Application of the ATEX regulation to laboratories

The purpose of the ATEX regulations is to improve the health and safety of workers exposed to the risk of explosive atmospheres (abbreviated to ATEX).

However, activities carried out in laboratories often require the use of flammable products, in the form of gases or liquids of varying degrees of volatility. ATEX training is therefore possible in principle, and the ATEX directive must therefore be applied, even if its implementation obviously takes into account the fact that, unlike an industrial production facility, the quantities of flammable products used in laboratories are necessarily limited.

This article outlines the requirements of ATEX regulations, presents situations that have led to incidents or accidents, and proposes preventive measures that must be taken in accordance with these regulations to ensure that laboratory activities can be carried out in conditions of sufficient safety with regard to the risk of explosion.

This article also provides an overview of the contributions made by Directive 2014/34/EU, which specifies the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers, and distributors in relation to placing ATEX-certified equipment on the European market.

Finally, an overview of the planned changes to the competency standards for people working in ATEX zones is provided.

[SE 3 251] brings together important definitions on this subject.