Ensuring Safety & Compliance for Hazardous Environments
In industries dealing with flammable gases, vapors, dust, or other explosive atmospheres, safety compliance is crucial. Multiple global standards regulate explosion-proof equipment to ensure it does not pose a risk when used in hazardous environments.
Some of the primary certification systems are
ATEX (Europe)
IECEx (International)
PESO (India)
AUSEx / ANZEx (Australia)
Each system has unique requirements, but manufacturers often certify products under multiple schemes to ensure global market access.
What is ATEX?
ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles) certification is required for equipment intended for use in explosive environments within the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). Governed by the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, it ensures that electrical and mechanical equipment meets strict safety, health, and environmental standards.
How ATEX Works
Certification Process: ATEX products undergo examination, testing, and assessment by a Notified Body to receive an ATEX certificate.
Manufacturer’s Role: The manufacturer is responsible for maintaining compliance and self-certifies a Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
ATEX Equipment Categories:
Category 1 → Zone 0 (High Risk)
Category 2 → Zone 1 (Medium Risk)
Category 3 → Zone 2 (Low Risk)
Australia does not automatically recognize ATEX certification due to concerns that the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is self-issued by manufacturers. However, ATEX-certified equipment may be used in Australia if:
– It has been tested by a recognized Notified Body
– The manufacturer holds an ISO-certified QA system.
To use ATEX-certified equipment in Australia, a Conformity Assessment Document (CAD) must be completed by an Australian assessor.
The IECEx (IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres) is a global conformity assessment system that ensures electrical equipment meets IEC 60079 standards.
Unlike ATEX, IECEx is a Type 5 Certification Scheme, meaning a single third-party certifying body assesses both design and production quality before issuing a Hazardous Area Certification.
Globally Recognized
While not all countries fully harmonize with IECEx, it is widely accepted.
Shorter Lead Times
A single certificate can reduce testing duplication
Transparency
Public access to IECEx certificates via the IECEx online database.
Australia follows AS/NZS 60079, which aligns with IEC 60079. IECEx-certified equipment is accepted with minimal additional testing. The Certification Scheme in Australia used to be AUSEx which was later changed to ANZEx
New Zealand also recognizes IECEx, but specific regulations apply based on the hazardous area classification.
ANZEx Certified Equipment Scheme
ANZEx Recognised Service Facility Scheme
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) is India’s regulatory body for hazardous materials, operating under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
PESO oversees safety regulations for petroleum, explosives, and compressed gases, ensuring that equipment used in hazardous locations meets India’s strict safety standards.
How PESO Certification Works
To be PESO-certified, equipment must be tested and approved by an Indian testing laboratory recognized by PESO. While IECEx or ATEX certification can support a PESO application, it does not replace PESO approval.
PESO is mandatory for explosive environment equipment in India.
IECEx & ATEX certifications can help streamline PESO approvals but do not guarantee acceptance.
PESO covers both electrical & non-electrical equipment.
How Equipment is Made Safe for Hazardous Areas
Equipment used in explosive environments is designed with specific protection methods to eliminate ignition risks. Some common protection methods include:
Protection Concept | Code | Method | Example Usage |
Intrinsic Safety | Ex i | Limits electrical energy | Sensors, instrumentation |
Flameproof | Ex d | Withstands internal explosions | Motors, enclosures |
Increased Safety | Ex e | Prevents sparks and overheating | Lighting, control stations |
Pressurization | Ex p | Uses inert gas to prevent ignition | Large enclosures |
Oil-Immersion | Ex o | Submerges parts in oil | Transformers |
Powder Filling | Ex q | Uses fine powder to suppress ignition | Electronic circuits |
Hazardous Area Classification: Understanding Zones
Hazardous areas are classified into Zones based on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere being present:
Zone | Gas (ATEX/IECEx) | Dust (ATEX/IECEx) | North America Equivalent |
Zone 0 | Continuous presence | – | Class I, Division 1 |
Zone 1 | Likely under normal conditions | – | Class I, Division 1 |
Zone 2 | Unlikely, but possible | – | Class I, Division 2 |
Zone 20 | Continuous presence | Continuous presence | Class II, Division 1 |
Zone 21 | Likely under normal conditions | Likely under normal conditions | Class II, Division 1 |
Zone 22 | Unlikely, but possible | Unlikely, but possible | Class II, Division 2 |
At C-PRAV, we provide end-to-end compliance support for hazardous area certifications worldwide. Our expertise ensures:
Comprehensive Testing & Certification – We assist with ATEX, IECEx, ANZEx and PESO approvals
Global Market Access – Helping your products reach Europe, Australia, India & beyond
Technical Guidance – Expert consultation on hazardous area equipment standards.
Need Assistance with ATEX, IECEx, or PESO Certification?
Phone: +91 99023 85494
Email: india@c-prav.com
Let C-PRAV help you navigate hazardous area compliance with confidence!