The changes caused by the introduction of the ATEX† Directives require users to review their equipment procurement and installation procedures.

 † … The term ‘ATEX’ derives from (ATmposphères EXplosives)

 This document aims to explain how the Directives have impacted upon the specification of electronic weighing equipment for use in hazardous areas and outlines Nova Weigh’ policy as a supplier.

ATEX Directives

There are two ATEX Directives.  ATEX 100a, Directive 94/9/EC relates to the design of equipment.  ATEX 137, Directive 1999/92/EC relates to employers’ obligations regarding the health and safety of personnel potentially at risk from exposure to flammable atmospheres.  These notes apply only to the implications of ATEX 100a. 

ATEX 100a was adopted in March 1994 and from 1996 became incorporated into the law of EC member countries.  Until 30^th June 2003 it is an optional requirement to follow the Directive.  After that date it is a legal requirement. 

The ATEX Directives are legal documents and not intended to provide technical guidance.  This guidance is found in the associated standards, for example the CENELEC standards EN 50014 and EN 50020 for electrical equipment certification. 

These Directives have legal status within the European Union.  Elsewhere they do not have this status but several non-EU countries accept the design and labelling requirements as local national requirements.

Objectives of the Directive

The subject of the Directive is safety but the objective is to create a free-market for equipment within EC member countries.  Previously, users had a choice of purchasing equipment certified according to the relevant European Directives or instead using equipment certified according to local national regulations.  From 30^th June 2003 only equipment that complies with the Directive can be purchased. 

 By this means, any advantage incurred by a local supplier supplying lower cost equipment manufactured to local national rather than European standards, is removed.

Scope of the Directive

The ATEX Directive covers equipment for installation in potentially hazardous areas and it does not only apply to electrical equipment. 

These notes only apply to the supply of electronic weighing and similar equipment.

Classification and labelling of equipment

Directive 94/9/EC defines two equipment groups:

q       Group I for use in mining applications

q       Group II for surface industry.  

These equipment groups are divided into categories:

q       Categories M1 and M2 for mining

q       Categories 1, 2 and 3 for surface industry.   

These notes are not concerned with equipment designed for mining use: 

q       Category 1 equipment is applicable in zones 0 or 20

q       Category 1 or 2 equipment may be used in zones 1 or 21

q       Category 1, 2 or 3 equipment may be used in zones 2 or 22 

As equipment suppliers begin to conform to the ATEX Directive, the equipment group and category will appear on equipment labels in addition to other marking, certification information, CE marking etc. 

So weighing instruments might show the following equipment on its label (along with other information): 

II 2 G – stating that the equipment is suitable for surface industry where a gas hazard potentially exists and is certified as a Category 2 equipment making it suitable for Zone1 or Zone 2 use 

or 

II 3 D – stating that the equipment is suitable for surface industry where a dust hazard potentially exists and is certified as a Category 3 equipment suitable for Zone 22 use

Some weighing instruments are suitable for areas subject to both dust and gas hazards and will be marked accordingly.

Implications of ATEX Directive

The various methods of protection for electrical equipment for use in hazardous areas have been subject to the CENELEC standards for several years. 

Several of these standards have been re-published at edition 2 or edition 3 to take account of technical changes since the original standards were written. 

Only equipment that is certified to the latest editions will meet the requirements of the ATEX Directive.  This may or may not require existing designs to be revised but, nevertheless, an existing design must be re-certified to the latest edition and an ATEX certificate issued if it is to be marketed in the EU after the 30^th June 2003. 

The relevance of the Directive to the supply of spare parts after the  30^th June 2003 has been under discussion and it is understood that European governments expect the Directive to be applied to the sale of spare parts as well as new equipment. 

Standards for the Equipment User

Until recently, the standards applicable to the equipment user have been national and not European.  For example, in the UK the standard has been the Code of Practice BS5345. 

Recently, new CENELEC / IEC (IEC = International Electrotechnical Commission) standards have been introduced and these replace the national standards which have been withdrawn. 

Documentation

Nova Weigh’s policy is to provide documentation in line with the requirements of the Directive. 

Other Directives Relevant to Weighing Equipment

Weighing equipment for sale within the EU (whether manufactured in the EU or imported) must comply with the following Directives:

q       The EMC Directive, 89/336/EEC for Electromagnetic Compatibility)

q       The Low Voltage Directive, 73/83/EEC (for safety)

q       The NAWI Directive 90/384/EEC (for consumer protection).  NAWI = Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments

Further Information and Waiver

This document is intended for general guidance and should not be regarded as a comprehensive technical or legal explanation of the ATEX Directives.  The applicable technical standards and legal requirements in the country or state of use must be followed. 

Additional product and technical information may be obtained from Nova Weigh Limited.