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 provides the basic concepts and methods for explosion prevention and protection. This standard requires that a risk assessment be carried out in accordance with EN ISO 14121-1, 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 ISO 14121-1 - principles of risk assessment is currently the Harmonised European Standard which specifies the risk assessment procedure to be taken.

Refer to EN 1127-1 and Annex A to EN ISO 14121-1 for guidance on what should be included

Definitions used in Risk Assessment
Refer to EN ISO 14121-1 for full and complete definitions

Harm	Physical injury and/or damage to the health
Hazard	Potential source of harm
Hazardous Situation	Circumstance in which a persons is exposed to at least one hazard
Risk	Combination of the probability of occurrence and the degree of severity of that harm P*S
Risk Analysis	Combination of the specification of the limits of the machine, hazard identification and risk estimation
Risk Assessment	Overall process comprising a risk analysis and risk evaluation
Risk Evaluation	Judgement, on the basis of risk analysis, of whether the risk reductions objectives have been achieved

THE EN ISO 14121-1 RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Risk
Assessment

Hazard Identification & Explosive Properties

Probability of an Explosive Amosphere

Probability of Ignition

Risk Evaluation

Eliminate or Minimise Risks

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