Ex (As per ATEX Directives)

This Hexagon Logo with “Ex” marked inside is as per specification of ATEX ( ATmosphères EXplosives ) . This mark along with the EC mark, is carried by all equipment complying with the ATEX directives.

What is a Directive ?

A directive is a legislative act of the European Union, which requires member states to achieve a particular result without dictating the means of achieving that result. It can be distinguished from regulations which are self-executing and do not require any implementing measures. Directives normally leave member states with a certain amount of flexibility as to the exact rules to be adopted. Directives can be adopted by means of a variety of legislative procedures depending on their subject matter. (Wikipedia)

Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosives.

(French Title of the special EU Directives 94/9/EC. ATEX derives its name from this French title )

The ATEX directive consists of the following two EU directives describing what equipment and work environment is allowed in an environment with an explosive atmosphere.

the ATEX 95 equipment directive 94/9/EC, Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres;
the ATEX 137 workplace directive 99/92/EC, Minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

The aim of directive 94/9/EC is to allow the free trade of ‘ATEX’ equipment and protective systems within the EU by removing the need for separate testing and documentation for each member state

Explosive Atmosphere is a mixture with air , under atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances in the form of gas or vapour in which, after ignition, combustion spreads throughout the unconsumed mixtures. (IEC: 60079-10 ).

The Hazardous Areas (ref: IEC 60079-10, 14)

Areas in which an explosive atmosphere is present , or may be expected to be present , in quantities such as to require special precautions for the construction , installation and use of equipment. (An Area is a three dimensional region or space)

The Hazardous Contents associated with an area , are quantified through the process of Area Classification

Objectives of Area Classifications .

The basic underlying philosophy is SAFETY of life and property by quantifying the location.A special methodology is used by virtue of which an industrial location ( 3 dimensional space ) is analyzed and classified into Classes & Zones , keeping in view the chemicals/substances involved & the industrial procedures being carried out in that location.