The Explosion Protection Document, according to ATEX 153

As of July 2003, organizations in EU must follow the directives to protect employees from explosion risk in areas with an explosive atmosphere.

There are two ATEX directives (one for the manufacturer and one for the workplace):

ATEX 153 regards the workplace; the official name is ‘directive 99/92/EC’, on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

Article 8

Explosion protection document

In carrying out the obligations laid down in Article 4, the employer shall ensure that a document, hereinafter referred to as the ‘explosion protection document’, is drawn up and kept up to date.

The explosion protection document shall demonstrate in particular:

— that the explosion risks have been determined and assessed,

— that adequate measures will be taken to attain the aims of this Directive,

— those places which have been classified into zones in accordance with Annex I,

— those places where the minimum requirements set out in Annex II will apply,

— that the workplace and work equipment, including warning devices, are designed, operated and maintained with due regard for safety,

— that in accordance with Council Directive 89/655/EEC (1), arrangements have been made for the safe use of work equipment.

The explosion protection document shall be drawn up prior to the commencement of work and be revised when the workplace, work equipment or organisation of the work undergoes significant changes, extensions or conversions.

The employer may combine existing explosion risk assessments, documents or other equivalent reports produced under other Community acts.

(1) OJ L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 13. Directive as amended by Directive 95/63/EC (OJ L 335, 30.12.1995, p. 28).