ATEX
EU directives that govern equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres — places where flammable gases, vapors, mists, or combustible dusts may be present.
ATEX stands for "ATmosphères EXplosibles" — the name commonly used to refer to two EU directives covering explosive atmospheres. Directive 2014/34/EU applies to equipment and protective systems intended for use in such atmospheres (the ATEX product directive). Directive 1999/92/EC sets minimum requirements for protecting workers (the ATEX workplace directive).
Equipment Categories
Equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres is classified by zone (gas: Zones 0/1/2, dust: Zones 20/21/22) and by equipment category. The category determines the conformity assessment route and the level of notified-body involvement required.
How Certificate Management Software Helps
ATEX-rated equipment requires Declarations of Conformity, EU-type examination certificates, periodic inspection certificates, and zone classification documentation — all linked to the specific equipment and the area in which it is installed. A certificate management platform makes the asset-to-certificate link explicit and inspection-ready.
Who needs this?
Operators of oil & gas, chemical, energy, food processing, and pharmaceutical facilities where explosive atmospheres can occur — and the equipment suppliers serving them.