What is the ATEX Directive? — Complete UK Guide
The ATEX Directive is the regulatory framework that governs equipment and protective systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. In the EU, ATEX is Directive 2014/34/EU. In the UK post-Brexit, the equivalent legislation is the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016 (as amended), which uses the UKEX marking.
What ATEX Requires
ATEX requires that equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres:
- Is designed and manufactured to prevent it from becoming an ignition source
- Has been assessed and certified by an approved Notified Body (for high-risk categories)
- Bears the appropriate conformity marking (ATEX hexagon symbol or UKEX)
- Is accompanied by documentation including a declaration of conformity
- Has an Ex certificate from a recognised testing body
Who Does ATEX Apply To?
ATEX applies to manufacturers and suppliers of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. A separate but related directive — the ATEX Workplace Directive (1999/92/EC, implemented as DSEAR in the UK) — applies to employers responsible for workplaces where explosive atmospheres may occur.
ATEX Equipment Categories
| Category | Zone | EPL | Certification Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1G | Zone 0 | Ga | Full EC Type Examination (Notified Body) |
| Category 2G | Zone 1 | Gb | EC Type Examination (Notified Body) |
| Category 3G | Zone 2 | Gc | Internal production control (manufacturer self-declares) |
ATEX vs DSEAR
ATEX governs the equipment itself — its design, manufacture, and certification. DSEAR governs the workplace — risk assessment, zone classification, selection of appropriate equipment, and ensuring workers are competent. Both are relevant to electrical workers in hazardous areas. CompEx certification demonstrates competency as required by DSEAR.
Equipment certified under ATEX before the end of the Brexit transition period remains valid in the UK under transitional arrangements. New equipment placed on the UK market should carry the UKEX marking, though the technical requirements remain aligned with IEC 60079. In practice, many manufacturers supply dual ATEX/UKEX certified equipment.
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