a risk of explosion there are also requirements for measures to minimise these. Allow us to contribute with our expertise on classification standards and risk reduction and together we will find the right measures and document these in accordance with the applicable legislation.

ATEX and EX classification

In industrial processes where there is a risk of explosion there are also requirements for measures to minimise these. Allow us to contribute with our expertise on classification standards and risk reduction and together we will find the right measures and document these in accordance with the applicable legislation.

ATEX and EX classification

In industrial processes where there is a risk of explosion there are also requirements for measures to minimise these. Allow us to contribute with our expertise on classification standards and risk reduction and together we will find the right measures and document these in accordance with the applicable legislation.

ATEX and EX classification

The risk of explosion is ever present in many of today’s industrial processes, as a result of the use of explosive dust or powders, gases and flammable liquids, or the fact that these or other hazardous substances can arise during the course of an industrial process. Current legislation makes it mandatory to take measures to prevent explosions and sources of ignition, and to document the measures that are taken. This requires in-depth knowledge about the potential sources of ignition and the potential sources of risk described in the ATEX directive.

We offer technical safety in areas related to explosion risks, and we can tailor solutions for all types of installation as well as for equipment manufacturers, public authorities and insurance companies.

Investigating the on-site conditions and providing advice to limit the risk of personal injury as well as damage to property and the environment when working with flammable materials or explosive dust/powder is a matter of teamwork. We have extensive knowledge and experience of classification standards and risk reduction measures. You know your own installation inside out, and together we can meet the criteria – both for an installation and for manufacturers – to ensure that we always remain “on the safe side”.

DEKRA can help you with:

Explosion protection documentation (EPD): risk assessment of sources of risk and ignition, in accordance with ATEX 1999/92/EC and ATEX 94/9/EC with procedures, documentation systems and the management of intentional risks and production risks
EPD that includes EX classification plan for explosive gases, vapour, mist and dust.
Inspection, expert verifications and periodic inspections
CE marking of your equipment and an EC declaration of conformity according to Directive 94/9/EC
Training in accordance with 1999/92/EC and 94/9/EC:
Work in an explosive environment
CE-marking of products in potentially explosive atmospheres

Documentation systems for small and medium-sized plants

Classification plan for potentially explosive areas

When must a “Classification Plan for Areas where there is a Risk of Explosion” be drawn up?

Businesses which deal with flammable gases, liquids and dusts under conditions where there is a significant risk of creating an explosive atmosphere are obliged to divide the risk areas into explosion zones by drawing up a classification plan. The requirements and other information relating to this are specified in the statutes in SRVFS 2004:7 (gases, vapours and mists) and in AFS 2003:3 (dust).

Examples of installations where a classification plan is common:

Solid fuel plants
Pharmaceutical industry and laboratories (gases and solvents)
Lacquering and printing plants (spray-painting, distillation, cleaning with solvent-based liquids)
Car maintenance facilities (gases, oil spills mixed with petroleum, screen wash, etc.)
Loading/unloading and storage in tanks (gases and liquids)
Manufacturing industries (various gases and solvents, dust containing light metal powders/swarf, etc.)
Waste incineration and combustion plants (methane, natural gas, dusty fuels)
Food processing and silo storage facilities (dust in the form of sugar, starch, flour, etc.)
Woodworking, high schools (gas networks, solvents)

DEKRA Exam – Internationally Notified Body

International cooperation

Through our sister company, DEKRA Exam GmbH in Germany, we can also offer independent technology services to manufacturers, system manufacturers and system operators. Our activities focus on testing and certifying equipment, protective systems and safety systems that are intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, as well as machines, gas detectors and personal protective equipment. We also conduct assessments and offer advisory services on how to protect against explosions and control industrial risks relating to explosion protection.

Notified Body of the EU

DEKRA EXAM is a Notified Body of the European Union for ATEX Directive 94/9/EC, PPE Directive 89/686/EEC and Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. DEKRA EXAM is responsible for testing, auditing and certifying products and quality management systems. DEKRA EXAM is also a founding member of the global IECEx Scheme and an Approved Inspection Agency (ZÜS) for explosion protection in accordance with Germany’s Occupational Safety Regulations (BetrSichV). DEKRA EXAM is actively involved as a member of more than 50 national and international professional associations.