The ATEX directives

Affect the supply and use of equipment in potentially flammable atmospheres (ATmosphere EXplosive)

Directive 94/9/EC  (ATEX 100a) "on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres" full directive by the EC

The Directive was implemented into GB law by The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/192), and in Northern Ireland by The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 (SR 1996/247). Manufacturers have the option of complying with the Regulations or with health and safety provisions respectively in force in GB or NI on 23 March 1994 (the date of adoption of the Directive) during a transition period up to 1 July 2003. (from DTI guide).

Directive 99/92/EC (ATEX 118a or ATEX 137) "minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres" full directive by the EC

Explanations by various sources

Equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres by the EC
Guidelines on the application of Directive 94/9/EC by the EC

ATEX Directive94/9/EC by the UK DTI
Guidance Notes by the UK DTI (pdf)
ATEX European Directives by EECS
Understanding the ATEX Directive by Epsilon
The Atex Directive an article by Epsilon
The ATEX 'Use' directive (protection of workers) by Epsilon
A brief guide to the ATEX world by BVS

CE Marking

CE Marking Uncovered by Epsilon
The CE Logo about and graphic files by Conformance UK
CE Marking by EECS

UK Legislation

The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996 proposed Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 implementing 98/24/EC (CAD) and 99/92/EC (ATEX 137)

Other links

EC/EU Harmonised Standards by the EC

This page updated 25 March 2002 by Martin Pitt