Application of ATEX to non electrical equipment

Understanding the ignition risks associated with mechanical equipment was a new area of work when the ATEX directive was originally written. Alan has 10 years of experience working in the relevant CEN standards group which has now published 6 standards to help manufacturers produce ATEX compliant equipment for the non mining sector, with more on the way. Alan also has practical experience in assessing the risks associated with existing mechanical equipment, where users wish to establish in a risk assessment under DSEAR that it remains fit for purpose.

Belt drives like this can overheat if the belt slips, and there are requirements for the belt properties to reduce the risk from static and fire.