ATEX 114
ATEX 2014/34/EU Compliance: Safety Without Compromise
Certification Experts guides you through specific compliance procedures of the ATEX 114 according to the ATEX 2014/34/EU directive. With over 25 years of experience, our team of experts can determine the relevant category and the corresponding procedure, and prepare a risk assessment and support with creating a technical dossier, and drafting an ATEX declaration of conformity.
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What is the ATEX 114 directive?
“ATEX” stands for “Atmosphères Explosibles” and is derived from the French phrase for explosive atmospheres. Previously known as ATEX 95, the ATEX 114 Directive specifies what equipment and products that are used in potentially explosive atmospheres must comply with. It is an European Directive (ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU) and is laid down in the Commodities Act Decree Explosion-proof equipment. Here you can find the official ATEX 2014 34 eu pdf.
The directive applies to the manufacture of installations and products and is important for the legal entity that places the products on the market, for example manufacturers or importers. The directive may also apply to employers who build, modify, or expand equipment or installations in companies.
The primary objectives of the ATEX 114 Directive are to:
- Ensure that equipment used in explosive atmospheres does not pose a risk to safety and health.
- Facilitate the free movement of equipment within the European Union by establishing common technical requirements and standards.
- Promote a consistent approach to safety in potentially explosive environments.
The directive categorises equipment into different groups and categories based on their intended use and the level of risk in the explosive atmosphere. The manufacturer must ensure that the equipment complies with the relevant requirements and follows the appropriate conformity assessment procedures. In some cases, the involvement of a notified body may be required to assess the equipment’s conformity.
Understanding ATEX 114 Categories
ATEX 114, Directive 2014/34/EU, classifies equipment into different categories based on their potential risk in potentially explosive atmospheres. These categories help determine the applicable conformity assessment procedures. There are three categories for equipment:
- This category is for equipment with the highest level of protection and is intended for use in zones with a high risk of explosive atmospheres. It includes areas where explosive gas atmospheres (G) or explosive dust atmospheres (D) are present continuously or for long periods. Equipment in this category requires the most rigorous conformity assessment procedures, and the involvement of a notified body is usually mandatory.
- Category 2 is for equipment designed for use in zones with a medium level of risk of explosive atmospheres. It includes areas where explosive gas atmospheres (G) or explosive dust atmospheres (D) are likely to occur occasionally during normal operation. Conformity assessment procedures for Category 2 equipment may involve a notified body, depending on specific circumstances and the chosen procedure.
- Category 3 is for equipment intended for use in zones with a low level of risk of explosive atmospheres. These zones are where explosive gas atmospheres (G) or explosive dust atmospheres (D) are unlikely to occur or, if they do occur, it will be for a very short period. Conformity assessment procedures for Category 3 equipment may not necessarily require the involvement of a notified body, depending on the specific situation and the chosen procedure.
The categorisation of equipment is essential for determining the level of protection and the conformity assessment process required to ensure that the equipment is safe for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Manufacturers must correctly classify their equipment to comply with ATEX 114, ATEX 2014/34/EU, and ensure its safety in these environments.
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Scope of the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU
The ATEX 2014/34/EU applies to a wide range of equipment and protective systems intended for use in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres, including both electrical and mechanical equipment. Key points about its scope:
- Equipment Coverage: It encompasses electrical and mechanical equipment as well as protective systems designed to prevent the spread of explosions.
- Associated Equipment: The directive also covers associated equipment used outside the hazardous area that contributes to safety within it.
- Explosive Atmosphere Definition: An explosive atmosphere is defined as a mixture of flammable substances (gases, vapors, mists, or dusts) with air, under atmospheric conditions, where combustion spreads after ignition.
- Atmospheric Conditions: The directive suggests specific temperature and pressure ranges (20°C to 80°C and 0.8 bar to 1.1 bar) for product design and use considerations.
- Exclusions: The ATEX Directive excludes certain environments, such as those without equipment. It also excludes specific product categories, such as medical devices and personal protective equipment, when applying ATEX requirements would conflict with other directives.
In essence, the ATEX Directive is aimed at ensuring the safety of equipment and systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres while excluding areas without equipment and specific product categories where its application could create conflicts with other directives.
Challenges with ATEX 114
Manufacturers face several challenges in ensuring compliance with the ATEX 114 Directive. ATEX 114 compliance can be complex and therefore may require specialised knowledge. Some of the key challenges include:
- Complex Regulations: ATEX 114 has detailed and complex regulations, making it challenging for manufacturers to fully understand and interpret all the requirements correctly.
- Categorisation: Determining the correct equipment group and category can be complicated, as it depends on the intended use and the specific risks associated with the equipment.
- Essential health and safety requirements: The ATEX 2014/34/EU specifies essential health and safety requirements for equipment design and construction, which manufacturers must adhere to when drafting Declarations of Conformity.
- Conformity Assessment: Manufacturers must select the appropriate conformity assessment procedure for their equipment, which may vary depending on the equipment’s type and group. Choosing the wrong procedure can lead to non-compliance.
- Notified Bodies: In some cases, manufacturers need the involvement of notified bodies for conformity assessment. Selecting and working with the right notified body can be a challenge.
- Technical Documentation: Creating and maintaining technical documentation that meets the essential requirements and provides sufficient evidence of compliance is a significant challenge.
- Testing and Certification: Ensuring that equipment passes the required tests and certifications, and documenting the results can be time-consuming and costly.
What does Certification Experts offer?
Certification Experts offers comprehensive support throughout the intricate ATEX 114 compliance process for manufacturers. Our knowledgeable team ensures that equipment, not requiring the involvement of a notified body, fully complies with the essential health and safety requirements specified in the directive. We handle the initial categorisation and procedure determination, providing assistance in preparing a risk assessment, crafting a technical dossier, and creating an ATEX declaration of conformity. Opting for us as your compliance partner translates to valuable time and resource savings, reduced non-compliance risks, and enhanced confidence in your equipment’s safety and market readiness.
Certification Experts offer a range of services beyond CE marking for machinery. Some of the services they might provide include:
Check out our services
Here you can see what our experts can do to help you to comply with the ATEX Directives:
ATEX
Certification Experts can offer a wide range of services related to ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles) – the European directives for explosive atmospheres to ensure compliance. This includes expertise in assessing and certifying equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, ensuring compliance with relevant safety directives and standards.
- ATEX Advice and Assessment
- Risk Assessment and Classification
- Technical Documentation and Conformity Evaluation
- ATEX Consultancy
Engineering Review
Qualified engineers or experts of Certification Experts can carry out systematic examination of a product, system, process, design, or project, during the development phase. The purpose of an engineering review is to assess various aspects of the subject matter to ensure its functionality, safety, compliance with regulations, quality, and overall performance.
- Design Review
- Pre-compliance testing
- Consultancy and assist in arranging the necessary product testing
Risk Assessment
The European Product Legislation requires manufacturers to incorporate a risk assessment of potential risks associated with their equipment into their technical file. As stated in the directive an ‘adequate analysis and assessment of the risk(s)’ is required Certification Expert provides full guidance and execution of this requirement.
- Execution of the risk assessment
- Guidance in performing a risk assessment
- Product testing and evaluation
- Training in risk assessment and use of Safexpert software
- Safexpert risk assessment software (TÜV certified)
Product Testing
Product compliance often requires product testing, a requirement determined by applicable legislation. Certification Experts specializes in product testing, offering in-house, on-site, and partner test lab solutions.
Our most common testing:
- EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
- Low Voltage / electrical safety
- RoHS
- Radio Equipment
- Medical
- Toys
- Machinery
- ATEX
- Safety
Technical File
A Technical File contains relevant information that should demonstrate that your product complies with the essential requirements as stated in the relevant directives and/or regulations. It is a mandatory component of demonstrating the conformity of your product. As your full-service compliance partner, Certification Experts can assist you in gathering all necessary information and preparing and composing the Technical File.
- Evaluating, guiding and providing instructions for use
- Evaluating, guiding and preparing Risk Assessment
- Assemble Technical File
- Drafting the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) template
- Review user information
All the answers you might need!
There are atex 2014 34 eu guidelines available on the website of the European Commission. The current guideline is the fourth edition of the ATEX 2014/34/EU Guidelines.
The guidelines provide detailed information and explanations to help manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other stakeholders understand and comply with the requirements of the ATEX Directive. These guidelines cover various aspects, including the interpretation of the directive, technical documentation, conformity assessment procedures, and the obligations of economic operators.
For ATEX 114 compliance, the involvement of a Notified Body is not always mandatory, but it depends on the category of the equipment and the chosen conformity assessment procedure. The ATEX Directive allows manufacturers to choose from various conformity assessment modules, and some of these require the intervention of a Notified Body.
The European Commission maintains a list of Notified Bodies for ATEX, and you can find this list on their official website or through the national accreditation bodies of EU member states.
The essential requirements in ATEX 114, also known as Directive 2014/34/EU, outline the safety and health requirements for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Meeting these requirements is crucial for obtaining ATEX certification
To obtain ATEX certification, follow key steps including understanding ATEX 114, categorizing equipment, undergoing conformity assessment, preparing technical documentation, affixing the CE marking, and maintaining records. Regular reviews and compliance with EU directives are essential for ongoing certification.
ATEX 114 Directive 2014/34/EU is a vital European Union directive that sets safety requirements for equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres. It’s crucial for ensuring safety and preventing explosions in industrial environments.
The ATEX Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a crucial document that verifies a product’s compliance with the ATEX Directive, outlining safety requirements for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. It serves as a formal statement by the manufacturer or their representative, confirming that the product meets essential health and safety standards. The DoC indicates that the equipment has undergone conformity assessment procedures and complies with specified standards. It plays a key role in obtaining market access within the European Economic Area (EEA) and is often associated with obtaining the CE marking.
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