ATEX Certification

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ATEX Certification Certification

An ATEX certificate is required for a product, a piece of equipment, or a component covered by the ATEX directive 2014/34/EU. A certificate is issued based on a verification against the requirements of applicable ATEX harmonized standards. For certain categories (zones), the directive requires that the certification must be carried out by a third party, and that there is e.g. EU Type Examination Certificate available.When electronic or electrical equipment of any type is intended for use in a hazardous area, the equipment must be ATEX certified as required by the EU directive 94/9/EC. This directive is more commonly known as the ATEX directive (from the French: ATmospheres EXplosives). 

What is ATEX Certification?

ATEX was initially introduced in the European Union to facilitate the free movement of goods and services of equipment used in hazardous environments. It includes one harmonised standard which is applicable to electronic power supplies; the ATEX 95 equipment directive 94/9/EC. In Europe it is a mandated by law to comply with that directive and compliance is indicated through the CE mark and distinctive ATEX symbol. Non-electrical equipment in category 2 and all equipment in category 3 can be self-certified by manufacturers, although it is normal practice to support compliance through third party testing of products to the EN60079 series of standards. The ATEX Directive is a mandatory requirement within the EU. It establishes a legal framework that manufacturers of products follow to protect employees and property from explosion risk in potentially explosive areas.
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ATEX Certification

ATEX certification is crucial for products used in potentially explosive atmospheres. It ensures that equipment meets specific safety requirements to prevent explosions. Some benefits of ATEX certification include: 1. *Safety:* ATEX-certified products are designed to operate safely in hazardous environments where there is a risk of explosion. This certification helps prevent accidents and ensures the safety of workers and facilities. 2. *Compliance:* Having ATEX certification demonstrates compliance with European Union regulations for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. It is a legal requirement for products in these environments. 3. *Global Market Access:* ATEX certification is recognized worldwide, making it easier to export products to countries that require compliance with similar standards. 4. *Risk Reduction:* By using ATEX-certified equipment, the risk of explosions in hazardous areas is significantly reduced, leading to a safer working environment. 5. *Quality Assurance:* ATEX certification involves rigorous testing and assessment of products to ensure they meet high safety standards, providing assurance of product quality and reliability. 6. *Insurance Benefits:* Some insurance companies may offer reduced premiums for businesses that use ATEX-certified equipment due to the lower risk of accidents and damages. Overall, ATEX certification is essential for industries where explosive atmospheres are present, ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment, and facilities.

Start your journey to ATEX Certification certification

Contact our team today to receive a free no-obligation competitive quotation from our dedicated business development team. We will devise a comprehensive quote that will align with your occupational health and safety requirements. We tailor our quotes to meet your needs, and we support a range of ISO standards, including ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and Cyber Essentials. Learn more about Certification Europe’s accreditations, discover our client testimonials and find out more about working with us.

The Certification Journey

Certification Achieved

Successful certification is communicated to the client. Certificates are issued.

Certification Review & Decision

The organisations files are reviewed by an independent and impartial panel and the certification decision is made.

Recommendation for Certification

At this point in the process we review any corrective actions taken to address findings raised at Stage 1 & 2. Certification may be recommended.

Stage two

The second assessment determines the effectiveness of the system, and seeks to confirm that the management system is implemented and operational.

Stage One

The initial assessment determines if the mandatory requirements of the standard are being met and if the management system is capable of proceeding to Stage 2.

Certification Achieved

Successful certification is communicated to the client. Certificates are issued.

Certification Review & Decision

The organisations files are reviewed by an independent and impartial panel and the certification decision is made.

Recommendation for Certification

At this point in the process we review any corrective actions taken to address findings raised at Stage 1 & 2. Certification may be recommended.

Stage two

The second assessment determines the effectiveness of the system, and seeks to confirm that the management system is implemented and operational.

Stage One

The initial assessment determines if the mandatory requirements of the standard are being met and if the management system is capable of proceeding to Stage 2.

ATEX Certification FAQ's

ATEX certification is designed to ensure the safety of equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres. It aims to prevent accidents and protect workers by setting standards for the design, construction, and use of equipment in such hazardous environments.

While ATEX and IECEx both focus on equipment used in explosive atmospheres, they differ in terms of geographical scope and certification processes. ATEX is primarily used in the European Union, while IECEx is recognized internationally. ATEX certification involves conformity assessment by notified bodies within the EU, whereas IECEx follows international standards and procedures.

ATEX certification obtained in one country within the European Union is generally accepted in other EU member states. However, when exporting equipment outside the EU, additional assessments or certifications may be required to comply with local regulations and standards.

ATEX certification is typically valid for a specified period, after which the equipment may need to be re-evaluated for continued compliance. The validity period can vary depending on the type of equipment, changes in regulations, and the manufacturer's quality management system.

Not all products used in explosive atmospheres require ATEX certification. The need for certification depends on the classification of the hazardous area, the type of equipment used, and the level of risk present. Certain equipment categories and zones may require ATEX certification to ensure compliance with safety standards.

ATEX certification is mandatory for equipment used in explosive atmospheres within the European Union. It is essential for ensuring the safety of workers and facilities in these hazardous environments.

ATEX certification does not have an expiration date. However, manufacturers need to ensure that their products continue to meet the required safety standards to maintain certification.

To obtain ATEX certification, manufacturers need to have their products tested and assessed by a notified body to ensure they meet the necessary safety requirements outlined in the ATEX directive.

Industries such as oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, mining, and manufacturing, where there is a risk of explosive atmospheres, typically require ATEX-certified equipment.

ATEX certification is a European regulatory standard that ensures equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres meets specific safety requirements to prevent explosions.