The ATEX Directive regulates and gives the technical requirements for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The Directive applies to electrical and non-electrical protective devices and systems (surface and mining equipment) used in potentially explosive atmospheres and to items of equipment for use outside potentially explosive atmospheres which have an impact on devices that are present in any such atmospheres.

The Directive entered into force on 1 July 2003. The ATEX directive is a New Approach Directive and it is named after the French "ATmosphere EXplosible".

Orgalime's prime objective is to ensure that this complex legislation is usable by companies. Orgalime has a special task force with participants from both the electrical and the mechanical sectors. Orgalime participates in the Standing Committee and has also provided expert comments to the revision of the existing guidelines that took place in 2006.


 

 

 

 



Picture Courtesy of Siemens