The ATEX Directive 94/9/EC (also known as Article 100a and Article 95) outlines the requirements suppliers must meet to achieve compliance for their equipment and protective systems for use in hazardous areas. It applies to both electrical and mechanical equipment and covers potentially explosive areas below ground, on the surface and on offshore fixed facilities. 94/9/EC was originally implemented in the UK by The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (SI 1996 No.192) which came into force on 1 March 1996. These Regulations have been amended by the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001 No.3766) which came into force on 21 December 2001. The amendment principally covers the concept of “putting into service”.

The ATEX Workplace Directive 1999/92/EC (also known as Article137) covers the health and safety aspects of workers potentially at risk from exposure to explosive atmospheres. The Directive places the onus on the end user to ensure measures are taken to ensure the safety of employees.

This Directive is implemented in the UK by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR). Employers had an obligation under law to complete a formal risk assessment of all hazardous areas within their company by 30th June 2006.