Explosion Protection Document
European Directive 1999/92/EC – ATEX Use-Directive
The following are some examples where employees can be exposed to potentially hazardous atmosphere:
- Processing combustible powdery ingredients;
- Milling, sawing, grinding, planeing of combustible materials;
- Processing of volatile organic liquids;
- Storage of substances prone to exothermal self-decomposition;
- Charging of lead/acid batteries.
Every employer must edit, and keep current, an Explosion Protection Document when potentially hazardous atmosphere is present at the side, see ATEX Use Directive 1999/92/EC. The document has to deal with the following topics:
- Explosion hazard in normal operation, as well as in malfunction, maintenance, and cleaning;
- Establish a zoning concept;
- Protective measures deemed necessary to mitigate explosion hazard;
- Suitability of all work equipment (machines, plants, PPE).
Compiling a complete Explosion Protection Document requires vast knowledge of the subject matter, knowledge that might not fall into the producer's core competencies. Much time and trouble can be saved by reaching out to a competent engineering consulant. Let me assist in writing all required content, including those organizational measures already implemented.
Do not hesitate to contact engineering consultant Wolfgang Grassberger.