ATEX LEGISLATION: THE LOWDOWN FOR BAKERS
 | |
| Less than twelve months remain until every plant baker in Europe has to comply with ATEX legislation. Hitesh Hirani, technical director at Lock Inspection Systems, explores what this means for the baker and how suppliers can help ensure conformity. On 1 July 2003, two European directives came into force with the objective of harmonising standards across the EU to facilitate the trade of equipment between the member states. Derived from the French ‘Atmosphères Explosibles,’ they are more commonly known simply as ATEX. Directive 94/9/EC is concerned with equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, while the second, 99/92/EC, is concerned with the health and safety of workers potentially at risk from exposure to explosive atmospheres. An explosive atmosphere Compliance with ATEX legislation reduces the risk of explosion in all industries involving powders, dusts and vapours. Such areas are common within bakery, where airborne dust from flour, sugar and starch particles can potentially create an explosion hazard. ATEX covers any electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or protective bakery equipment used in these environments, if it has its own source of ignition. This includes plant and machinery such as silos, motors metal detectors and conveyors. It aims to ensure the equipment is suitable for use by:
From July 2003, all new equipment purchased for installation and use in a potentially explosive environment had to undergo a risk assessment to determine whether compliance with ATEX was required. From July next year. all existing equipment, i.e. even that purchased before July 2003, must be subjected to the same risk assessment. This review will indicate whether any of that equipment needs to be replaced. Defining zones The risk assessment establishes whether there are any dust risk areas within the plant and then classifies these areas into zones according to the level of risk. Zone 20 represents a continuous risk of explosion, zone 21 occasional risk and zone 22 minimal risk. Zones 21 and 22 are those most commonly found within bakery plants. Zone assessment can be carried out by a qualified person within the company or an external industry specialist. Once the zones have been defined, each piece of equipment with its own source of ignition must hold the appropriate ATEX certification for that zone. Correct zone assessment is vital as failure to comply with ATEX could endanger the safety of workers or lead to prosecution. Supplier services Although equipment installed since July 2003 should already be ATEX-certified, suppliers can offer valuable help and advice in securing full compliance in time for the 2006 deadline. Lock Inspection Systems, for instance, is working with a number of bakeries to ensure their metal detectors satisfy the requirements of the directives. This normally involves the provision of a new detector which has been certified ATEX-compliant. ATEX approval is granted by a notified test house, which issues a certificate of conformity once the equipment has undergone through testing and inspection. Each member state is responsible for appointing its own notified bodies. In the UK, for example, they are appointed by the DTI. Using the expertise of equipment suppliers, bakeries can minimise the complexity of ATEX certification. Although they are responsible for compliance in their own premises, they can and should expect guidance and support throughout the process. A timely start is naturally of benefit. For more information on ATEX can be found at www.europa.eu.int or contact Lock Inspection Systems marketing@lockinspection.co.uk
|
|
PRINT PAGE