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ATEX Assessment & CAD
Compliance

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About ATEX Assessments

ATEX is the name given to the European Directive to ensure that all EU member states create appropriate legislation so that the health and safety protection of employees from an explosion caused by work activity is reduced.

Compliance is implemented in the UK through the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).  Manufacturers of equipment to be used in potentially flammable atmospheres must comply with the Equipment for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (EPS).

For businesses in the UK, or for those wishing to comply with DSEAR, you can find out more on our dedicated DSEAR and HAC page.

Understanding ATEX Regulations

ATEX applies to all equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres within the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA) and aims to protect workers against risks arising from explosive atmospheres. An employer must take organisational and/or technical measures to:

  • prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres, or where the nature of the activity does not allow that, it should avoid the ignition of explosive atmospheres
  • mitigate the detrimental effects of an explosion to ensure the health and safety of workers
  • where necessary, these measures shall be combined and/or supplemented with measures to prevent the propagation of explosions
 

Employers must also assess the specific risks from explosive atmospheres, taking account at least of:

  • the likelihood that explosive atmospheres will occur and their persistence
  • the likelihood that ignition sources, including electrostatic discharges, will be present and become active and effective
  • the installations, substances used, processes and their possible interactions
  • the scale of the anticipated effects

Understanding CAD (Chemical Agents Directive)

The Chemical Agents Directive aims to promote and improve the safety and health of workers at their place of work. As ATEX only covers explosive atmospheres, the CAD directive focuses on risks related with chemical agents. Considering hazardous chemical agents, CAD concentrates on the occupational exposure of potentially hazardous chemical agents and its direct risk to fires, explosions and chemical reaction hazards. CAD covers all hazardous chemical agents including:

  • elements or compounds either on its own or admixed,
  • chemicals in natural states or produced, used or released.
  • elements released as waste (whether intentionally or not)
  • elements that may give rise to explosive mixtures
  • all chemical agents whether placed on the market or not
 

For explosive atmospheres both Directives apply, ATEX is more specific for the requirements related to explosive atmospheres, CAD can apply. Furthermore, for all other fires and explosions CAD will apply. This includes explosive mixtures outside the “atmospheric” range (oxygen concentration, pressure, temperature)

Why Sigma-HSE?

Our Atex consultants undertake risk assessments and integrate ATEX regulations in a holistic way to cover employees and non-employees across European sites. Through our actionable insights, we determine what practicable recommendations should be made for your company to optimise safety and reduce the level of risk to people, business, workplace and environment.

The Sigma-HSE Advantage

Sigma-HSE is your single solution provider for ATEX, CAD and other explosive atmosphere regulatory compliance. Our team of experienced consultants and technical engineers are on hand to provide pragmatic solutions to help your business comply with these regulations.

We can aid you in the following areas:

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Ensure safety & regulatory compliance through an ATEX Assessment

ATEX compliance is an important aspect in keeping people, business and the environment safe from risks relating to fire and explosions. Learn more about
how we can assist you today.

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