Atex rules
Royal Decree 400/1996 concerning equipment and protective systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres ( ATEX 94/9/EC Directive Transposition of -100 ) .
Royal Decree 400/1996 (ATEX-100) establishes the essential safety requirements for equipment and systems , the various modules and quality systems certification ” CE” . It is basically a DR requirements for manufacturers of equipment and protective systems for use in Explosive Atmospheres , establishing a classification of teams into groups and categories.
application
Of mandatory from 1 July 2003.
Applicable devices and protective systems for use in explosive atmospheres :
” Machines , materials, other devices entries cables, drivers and instrumentation and control units ” used in “production , transportation, storage, measurement , regulation, conservation and transformation” of substances that can trigger an explosion .
exclusions :
Medical devices for use in healthcare .
When the danger of explosion has been exclusively in the presence of explosive substances and chemical unstable .
Equipment intended for use in domestic and commercial environments .
The personal protective equipment .
The sea and ships and mobile units ” offshore ” and its equipment on board.
Means of transport (except those intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres )
Those intended for the manufacture of armaments and military equipment .
Main points to note:
One . As of 30/06/2003 will not allow the sale and commissioning of equipment and / or systems in accordance with the rules above.
Two . Is applicable to all kinds of equipment able to be a source of ignition (eg . Mechanical equipment etc.).
Three . Classification of equipment groups and categories for areas with explosion hazard (new protection for combustible dust )
Royal Decree 681/2003 on the protection of the health and safety of workers potentially at risk from the presence of explosive atmospheres in the workplace [ Transposition of the Directive 99/92/CE ( ATEX -137 )]
One . RD 681/2003 is a specific Decree within the scope of Directive 89/391/EEC or Risk Prevention Act .
Two . Configure document protection against explosions consistently with documents Occupational Hazards Planning and prevention activities .
Three . The scope coincides with RD 400/1996 .
Annexes to the RD 681/2003 .
Annex I which includes the classification of areas where explosive atmospheres may form .
* Zones 0, 1 and 2
* Zones 20 , 21 and 22
Zone O ( Gas )
Work area in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is present permanently or for an extended period of time or frequently.
Zone 1 (Gas )
Work area where it is likely , in normal operating conditions , the formation of an occasional explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist .
Zone 2 (Gas )
Work area where it is likely, in normal operating conditions , the formation of an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist , or when , if trained , this explosive atmosphere remains only for short periods of time.
Zone 20 ( Dust )
Work area in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of cloud of combustible dust in air is present permanently or for an extended period of time or frequently.
Zone 21 ( Dust )
Work area where it is likely the occasional formation in normal operating conditions , explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in the air.
Zone 22 ( Dust )
Work area where it is likely, in normal operating conditions , the formation of an explosive atmosphere in a cloud of combustible dust in the air or what , should form the explosive atmosphere remains only for a short period of time.
APPENDIX II consists of two parts , A and B.
Part A ( minimum ) :
* Establish organizational measures ( employee training , written instructions and work permits ) .
* Establishing explosion protection .
* In existing facilities or without the use of equipment, devices and protection systems will be based on the provisions of the explosion protection document verification or persons ” responsible ”
Part B sets out the criteria for the selection of equipment and protective systems according to categories of RD 400/1996
* EQUIPMENT CATEGORY 1 All 0 to 20
* EQUIPMENT category 1 or 2 zones 1 to 21
* EQUIPMENT category 1 , 2 or 3 2 or 22 zones
Law 31 /1995 on Prevention of Occupational Risks determines the basic body of guarantees and responsibilities to adequately protect the health of workers in the workplace , allowing the development of regulations fixing the minimum measures for the adequate protection (Art. 43 Law 31/1995 LPRL )
