Introduction
Explosive atmospheres can be caused by flammable gases, mists or vapours or by combustible dusts. If there is enough of the substance, mixed with air, then all it needs is a source of ignition to cause an explosion.
Explosions can cause loss of life and serious injuries as well as significant damage. Preventing releases of dangerous substances, which can create explosive atmospheres, and preventing sources of ignition are two widely used ways of reducing the risk.
Using the correct equipment can help greatly in this.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) place duties on employers to eliminate or control the risks from explosive atmospheres in the workplace.
ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres.
Directive 99/92/EC (also known as 'ATEX 137' or the 'ATEX Workplace Directive') on minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
The text of the Directive and the supporting EU produced guidelines are available on the EU-website.
For more information on how the requirements of the Directive have been put into effect in Great Britain see the information in the section Explosive atmospheres in the directive.
Links for more information are provided below:
- The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 - (legislation.gov.uk)
- Northern Ireland Reg - Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 - PDF format - (legislation.gov.uk)