The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF EQUIPMENT E+W+S

Requirements applicable to equipment in category M of equipment-group I

2.0.1. Requirements applicable to equipment in category M 1 of equipment-group I

2.0.1.1. Equipment must be so designed and constructed that sources of ignition do not become active, even in the event of rare incidents relating to equipment.

Equipment must be equipped with means of protection such that:

• either, in the event of failure of one means of protection, at least an independent second means provides the requisite level of protection,

• or, the requisite level of protection is ensured in the event of two faults occurring independently of each other.

• Where necessary, this equipment must be equipped with additional special means of protection.

• It must remain functional with an explosive atmosphere present.

2.0.1.2. Where necessary, equipment must be so constructed that no dust can penetrate it.

2.0.1.3. The surface temperatures of equipment parts must be kept clearly below the ignition temperature of the foreseeable air/dust mixtures in order to prevent the ignition of suspended dust.

2.0.1.4. Equipment must be so designed that the opening of equipment parts which may be sources of ignition is possible only under non-active or intrinsically safe conditions. Where it is not possible to render equipment non-active, the manufacturer must affix a warning label to the opening part of the equipment.

If necessary, equipment must be fitted with appropriate additional interlocking systems.

2.0.2. Requirements applicable to equipment in category M 2 of equipment-group I

2.0.2.1. Equipment must be equipped with means of protection ensuring that sources of ignition do not become active during normal operation, even under more severe operating conditions, in particular those arising from rough handling and changing environmental conditions.

The equipment is intended to be de-energized in the event of an explosive atmosphere.

2.0.2.2. Equipment must be so designed that the opening of equipment parts which may be sources of ignition is possible only under non-active conditions or via appropriate interlocking systems. Where it is not possible to render equipment non-active, the manufacturer must affix a warning label to the opening part of the equipment.

2.0.2.3. The requirements regarding explosion hazards arising from dust applicable to category M 1 must be applied.

Requirements applicable to equipment in category 1 of equipment-group II

2.1.1. Explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapours or [F1 mists]

2.1.1.1. Equipment must be so designed and constructed that sources of ignition do not become active, even in event of rare incidents relating to equipment.

It must be equipped with means of protection such that:

• either, in the event of failure of one means of protection, at least an independent second means provides the requisite level of protection,

• or, the requisite level of protection is ensured in the event of two faults occurring independently of each other.

2.1.1.2. For equipment with surfaces which may heat up, measures must be taken to ensure that the stated maximum surface temperatures are not exceeded even in the most unfavourable circumstances.

Temperature rises caused by heat build-ups and chemical reactions must also be taken into account.

2.1.1.3. Equipment must be so designed that the opening of equipment parts which might be sources of ignition is possible only under non-active or intrinsically safe conditions. Where it is not possible to render equipment non-active, the manufacturer must affix a warning label to the opening part of the equipment.

If necessary, equipment must be fitted with appropriate additional interlocking systems.

2.1.2. Explosive atmospheres caused by air/dust mixtures

2.1.2.1. Equipment must be so designed and constructed that ignition of air/dust mixtures does not occur even in the event of rare incidents relating to equipment.

It must be equipped with means of protection such that

• either, in the event of failure of one means of protection, at least an independent second means provides the requisite level of protection,

• or, the requisite level of protection is ensured in the event of two faults occurring independently of each other.

2.1.2.2. Where necessary, equipment must be so designed that dust can enter or escape from the equipment only at specifically designated points.

This requirement must also be met by cable entries and connecting pieces.

2.1.2.3. The surface temperatures of equipment parts must be kept well below the ignition temperature of the foreseeable air/dust mixtures in order to prevent the ignition of suspended dust.

2.1.2.4. With regard to the safe opening of equipment parts, requirement 2.1.1.3 applies.

2.2. Requirements for category 2 of equipment-group II

2.2.1. Explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapours or mists

2.2.1.1. Equipment must be so designed and constructed as to prevent ignition sources arising, even in the event of frequently occurring disturbances or equipment operating faults, which normally have to be taken into account.

2.2.1.2. Equipment parts must be so designed and constructed that their stated surface temperatures are not exceeded, even in the case of risks arising from abnormal situations anticipated by the manufacturer.

2.2.1.3. Equipment must be so designed that the opening of equipment parts which might be sources of ignition is possible only under non-active conditions or via appropriate interlocking systems. Where it is not possible to render equipment non-active, the manufacturer must affix a warning label to the opening part of the equipment.

2.2.2. Explosive atmospheres caused by air/dust mixtures

2.2.2.1. Equipment must be designed and constructed so that ignition of air/dust mixtures is prevented, even in the event of frequently occurring disturbances or equipment operating faults which normally have to be taken into account.

2.2.2.2. With regard to surface temperatures, requirement 2.1.2.3 applies.

2.2.2.3. With regard to protection against dust, requirement 2.1.2.2 applies.

2.2.2.4. With regard to the safe opening of equipment parts, requirement 2.2.1.3 applies.

Requirements applicable to equipment in category 3 of equipment-group II

2.3.1. Explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapours or mists

2.3.1.1. Equipment must be so designed and constructed as to prevent foreseeable ignition sources which can occur during normal operation.

2.3.1.2. Surface temperatures must not exceed the stated maximum surface temperatures under intended operating conditions. Higher temperatures in exceptional circumstances may be allowed only if the manufacturer adopts special additional protective measures.

2.3.2. Explosive atmospheres caused by air/dust mixtures

2.3.2.1. Equipment must be so designed and constructed that air/dust mixtures cannot be ignited by foreseeable ignition sources likely to exist during normal operation.

2.3.2.2. With regard to surface temperatures, requirement 2.1.2.3 applies.

2.3.2.3. Equipment, including cable entries and connecting pieces, must be so constructed that, taking into account the size of its particles, dust can neither develop explosive mixtures with air nor form dangerous accumulations inside the equipment.

Textual Amendments

F1 Word in Sch. 3 substituted (21.12.2001) by The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/3766), regs. 1, 3(10)(e)

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 3 para. 2 in force at 1.3.1996, see reg. 1(1)