ATEX Assessments: Safety and Compliance in Hazardous Areas
ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) assessments are essential for verifying the compliance and suitability of equipment and systems in hazardous zones, as defined by DSEAR Hazardous Area Classification (HAC).
We provide ATEX-compliant solutions aligned with BS EN 60079-14:2014 (design and installation) and BS EN 60079-17:2014 (inspection and maintenance), ensuring workplaces operate safely and efficiently in explosive atmospheres.
Understanding ATEX Compliance
ATEX compliance ensures that equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres meets strict safety and certification requirements. This applies to any workplace where flammable gases, vapours, mists, or combustible dusts could create an ignition risk.
As part of DSEAR assessments, we create Hazardous Area Classifications (HAC) to define zoned areas where explosive atmospheres may arise. These zones form the basis for selecting appropriate ATEX-rated equipment and implementing effective control measures to reduce ignition risks.
ATEX assessments can be delivered as a standalone service or as a follow-up to a full DSEAR assessment.
Key directives and standards that support ATEX compliance include:
• ATEX 114 (Directive 2014/34/EU): Regulates the design, manufacture, and certification of equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
• BS EN 60079 Series: Provides detailed requirements for HAC, equipment selection, installation, inspection, and maintenance.
• Hazardous Area Classification (HAC): Established through DSEAR assessments to define zones where explosive atmospheres may arise.
What an ATEX Assessment Covers
Equipment Compliance (BS EN 60079-14 & 17)
All equipment is visually assessed against BS EN 60079-14 and BS EN 60079-17 to ensure it meets the requirements for use in explosive atmospheres. This includes checking:
- Ex markings for suitability in Zones 0, 1, 2 (gases and vapours) and Zones 20, 21, 22 (dusts).
- Temperature class (T-rating) and compatibility with the gas or dust group.
- Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs) and Ingress Protection (IP) ratings.
- Correct cable entry systems and gland installations.
- Effective earthing and bonding to eliminate static discharge risks.
- Separation of intrinsically safe and non-intrinsically safe circuits.
- Use of anti-static materials on equipment and surfaces in high-risk areas.
- Identification of visible defects, wear, or deterioration.
- Checks for any unauthorised modifications to equipment.
- Ensuring signage and labelling remain clear, legible, and compliant.
Documentation and Certification
We provide clear, auditable documentation to demonstrate compliance with ATEX and UKEX requirements, including:
- Inspection records detailing the suitability and condition of Ex-rated equipment installed in zoned hazardous areas
- Verification of certification for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres, including CE/UKCA marking, Ex labelling, EPLs, and temperature classification
- Supporting evidence such as Ex registers, maintenance schedules, inspection checklists, and hazardous area classification drawings
Why ATEX Assessments Matter
Ensuring compliance with ATEX standards helps you:
- Reduce Ignition Risk – Mitigating the likelihood of fires or explosions caused by electrical, mechanical, or electrostatic ignition sources
- Demonstrate Legal Compliance – Fulfilling your obligations under DSEAR and ATEX 114 (2014/34/EU) for workplaces with potentially explosive atmospheres
- Minimise Operational Disruption – Reducing the risk of unplanned downtime, enforcement action, or costly remedial work due to non-conforming equipment or practices
Tailored and Cost-Effective Compliance Solutions
Every workplace has unique risks therefore, we provide customised ATEX visual assessments to suit specific operations while ensuring cost-effective compliance solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Partner with Nexus Safety for ATEX Compliance
Ensuring ATEX compliance is a vital step in workplace safety and legal adherence. With Nexus Safety, you gain an expert partner dedicated to keeping your operations safe, compliant, and efficient.
We are Your Connection to Compliance and Workplace Safety
Contact us today to schedule your ATEX assessment.