Protection from explosive atmospheres – The ATEX Directive 99/92/EC

DESCRIPTION

Directive 1999/92/EC lays down the minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of workers who may be subjected to the risk of explosive atmospheres.

Title XI of Legislative Decree no. 81/08 as amended, places the obligation on the Employer to assess and manage the explosion risk present in the company, through the identification of work areas associated with explosion risks (zoning) and compliance with the minimum safety requirements set out in Annex XLIX of the aforementioned decree.

The zoning and identification of groups and categories of equipment to be used in explosive atmospheres are therefore a legal obligation, as well as a necessary practice for the concrete reduction of the risk of explosion.

The Decree, in fact, defines an ‘explosive atmosphere’ as a mixture with air, under atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances in the state of gases, vapours, mists or dusts, in which combustion can easily spread after a simple ignition. A specific risk analysis with experienced professionals in this field is therefore necessary to ensure compliance with the Work Safety Act.

AGENDA

– TITLE XI – LEGISLATIVE DECREE 81
– CLASSIFICATION OF ZONES EX – CEI EN 60079-10
– ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF EXPLOSION HAZARDS
– OPERATIONAL CONTROL IN PLACES WITH EXPLOSION HAZARDS