Electricity in potentially explosive locations FAQs
ATEX is the name commonly given to the legal requirements for controlling explosive atmospheres and the suitability of equipment and protective systems used in them.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations, 2002 (DSEAR) states the legal requirements for managing the risk of fire, explosion or similar events arising from dangerous substances at the workplace.
HSE has produced a quick guide to the DSEAR and ATEX Directives. More detailed questions and answers are listed under the headings below:
- General, guidance and enforcement issues
- Definitions
- Interpretation
- Technical standards
- Existing equipment issues
- Imported products
- General issues and information
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) issues
Further information on ATEX issues is also available from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).