ATEX Compliance

The British Standard BS EN 60079 Part 17 covers Inspections and Maintenance of Electrical Installations in Hazardous Areas.

To ensure compliance with the standard, the Dutyholder (typically a person appointed by the Employer) must establish a hazardous area inspection regime. This regime is how a company demonstrates that reasonable and proportionate steps have been taken to protect against sources of ignition in the hazardous areas. This regime must ensure that every single ignition source is accounted for, and inspection protocols put in place to demonstrate due diligence.

BS EN 60079 Part 17 details a number of inspection protocols and where they are required. It refers to four inspection types – Initial, Periodic, Sample and Special (for movable apparatus); three inspections grades Visual, Close and Detailed; and a variety of inspection schedules for flameproof, intrinsically safe etc.

MDB Engineering have a wealth of experience in the hazardous area inspection process and are on hand to assist you in understanding and proving compliance. Our documentation gathering, storage and handover system is well proven and effective.