Information Sheets

ATEX - The Basics

The ATEX Directive 94/9/EC is one of a number of EU New Approach (CE marking) Directives, whose purpose is to allow free movement of products within the European Union.

It includes Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs) which the product has to meet, normally by being designed to comply with relevant Harmonised Standards.

A manufacturer, or other party responsible for placing the product on the market in the EU, is reponsible for:

Identifying the requirements that apply to the product.
Esuring that the EHSRs are met.
Applying the necessary Conformity Assessment Procedures according to the Category of the equipment (or protective system).
Labelling the product with their name and address, and the CE Marking*.
Issuing an EC Declaration of Conformity*, and sending a copy with the product.

Baseefa can help with advice and information in all of these areas. Some of the conformity Assessment Procedures require the involvement of an ATEX Notified Body and Baseefa provides the full range of these services which include Type Examination, Product Verification, Quality Assurance Notification and Technical File Storage.

*Different requirements apply for Components than to Equipment. The CE marking is not applied to a Component (such as a certified flameproof empty enclosure), and there is a different document of conformity which has to be made and supplied, called an Attestation of Conformity.

Further Information:

The Baseefa website provides the information you will need to help plan your ATEX Compliance. Links are provided to other websites where downloadable guidance is available.

We provide a Technical Advice Service for manufacturers who are new to ATEX, or who are developing a new product. It can save a lot of time if hazardous area safety is designed in from the start.