ATEX Prevention Manuals

In general, for a substance to be classified as ATEX, it must be flammable or combustible. This is just not a condition, as it must meet several other conditions to form an explosive atmosphere (for example, in the case of flammable liquids, it must have a flash point equal to or lower than the temperature attainable at the location of the substance). Therefore, in order to know whether a substance present in a particular place can create an explosive atmosphere, it is essential to know its properties, describe its behavior and the danger it represents. Among the various characteristics evaluated we can highlight:

– Substance characteristics;

– Flash point temperature (liquids);

– Flammability/explosivity limits;

– Autoignition temperature;

– Minimum oxygen concentration;

– Minimum ignition energy.

– Temperature of the place where the substance is located.

So, for example, it is possible for the same substance to be considered ATEX in one unit under certain process conditions, but not when used in another unit where its ignition temperature will never be reached.

The main regulation is as follows:

• Directive 1994/9/EC (ATEX 100) – Commercial directive focused on harmonizing safety requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres;
• Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137) – Social directive, focused on the safety and health of workers exposed to risks arising from explosive atmospheres;
• DL 236/2003, of September 30 – Transposes into national law Directive no. 1999/92/EC, of the European Parliament and of the Council, of December 16, on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

Since flammable substances/materials or combustible dust are used in most sectors of activity associated with manufacturing activities/processes, it can be said that the ATEX regulations apply directly or indirectly (cleaning operations, fuel supply, laboratory tests, etc.) to practically all branches of activity.

Examples of activities to which the ATEX regulations apply:

• • Agriculture;
  • Landfills;
  • Recycling companies;
  • Gas distribution companies;
  • Food industry;
  • Pharmaceutical industry;
  • Chemical industries;
  • Wood processing industry;
  • Painting;
  • Electricity production;
  • Refineries;
  • Wastewater treatment.

The ATEX manual must contain:

• Identification and classification of hazardous areas according to the substances present;
• Explosion risk assessment;
• Implementation of protective measures against possible explosions;
• Selection of appliances, equipment and systems for hazardous areas, in accordance with the requirements of Directive 1994/9/EC.

Research and disseminate preventive measures through an explosion protection manual that identifies hazardous situations, assesses the respective risks and indicates the preventive measures to be taken to protect the safety and health of workers who may be exposed to risks arising from explosive atmospheres in the workplace.

The ATEX manual must be drawn up before work begins and revised whenever there are major changes or transformations in the workplace, equipment or work organization.

According to article 15 of Decree-Law no. 236/2003, of September 30, the employer must provide workers who provide services in areas where explosive atmospheres may occur with adequate training, although it does not state what is meant by adequate.

Thus, the good practice guide published for the application of Directive 1999/92/EC indicates that this training should:

• Announcing and explaining existing work instructions.
• Present the PPE to be used;
• Present and explain the Protective Measures adopted by the organization;
• Describe how to work safely in hazardous areas;
• Specify the areas of the workplace where there is a risk of explosion;
• Explain how to handle work equipment;
• Explain how the risk of explosion arises;
• Explain the meaning of the signs in danger areas;
• Indicate the equipment that can be used in hazardous areas.