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FAQs


ATEX Questions

How much does an ATEX project cost?


Each product will be slightly different, and will require slightly different assessments along with the standard set of testing criteria that the relevant protection concept will dictate.

Complexity of design, the number of certification drawings and checklists you have and type of parameters you want for the project (i.e. Gas group, T-classes etc.) all have an effect on the scope of work, and hence the cost.

Ex ia projects will generally cost more than Ex d or Ex e projects, for example, as they have a more complex scope and will require more assessment.

Sira can issue fixed priced quotations specific to your product and scope of work. We can also offer more general budgetary quotations to give you an idea of the costs of certification on receipt of product information.

To obtain a quotation, please fill in the Sira request for quotation form by clicking here and accompany it with product information (i.e. datasheets and drawings).



How long do ATEX projects generally take?


Project timescales will differ due to the scope of work involved, but generally an average timescale for an ATEX project is 6-8 weeks from start of project.

As with all certification bodies, we have a high volume of work, and lead-times to pick up projects do exist, however they vary on a daily basis. Generally we can start the project 1-2 weeks from acceptance of quotation and receipt of documents and samples.

It is important that we communicate regularly with you throughout the process, as delays in getting information to us (i.e. samples, revised certification drawings etc.) obviously affect the timescales. It helps to allocate a resource within your organisation dedicated to approval projects, so that we can set up a 'point-of-call' for any questions/requests we have throughout the project.

Also, some products might not comply first time round, so it may be prudent to see if our certification support services can help to reduce project timescales, by conducting an initial review of the product before embarking on any approvals process. Details of certification support can be found by clicking here.



What equipment is not covered by ATEX 94/9/EC?


The ATEX guidelines states that the following equipment does not fall under the scope of the directive:

  • Medical devices intended for use in a medical environment.
  • Equipment and protective systems where the explosion hazard results exclusively from the presence of explosive substances or unstable chemical substances.
  • Equipment intended for use in domestic and non-commercial environments.
  • Personal protective equipment covered by directive 89/686/EEC33. **
  • Seagoing vessels and mobile offshore units together with equipment on board such vessels or units, as they are already covered by the IMO Convention.

(source: ATEX Guidelines - see section 5 of the ATEX guidelines for more information)

**although PPE is excluded, compliance with explosion safety standards is referenced in the PPE Directive and Sira can provide suitable compliance documentation that will back up your declaration of conformity.




What content should a Declaration of Conformity contain?

The Declaration of conformity should include:

  • Name & address of the manufacturer (or their authorised representative).
  • A description of the equipment and its intended use.
  • All relevant provisions fulfilled by the directive (i.e. relevant product marking, T-class and gas groups).
  • Name & Address of the Notified Body who certified the equipment (if applicable).
  • Product Certificate Number (if applicable) i.e. SIRA06ATEX1234.
  • Reference to the harmonised standards used to certify the equipment.
  • Reference to other harmonised directives adhered to (if applicable).
  • Signature of the “responsible person”.

(source: ATEX Guidelines. Please see section 10 of the ATEX Guidelines for more information)


For components (i.e. unfinished parts) an attestation of conformity is required and this must contain details of the characteristics of the component, how the component is to be incorporated into the finished equipment such that it will meet the provisions of the ATEX Directive.



As an end user, what documentation should I receive from a manufacturer/supplier of ATEX equipment?


Manufacturers/suppliers of ATEX equipment are obliged to deliver a copy of the Declaration of Conformity and a set of instructions for safe use relating to the product. It is also recommended that a copy of the ATEX certificate (if applicable) is also provided. Manufacturers are not obliged to provide a copy of the Technical File.

If you don’t receive these things then the manufacturer/supplier is not fulfilling his responsibilities under the ATEX directive.




What mandatory markings do I need to put on my ATEX product label?


The guidelines set a minimum requirement for product marking. For information on this, please download our Product Marking datasheet by clicking here




I am a manufacturer of non-electrical equipment. What do I have to do to comply with the ATEX directive?

Manufacturers do not need to go through the EC Type examination route that electrical equipment is subjected to, unless the mechanical equipment is to be used in a zone 0 and 20 (category 1 equipment).

If the equipment is classified as category 2 equipment (for use in zone 1) then the manufacturer follows the process of ‘Internal control of production’ outlined in Annex VIII of the directive.

The manufacturer compiles a technical file of the equipment, and submits it to a Notified Body for them to store.

If the equipment is classified as category 3 equipment (for use in zone 2) then the manufacturer follows the process of ‘Internal control of production’ but does not need to submit the file to a Notified Body.

More information can be found by accessing the ATEX and Non-electrical equipment section of our website, by clicking here.




What is the stance on Spare Parts and Repair of Equipment under the ATEX Directive?

If you have pre-ATEX equipment then you can supply spare parts for those products in accordance with the original design. This is repair of equipment and is handled under DSEAR regulations (UK) or ATEX 137 (rest of EU). The supply of parts for repair of existing equipment is not covered under ATEX 94/9/EC.

If equipment is modified, (i.e. it is changed to operate or achieve it's purpose differently than the manufacturer had originally intended) whether it is pre-ATEX or not, may cause it to require re-assessment, depending on whether the modifications are 'substantial'. This would be the case if the modifications affect a principle part of the explosion protection. For example, modifying a shaft on a rotating machine may not be a problem, but modifying an endshield to give different flamepaths would require re-assessment.

If an item of pre-ATEX equipment is to be replaced (because it is no longer able to function or is beyond repair) then it can be replaced with an equivalent ATEX compliant product. Alternatively it could be replaced with an identical pre-ATEX certified product, provided that product had been placed on the EU market for use in hazardous areas before 30 June 2003. Fore more information, please see clause 3.1 of the ATEX Directive (the term 'placed on the market' is defined in the guidelines).


 

To ask Sira a specific question, please contact us directly.