ATEX
2 Atex services :
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Our know how :
Palamatic Process is specialized in developing and manufacturing machines and systems for the production of food and feed, chemical and fine chemical products.
In their production processes, our customers are very frequently faced with the explosive nature of several materials used (powder, gas, liquid). Huge accidents prove the consequences that an explosion may have. When the atmosphere is explosive, a small spark (e.g. that of an electric switch or from the mechanical heating of a part of the machine) is enough to cause an accident or a disaster.
For many years, authorities and industries have worked on developing safety rules governing work conditions in such dangerous environments : explosive atmospheres. The new regulations, called ATEX regulations, were published and are effective as from 1st July, 2003. Today, Palamatic Process provides its expertise to classify your risk zones based on the nature, frequency or duration of the presence of an ATEX regulation. Marked explosion risk zones are signalled with the warning sign established by regulation...
Palamatic Process defines with you the protection and prevention steps to be adopted, considering your restrictions. A document referring to explosion protection will be established and integrated into the Occupational Risk Evaluation Unique Document.
GUIDELINES
Reminder of the guidelines:
As of 1 July 2003, all manufacturers concerned with the manufacturing, use or distribution of materials must comply with the essential requirements of health and safety provided by these two directives.
- Directive 94/9/EC:
It regards the free circulation of equipment when placed on the market.
It is intended for designers of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres.
- Directive 1999/92/EC:
It relates to safety of workers at the workplace relative to the risk of explosion.
It is intended for users and establishes minimum requirements to be met by the manager regarding safety of workers who may be exposed to explosive atmospheres.
It requires a classification of areas and carry out compliance of the facility.
- Definition of an explosive atmosphere (ATEX):
ATEX is a "mixture with air, under atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances in the form of gases, vapors, mists or dusts in which, after ignition has occurred, combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture".
It should be noted that ATEX can exist:
- In an open environment: the inflammation will create essentially a thermal effect
- In a closed environment: its inflammation will create thermal effects and pressure effects
