Atex Certifications
Documentation and technical files for machinery manufacturers to be certified as ATEX.
Electrical and non-electrical equipment that is installed in places where explosive atmospheres can form must meet certain requirements, obtain certification and obtain the Atex marking in accordance with the provisions dictated by Royal Decree 144/2016 that transposes Directive 34/2014/ EU.
For an equipment or system to be marketed as Atex, it must be designed and built in accordance with the ATEX Directive, and be provided with a declaration of conformity, based on:
Consulting Services necessary to carry out the CE marking by the ATEX Directive:
Preparation of Technical File
Information to include in your instruction manual
Tests to which the machine must be subjected
Certificates of the components to be provided
Necessary preventive measures
Possible management before a Notified Body, depending on the category of your machine
Evaluation and reports of suitability for the location of machinery in a classified ATEX area
Analysis of the equipment as well as the area where it is intended to be installed and preparation of suitability reports, which will include the justification of the suitability of the equipment, and the proposals, if applicable, for modifications and/or adaptations of the equipment and the measures to be taken. implement in order to guarantee the conditions of safety and suitability for the operation of the equipment within its work area.
Frequently asked questions about ATEX Certifications
1. What documentation does a manufacturer of ATEX equipment have the obligation to provide to its client?
The equipment and protection systems intended to be marketed in the European Union must have ATEX marking and CE Declaration of Conformity, issued by the manufacturer or legal representative.
An instruction manual will also be attached to each unit supplied, in the original version and in the user’s language, which, at least, must include:
- Safety instructions regarding commissioning, use, assembly and disassembly, maintenance and repair, installation and adjustment.
- Information relating to marking and facilitation of maintenance.
- All those instructions, plans and diagrams that are useful from a safety point of view.
- Where applicable, indications relating to the user’s training, details of use in the intended location and conditions, the parameters or magnitudes or limit values of the appliance and the special conditions of use.
2. Is it possible for non-certified equipment to continue working within a classified area?
Yes, an Evaluation and a Suitability Report must be done.
The report must include the justification of the suitability of the equipment, and the proposals, if applicable, for modifications and/or adaptations of the equipment and the measures to be implemented in order to guarantee the conditions of safety and suitability for the operation of the equipment. within your work area.
3. Can Atex certified gas equipment be used in Atex dust zones?
No, the classification of zones is different for powders and gases and therefore the marking of the equipment as well.
In the case of a user, the incorrect equipment must be replaced by other equipment that has the appropriate certification for the classification of the area where it is located.
In the case of a manufacturer, you must modify the technical file to justify the new required marking.
4. Why is ATEX certification important?
ATEX certification is mandatory and important because it certifies that a product has been designed and built with the safety requirements for use in ATEX fire and explosion risk areas.
The manufacturer generates the technical documentation, in technical file format, accrediting compliance with the Directives that apply to it and the Standards that must be met, as well as the results of the tests that may have been necessary for this verification.
The product/machine is marked according to its certification, which allows it to be marketed.
5. What is the cost of ATEX certification?
The cost is the sum of several factors
The technical certification file is a tailored suit that depends on several influencing factors in such a way that each one must be analyzed specifically in order to prepare a personalized offer.
Some of the factors that determine the cost of this certification are:
- Category of equipment to be certified, whether it is certified as electrical or non-electrical equipment.
- Assessment of complexity: whether it is a more or less complex and/or unique piece of equipment or machine that requires the application of specific regulations.
- The requirement for tests: justifications that require the performance of tests and/or trials.
- Expertis of the manufacturer: if the manufacturer already has previous experience in the construction of similar equipment or this is not the case and requires closer support, in the design of the machine in terms of application of the specific safety requirements as a machine / equipment to certify in ATEX.
We will be happy to offer you an order of economic magnitude if you provide us with characteristics of the equipment you need to certify.