If your workplace is subject to explosive atmospheric conditions this crucial health & safety guide by our Health and Safety advisor Declan Ryan is not to be missed
What are they?
The ATEX regulations govern over workplace atmospheres which contain vapours and gases that could potentially be explosive. The Irish government has transposed the following regulations from the ATEX Directives.
SI No 83 of 1999 European Communities (Equipment & Protective Systems Intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1999.
- Which outlines requirements for products that are supplied for use within explosive environments.
Part 8 of the 2007 Safety Health & Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations
- Which outlines the precautions to be taken within environments, which may be explosive.
What does this mean for Employers?
- The need to carry out a risk assessment of any work activities involving flammable substances.
- To record the findings of the risk assessment in a document called the ‘explosion protection document’.
- Provide technical or organisational measures so as to reduce the risk of explosions
- Classify places where explosive atmosphere may occur into zones and mark the zones where necessary.
- Select and provide suitable equipment for use in the zones.
- Ensure equipment is CE marked
Are there any Training Requirements?
- Yes, training for workers on precautions and actions needed to safeguard themselves and others from explosions
- Where required by the explosion protection document
What are Mitigation Measures?
- Measures preventing fires and explosions from spreading to other plant and equipment or to other parts of the workplace.
- That which will reduce the number of employees exposed to a minimum.
- Providing plant and equipment that can safely contain or suppress an explosion, or vent it to a safe place.
EPD?
Is an Explosion Protection Document, which contains the findings from completed risk assessments which bring about requirements such as:
- Technical measures so as to reduce the risk of explosions
- The operation of early warning devices.
- Training instruction and supervision given to workers.
- Operational procedures, maintenance, operation of permits to work, and co-ordination between employers.
- Classified places where explosions may occur called hazardous zones and detail marking of areas as well as location.
- Means of escape in the event of an explosion.
- The properties of substances that present an explosion hazard.
- Selection and use of suitable equipment for use in hazardous zones including certification and calibration documents.
- Equipment used that is CE marked and in compliance with S.I. 83 OF 1999 (the ATEX product Regulations).
- How often the EPD is reviewed and when is it due to be reviewed again.
If you have any questions in relation to this article please don’t hesitate to contact Declan and the rest of expert Health and Safety advisors on our 24 Hour Advice Service on 01 855 50 50
