Explosion Regulations Cause Confusion

Despite being in force for two years this month (July), the European explosive atmospheres directive ATEX, is still causing confusion to manufacturers. Despite being in force for two years, the ATEX European explosive atmospheres directive is still causing confusion to manufacturers. ATEX has been in force since 2003, ensuring all new equipment adheres to safety standards, but it was only in July 2006 that ATEX 137 was introduced to cover all existing equipment which has to be assessed regarding risk of igniting an explosion.

Under ATEX employers are required to do a risk assessment of areas where explosive atmospheres might be present, establish hazardous areas (zones) and use ignition protection in these areas. Many companies have found the ATEX directive misleading, with some companies describing it as 'overkill' while others are over zoning and incurring unnecessary costs replacing equipment that doesn't need changing. Richard Kay, Marketing Manager with sieves and separators company Russell Finex, which supplies ATEX-approved equipment, says that although only 50% of companies had not heard of ATEX when it was first introduced, more companies were now aware of the directive but it has led to all sorts of misinterpretation.

"We are finding more people are aware of ATEX now but many people are confused". "Some food manufacturers are telling us it is overkill and that they feel their areas have little explosive risk so ATEX is an unnecessary cost to them while another manufacturer with an identical plant may overzone the same area and replace all the equipment unnecessarily". "The directive is there to give guidance but it is just too ambiguous". "It needs to be simplified, with companies knowing exactly what areas should be zoned as". Mark Neal, Managing Director with Armagard, which supplies ATEX-approved computer enclosures, agrees that confusion is causing over-zoning: "We hear of companies that have replaced the equipment unnecessarily from entire production lines when just a few minor alterations may be needed".

The Health and Safety Executive has said it is aware that confusion over ATEX may exist but it was doing everything possible to assist businesses. A spokesman said: "It is a challenge for the HSE to engage with small businesses over the whole range of health and safety issues". "Recognising that explosions and fires from combustible materials are a known hazard within the food industry, about a year ago HSE also produced a web-based information sheet for the food industry on the prevention of dust explosions". "Manufacturers and suppliers of explosion-protected equipment are also doing much to raise awareness of the need for employers to designate hazardous areas and use the right equipment within them". He added that companies wishing to know more about ATEX and other health and safety issues should visit the HSE website.