ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU

The ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles) European Union (EU) Directive 2014/34/EU - On the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (recast); entered into force and application on 18th April 2014. The legislation provided for the repeal of the old ATEX Directive 94/9/EC on 20th April 2016. The new ATEX directive has been “recast” to reflect the New Legislative Framework (NLF) published on 9 July 2008.

 

The ATEX Directive applies to all equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in the EU and since July 2003 it is mandatory for these devices to have an ATEX type approval. The objective of ATEX is to ensure the free movement of goods throughout the EU, by offering one harmonised compliance procedure accepted by all EU countries, eradicating the need for differing national standards. Certification (ATEX type approval) ensures that the equipment or protective system is fit for its intended purpose and that adequate information is supplied with it to ensure that it can be used safely. For product certification; samples of the equipment will need to be tested by a laboratory of an appropriate Notified Body. Compliant Ex product will be issued with an EU-Type Examination Certificate.

Quality Assurance Notification (QAN)

When Ex product has achieved ATEX type approval the manufacturing facility will require a Quality Assurance Notification (QAN). To obtain a QAN the Quality System will need to be compliant to ISO/IEC 80079-34, the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and subject to a factory inspection audit by an appropriate Notified Body.