What is ATEX?
ATEX is The European Regulatory Framework for Manufacture, Installation, and Use of Equipment in Explosive Atmospheres (denoted by Ex). It came into force in 2003 and was enacted in the UK by statutory Instrument (SI) 2002:2776. It was called DSEAR (The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations of 2002) and implemented both the ATEX and the Chemical Agents Directive (98/24/EC). ATEX is an abbreviation of the term(ATmosphères EXplosives) which is derived from “Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosives” (French for Equipment intended for use in Explosive Atmospheres). ATEX consists of two directives. ATEX directives apply to all the electrical & mechanical equipment & protective systems which are located within potentially explosive environments. ATEX directives were adopted by the EU (European Union) to facilitate the trade between the member states by aligning the technical and legal requirements for products intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere.
Benefits of ATEX Certification
Better sustainability prospects
Product Reliability
Better business opportunities and revenu
Fast European market access for your product
Satisfaction and Retention of Valuable Customers
Continual Business Improvements
Certified ATEX Certification Video
Who can be certified ATEX Certification?
ATEX is applicable in atmospheres where explosions can occur because of dust, vapors, or gases that are likely to ignite or detonate. So, it applies to most workplaces that use or store flammable or explosive materials - for example, factories that use flammable products or generate combustible clouds of dust.
Oil and Gas rigs
Petrochemical Refineries
Fuel Distribution Depots
Oil and gas pipeline installation
Chemical and pharmaceutical industries
Mining
Construction
Printing and textiles
Food manufacturers
Wood processors
Machines
Chillers
Document required for ATEX Certification
- Technical File, Product Master File (TCF)
- Product Testing
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Plant Master File
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Product and it's uses
- Testing requirement of products
- Directive in which product classified
- Self Certification or Compliance Certification
- Notify body Certificate
Role of Shamkris and Process of ATEX Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to compliance product certification, A simple & practical method of product certification organization in timely compliance and fulfills the product certification requirement. Shamkris support 100% on documentation required to comply with product certification either by self-certification or notify body certification to depend on directives.
The implementation process is described below:
Day 1
GAP Analysis, Certification Body, Selection, Cost Estimates
• Finding directive and EN standard applicable to the product
• Selecting the appropriate certification scheme
• Based on the scope of the product and certification scheme
Week 1
Developing Documents
• Technical file, Plant Master file and Test Protocol
• Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
• CE Mark Awareness training to QC manager and Production Manager
• Implementing a well-documented manual throughout the life cycle of the product
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to CE Mark requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Self Certification/NoBo
Audit
N-C Closing
• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification body
Week 12
Self Certification/NoBo
• CE Mark certificates issued for 5 years
• Surveillance Audits yearly
• If CE Mark is issued for customize project then their is no Validity.
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
“ATEX Certification is a certification of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in the European Union. Equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in the United States must have the specific mark of one of the NRTLs recognized to test and certify this type of equipment.”
Equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX) A potentially explosive atmosphere exists when a mixture of air gases, vapours, mists, or dusts combine in a way that can ignite under certain operating conditions.
ATEX is applicable in atmospheres where explosions can occur because of dust, vapors or gases that are likely to ignite or detonate. So, it applies to most workplaces that use or store flammable or explosive materials — for example, factories that use flammable products or generate combustible clouds of dust.