94/9/EC ATEX 95

Since 1 July 2003, equipment must conform to the requirements of ATEX 95 95 and ATEX 137.

EC Directives

Free movement of goods is a cornerstone of the single european market. The mechanisms in place to achieve this aim are based on prevention of new barriers to trade, mutual recognition and technical harmonisation. The "New Approach" directives are based on the following principles:

• Harmonisation is limited to Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR)
• Only products fulfilling the EHSR may be placed on the market and put into service
• Harmonised standards which are transposed into national standards, are presumed to conform to the corresponding EHSR
• Application of harmonised standards or other technical specifications remain voluntary, and manufacturers are free to choose any technical solution that provides compliance with the EHSR

• Manufacturers may choose between different conformity assessment procedures provided for in the applicable directive

Equipment that complies with the new directives may carry the CE mark. The two directives concerned with hazardous areas are called the ATEX 95 and ATEX 137. ATEX is an abbreviation from the French "ATmosphères EXplosibles".