Update of the ATEX regulations
In order to provide clarity, the European Commission has this time decided to publish in a single act/document the new list of harmonized measures on devices and protection systems in potentially explosive environments.
Commission Implemented Decision (EU) 2022/1668 of 28 September 2022 establishes new harmonized standards for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmosphere under Directive 2014/34/EU of the EU Parliament and of the Council on the Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX Regulation).
The ATEX Directive regulates the use of all equipment and systems that are used in work spaces within or next to potentially explosive atmospheres. An explosive atmosphere can occur when there is a mixture with the air of flammable substances in the form of gasses, vapors, mists or dusts, that, after ignition, combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture, and it is an important potential danger for companies that handle chemical products.
Safety measures affect both the machinery or equipment intended to be used and the general environment of the workplace.
For this reason, all European companies that work in areas with explosive atmospheres are legally obliged to follow these guidelines in order to protect their workers.