ATEX at DTU

Areas at risk from explosive atmospheres

At DTU a central Zone Classification Report has been prepared, which deals with conditions of work and requirements for technical equipment in 3 different types of working areas (Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 areas) and in chemical storage areas. This report is now approved by the local fire department in Lyngby Taarbæk municipality. The report will be sent to the remaining municipalities, covering the rest of DTU. If requested from the fire department, the Zone Classification report must be shown.

The work environment representatives at the institute must be familiar with the ATEX instructions, and the terms herein must be followed.

All areas, where flammable gases and flammable liquids are handled, are now identified. The terms for working in the lab (Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 Areas) are shown in the info-boxes in the laboratories.

All persons working with flammable liquids or gases must be trained in the terms of Type 1, 2 or 3 Areas, and in that respect, the ATEX info-leaflet could be helpful. The ATEX info-leaflet is a brief summary of the ATEX instructions. In addition, all persons must be instructed in the ATEX APV of the institute. If requested from the Danish Working Environment service, the ATEX-APV must be shown.

If the terms in the Central Zone classification report are met, the ATEX-APV is included, only a few local conditions must be explained. If the terms in the Central Zone classification report could not be met, the Institute must prepare a local Zone Classification Report, containing a local ATEX APV. The local Zone Classification Report must be approved by the municipal fire department. You can find more help here (Danish only): https://www.bfa-i.dk/ulykker/atex/atex

What is ATEX

ATEX is a French acronym for explosive atmospheres (ATmosphéres EXplosibles), and the nickname of the EU Directive 1999/92/EC on minimum requirements regarding improvements in safety and health protection of workers, potentially at risk due to explosive atmospheres. Persons working in areas where there may be a potentially explosive atmosphere must be protected against this danger. This is ensured through the EU directives and Danish regulations from the Danish Emergency Management Agency and the Danish Work Environment service.

All employers have a duty to review the company, in order to identify, classify and label the hazardous areas on site, such as areas where flammable liquids or flammable gases are used or stored, and which, to a greater or lesser extent could generate an explosive atmosphere.

This review should be documented in the form of a zone classification report, which is subsequently approved by the municipal Rescue Department. Furthermore, an expanded APV, also known as ATEX-APV, should be prepared. The ATEX-APV should include an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of explosive atmosphere, and the effects of an explosion at the company, as well as a description of which steps the company have taken to protect workers against accidents.