ATEX DIRECTIVE 2014/34/EU

Published: 13th May 2016 | Issue 37 Share article:

What is it?
This Directive applies to the following products: (a) equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres;
(b) safety devices, controlling devices and regulating devices intended for use outside potentially explosive atmospheres but required for or contributing to the safe functioning of equipment and protective systems with respect to the risks of explosion;
(c) components intended to be incorporated into equipment and protective systems referred to in point (a).

Why is it important?
ATEX items placed on the market from today must be accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity to the new Directive 2014/34/EU.

Formal guidance on the transition is given in the following EU document: EU guidance on ATEX transition to 2014/34/EU

This states:
“… the main changes in the new Directive 2014/34/EU with respect to the previous Directive 94/9/EC are quite limited, and do not concern the most substantial characteristics of the act that remain the same: scope, essential health and safety requirements, categorization and conformity assessment procedures.”

The most significant changes are:

• Reference number
• Definitions are updated
• Economic operators (manufacturers, authorised representatives, importers, distributors) and their obligations are specified.
• Notified bodies: more detailed requirements and procedures outlined

Transition arrangements state that existing certificates referring to 94/9/EC remain valid. There is no time limit to this, however, any changes to certificates after 20 April 2016 will need a new certificate. More detailed guidance is given in the document.

As a minimum, ensure that your Declaration of Conformity:

• refers to 2014/34/EU
• has the statement “This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer.”

Draft legislation in the UK has been discussed and should have been released before today, but is as yet not available.

Supersedes:
ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.

BVAA ATEX Guidelines will be updated when the new UK legislation has been released. Please conta

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