Introduction
ATEX 95 (Directive 2014/34/EU) is the European regulation that governs how equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must be designed, manufactured, and certified before they are placed on the market.
It complements ATEX 137 (Directive 1999/92/EC), which focuses on workplace safety and how ATEX-certified equipment should be used and maintained. See our Quick Guide to ATEX 137 for more information.
If you are a manufacturer, importer, or supplier of lifting equipment, tools, or components used in ATEX zones, this guide explains your responsibilities and how to manage them efficiently with Onix Work.
What Does ATEX 95 Require?
Scope and Applicability
ATEX 95 applies to:
- Electrical and non-electrical equipment used in explosive gas or dust atmospheres.
- Protective systems (e.g., explosion suppression or containment).
- Safety devices, controlling devices, and regulating devices for ATEX zones.
Product Certification Requirements
Before ATEX equipment can be sold or used in the EU, it must:
- Undergo a conformity assessment procedure appropriate for its category (1, 2, or 3).
- Be CE marked and include the Ex symbol.
- Be accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity.
- Include user instructions with safety and zone information.
- Have the required documentation in a language that can be easily understood by end users in the member state.
Categories and Zones
- Category 1: For Zone 0 (gas) or Zone 20 (dust) – requires third-party (Notified Body) involvement.
- Category 2: For Zone 1 or 21 – also typically involves a Notified Body.
- Category 3: For Zone 2 or 22 – self-certification may be sufficient.
Manufacturers must identify the category and zone suitability clearly in product markings and documentation.
Technical Documentation
Manufacturers must prepare and maintain:
- A technical file demonstrating conformity with essential health and safety requirements.
- Risk assessments, design specifications, materials, and drawings.
- Test results and quality control procedures.
- A list of applied harmonized standards.
This documentation must be kept for at least 10 years after the product is placed on the market. It must also be supplied in a language that is easily understood by the intended endusers.
Digital storage is key when documentation needs to be kept for 10 years.
How Onix Work helps manufacturers and suppliers
Managing ATEX compliance manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Onix Work helps streamline the process by:
- Centralizing technical documentation for every product in one place.
- Digitally storing declarations of conformity and certificates for easy access and sharing.
- Tracking Ex marking, product category, and zone suitability.
- Improving traceability across your product/equipment portfolio.
- Providing field access to compliance data via QR, RFID og NFC tags.
- Supporting seamless collaboration with distributors and customers in one platform.
- Enabling simple translation of documents for any end market.
Conclusion
ATEX 95 ensures that equipment used in explosive atmospheres meets strict safety standards. For manufacturers and suppliers, compliance is both a legal obligation and a competitive advantage. With Onix Work, you can simplify ATEX compliance and deliver trust with every product.
Want help digitalizing your ATEX documentation?
