Risk Management for Equiment used in Explosive Atmospheres

RISK MANAGEMENT FOR EQUIPMENT USED IN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES - INTRODUCTION

The ATEX Directive 94/9/EC requires that all measures shall be take to ensure that equipment used in explosive atmospheres does not endanger persons, domestic animals or property. This is to be achieved by meeting the Essential Requirements of the Directive in Annex II. A risk assessment is mandatory.

The manufacturer must take measures to:

Prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres ( if possible) and
Prevent ignition by electrical and non-electrical sources and
In the event of an explosion, limit its effects to provide sufficient safety.

EN 1127-1:1998 provides the basic concepts and methods for explosion prevention and protection. This standard requires that a risk assessment be carried out in accordance with EN1050, considering

Hazard identification (considering flammability and ease of ignition)
The likelihood of an explosive atmosphere
The likelihood of an ignition source
The Effects of an explosion

The risk has then to be evaluated and the measures to minimise this risk determined.

EN 1127-1 provides guidance on what to consider during the risk assessment and on measures to be taken to eliminate or minimize the risk. It is an essential document for anyone conducting a risk assessment to the ATEX Directive.

Read the ATEX Directive and related harmonised standards before putting together the documentation for conformance. David Baker can assist in putting these documents together, if required.

EN 1050 :1996 - principles of risk assessment is currently the Harmonised European Standard which specifies the risk assessment procedure to be taken.

Refer to EN 1127-1:1998 and Annex A to EN 1050 for guidance on what should be included

Definitions used in Risk Assessment
Refer to EN 1050 for full and complete definitions

Harm	Physical injury and/or damage to the health or property
Hazard	Source of possible injury or damage to health
Hazardous Event	Event that can cause harm
Risk	Combination of the probability and the degree of harm P*S
Risk Assessment	A comprehensive estimation of the risk in order to select appropriate safety measures
Risk Evaluation	Judgement, on the basis of the risk analysis, of whether a risk is acceptable.
Risk Control	Process for implementing measures to reduce and maintain risks within specified levels.
Safety Measure	Means that eliminates a hazard or reduces a risk

THE EN 1050 RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS INCORPORATING EN 1127-1

Risk
Assesment

Hazard Identification & Explosive Properties

Probability of an Explosive Amosphere

Probability of Ignition

Risk Evaluation

Eliminate or Minimise Risks

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