Summary
- The directive aims to improve the health and safety of workers at risk from explosions of flammable substances mixed with air, such as fuels, solvents and powder.
- It applies to employers and self-employed persons with workplaces potentially containing explosive atmospheres.
- It describes the employers’ obligations, including the duty to minimize explosion risks and perform an explosion risk assessment.
- The 99/92/EC and the (2014/34/EU) ATEX Directives are linked:
- The 99/92/EC Directive explains how to select the right Group and Category of equipment for different explosive atmospheres;
- The ATEX 2014/34/EU details the requirements and certification procedures for new equipment of different categories.
- In the UK, Directive 99/92/EC is implemented by DSEAR.
- 99/92/EC does not require the use of the CE marking, but the areas where an explosive atmosphere might be present have to be identified with the following warning sign: