|
BREVINI RIDUTTORI COMPLIES WITH ATEX DIRECTIVE:
Brevini Riduttori has introduced a range of ATEX compliant planetary
gearboxes suitable for applications in zones where explosive atmospheres
may occur, and also zones characterised by the presence of gas mixtures
and/or combustible powders (zones 1,2,21,22). Every ATEX compliant
Brevini gearbox undergoes a special painting cycle to avoid the
problem of electrostatic discharge, and is supplied with a specific
User Instruction Manual and Conformity Statement according to CEE94/9/CE
Directive, Enclosure VIII.
WHAT IS ATEX?:
ATEX directives (there are two) are the Europeans norms for the
regulation of "Explosive Atmospheres".
The first one - 94/9/CE - is relevant to instruments and protection
systems installed in places where explosive atmospheres may occur.
Its purpose is to harmonise, across all EU member states, the technical
and legal standards to which equipment for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres is manufactured. The second Directive - 99/92/CE - states
the minimum requisites relevant to security and health protection
of workers who are exposed to the risks of explosive atmospheres.
WHAT IS AN "EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE?
An "explosive atmosphere" is an atmosphere, which, due
to local and /or operational conditions, has the potential to become
explosive. Such an atmosphere comprises three elements, atmospheric
oxygen, which is always present, a flammable substance such as a
gas, vapour, dust or powders and a source of ignition. The ignition
can be a spark from an electrical apparatus, a flame or any source
of heat.
CLASSIFICATION OF ZONES WHERE EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES MAY OCCUR:
The zones are divided into two groups according to the type of flammable
mixture (gas, vapours, mist or powders):
Gas, vapours or mist
Zone 0: Continuous danger
A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture
with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapours or
mist, is present continuously or for long periods or frequently.
Zone 1: Potential danger
A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture
with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapours or
mist is likely to occur in normal operation.
Zone 2: Minimum danger
A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture
with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapours or
mist is not likely to occur in normal operation.
Powders
Zone 20 : Continuous danger
A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud
of combustible dust in air is present continuously or for long periods
or frequently.
Zone 21: Potential danger
A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud
of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation
occasionally.
Zone 22: Minimum danger
A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud
of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation,
but if it does occur will persist for a short period only.
WHAT DOES THE DIRECTIVE CONCERN?
- instruments and protection systems destined for explosive atmospheres;
- security devices, control and adjustment devices, for the safe
operation of instruments and protection systems;
- any electric, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic instruments.
WHAT ARE THE USER'S DUTIES?
With respect to the prevention of explosions and relevant protection,
the user is duty bound to:
- adopt all necessary technical and organizational measures according
to the nature of each task;
- evaluate company wide explosion risks;
- divide into different defined zones those areas where explosive
atmospheres may occur;
- indicate with clear signage the defined zones.
- maintain an explosion protection document including: risk assessment
and identification of zones, area
classification, maintenance schedules, documents and requirements
for training staff and instituting a
system of permits to work.
For more information about the ATEX Directives: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/atex/
|
If you have any further questions, please contact us by
clicking on the link below.
|
|
 Contact
us
|
|
|
