About ex
ATEX
WHAT IS ATEXThe ATEX Directive applies to organizations operating within the European Union, with the objective to protect workers and equipment from explosion risk in an explosive atmosphere. “ATEX” is an abbreviation for the French “Atmospheres Explosibles”.
In many workplaces there may be gases, dusts or vapors in the air. If these materials ignite, an explosion can occur, causing damage and injury to workers, environment and equipment. Industrial activities such as oil and gas operations, spraying paint on vehicles, chemical manufacturing, wood sawing or grain flour processing are some of the working environments where explosions could occur. ATEX aims to prevent or minimize explosions in these environments.
The ATEX Directives address product safety related to machines or equipment intended for use in explosive environments, as well as process safety related to the workplace:
Equipment and protective systems: ATEX Directive 2014/34/EUWorkplace: ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC WHY IS ATEX CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT?The ATEX regulations are framed within the laws of the European Union. If you sell equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres within this territory, you must obtain the ATEX certification.
These are some of the benefits of ATEX compliance:Access to the EU market: Complying with the law is mandatory, so being certified means you can sell goods within the EU.Improved safety: Plants that operate in conformance with ATEX can mitigate risk for people and equipment and avoid liabilities.Enhanced stakeholder trust: ATEX compliance validated by an independent notified body will demonstrate focus on safety throughout the value chain. SERVICES FOR EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS - ATEX DIRECTIVE 2014/34/EUThe production of industrial equipment and machinery for use in explosive and hazardous environments within the EU must comply with ATEX regulations as a part of the mandatory CE marking. Our expert teams work with you to ensure that your products are compliant and can reach your customers quickly and efficiently.
In many workplaces there may be gases, dusts or vapors in the air. If these materials ignite, an explosion can occur, causing damage and injury to workers, environment and equipment. Industrial activities such as oil and gas operations, spraying paint on vehicles, chemical manufacturing, wood sawing or grain flour processing are some of the working environments where explosions could occur. ATEX aims to prevent or minimize explosions in these environments.
The ATEX Directives address product safety related to machines or equipment intended for use in explosive environments, as well as process safety related to the workplace:
Equipment and protective systems: ATEX Directive 2014/34/EUWorkplace: ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC WHY IS ATEX CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT?The ATEX regulations are framed within the laws of the European Union. If you sell equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres within this territory, you must obtain the ATEX certification.
These are some of the benefits of ATEX compliance:Access to the EU market: Complying with the law is mandatory, so being certified means you can sell goods within the EU.Improved safety: Plants that operate in conformance with ATEX can mitigate risk for people and equipment and avoid liabilities.Enhanced stakeholder trust: ATEX compliance validated by an independent notified body will demonstrate focus on safety throughout the value chain. SERVICES FOR EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS - ATEX DIRECTIVE 2014/34/EUThe production of industrial equipment and machinery for use in explosive and hazardous environments within the EU must comply with ATEX regulations as a part of the mandatory CE marking. Our expert teams work with you to ensure that your products are compliant and can reach your customers quickly and efficiently.
IECex
WHAT IS IECEx?
IECEx, short for The International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres’, is a global standard focused on ensuring the safety of equipment used in potentially explosive environments. Unlike ATEX, which is mandatory in the EU, IECEx is an international framework recognized worldwide, and part of IEC.
According to the IECEx Management Committee, their voluntary certification system aims to facilitate international trade by providing a consistent set of standards for explosive atmosphere protection. In practice a lot of countries and governing bodies recognize and participate in IECEx, including the UN, most of Europe, China, Korea, Brazil and the USA. This is why IECEx certification is often referred to as a global certification’ when it comes to hazardous area equipment, companies, and services (e.g. repairs). Note: IECEx certificates are not accepted within the EU.
Whereas ATEX originates form two European Directives, IECEx consists of four schemes, namely:IECEx Certified Equipment SchemeIECEx Certified Services SchemeIECEx Conformity Mark Licensing SystemIECEx Certified Competent Persons Scheme
According to the IECEx Management Committee, their voluntary certification system aims to facilitate international trade by providing a consistent set of standards for explosive atmosphere protection. In practice a lot of countries and governing bodies recognize and participate in IECEx, including the UN, most of Europe, China, Korea, Brazil and the USA. This is why IECEx certification is often referred to as a global certification’ when it comes to hazardous area equipment, companies, and services (e.g. repairs). Note: IECEx certificates are not accepted within the EU.
Whereas ATEX originates form two European Directives, IECEx consists of four schemes, namely:IECEx Certified Equipment SchemeIECEx Certified Services SchemeIECEx Conformity Mark Licensing SystemIECEx Certified Competent Persons Scheme
North America (NRTL)
NEC/CEC Certification, granted by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) such as ETL, UL, FM, CSA or others, serves as a prestigious seal of approval for products. It highlights rigorous testing and compliance with safety and performance standards set by ANSI, ISA, UL, FM, CSA or ETL. In essence, NEC/CEC Certification acts as a benchmark for products across industries like oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing. When companies invest in NEC/CEC certified equipment, they not only demonstrate a commitment to safety and compliance but also gain a competitive edge in their respective industries.
other certifications
While ATEX, IECEx, NEC and CEC certifications covers a large area and many countries accepting one of those certifications, there are countries and regions which require their own certification. Some of those countries include Brazil (InMetro), Chinca (CCC), Korea (KC), India (Peso), Eurasian Conformity (EAC) and others.
As highlighted in the IECEx section, many of those countries participate in IECEx and will utilize existing IECEx test documentation to speed up the local certification process.