With a certified ATEX overpressure protection device, you receive an EU declaration of conformity along with technical documentation, installation manuals and certificates from notified bodies. This ATEX documentation proves that your overpressure protection complies with European safety requirements for explosive atmospheres. The ATEX declaration of conformity is legally mandatory and essential for safe installation and use.
What is an ATEX declaration of conformity and why is it needed?
An ATEX declaration of conformity is an official document that confirms that explosion-proof equipment complies with the European ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. This declaration demonstrates that your ATEX overpressure protection device has been tested and approved for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
The ATEX directive forms the legal basis for all equipment used in environments where gas, vapour, mist or dust can cause explosion hazards. For overpressure protection in such environments, ATEX certification is not only recommended, but legally required. This applies to industries such as chemicals, oil and gas, food processing and mining.
The EU declaration of conformity is always accompanied by the CE marking on the device itself. This marking shows the Ex symbol, followed by specific codes indicating which hazardous explosive zones and gas groups the device is suitable for. Without a valid declaration of conformity, you may not put the ATEX pressure relief valve into service.
What documents do you receive with a certified ATEX overpressure protection device?
With a fully certified ATEX overpressure protection device, you receive a complete documentation package, consisting of the EU declaration of conformity, technical specifications, installation manual, maintenance instructions and certificates from recognised test institutes. Each document has a specific function for safe installation and use.
The documentation package contains the following essential components:
- EU declaration of conformity: Official declaration with manufacturer’s signature confirming conformity with ATEX directives
- Technical documentation: Specifications, drawings and test results supporting the safety characteristics
- Installation manual: Step-by-step instructions for correct and safe assembly in hazardous explosive zones
- Maintenance instructions: Procedures for inspection, maintenance and replacement to keep the certification valid
- Certificates from notified bodies: Test certificates from recognised laboratories that have carried out the ATEX type approval
This ATEX documentation must always be available at the work location and accessible to inspectors and maintenance personnel. Keep all documents carefully, as they are needed for insurance and during official inspections.
How do you check whether your ATEX overpressure protection device is correctly certified?
Check the ATEX certification by verifying the CE marking on the nameplate, looking up the identification number of the notified body and validating all certificates. Correct certification shows specific Ex codes that correspond to your hazardous explosive zone classification.
Follow these verification steps for the certification of your overpressure protection:
- Nameplate check: Look for the CE marking, followed by the Ex symbol and a four-digit number of the notified body
- Ex marking verification: Check that the Ex codes (such as Ex d IIC T6) correspond to your zone classification and gas group
- Certificate number validation: Verify the certificate number with the issuing notified body via their website
- Documentation completeness: Check that all required documents are present and correspond to the serial number
- Expiry date check: Some certificates have limited validity and must be renewed
Watch for warning signs of false certification: missing CE marking, unclear Ex codes, no identification number of a notified body or documentation that does not correspond to the physical device. When in doubt, always contact the manufacturer or a recognised ATEX specialist.
What happens if the declaration of conformity is missing or incorrect?
Missing or incorrect ATEX declarations of conformity lead to legal liability, insurance problems and serious safety risks. You may not use industrial overpressure protection without valid certification in explosive atmospheres; this can result in fines and business shutdown.
The consequences of missing ATEX documentation are far-reaching:
Legal risks: Violation of ATEX legislation can lead to fines up to €450,000 and criminal prosecution in case of accidents. As an employer, you are personally liable for the safety of employees in hazardous explosive zones.
Insurance problems: Insurers often refuse payouts for damage caused by non-certified equipment. Your business insurance can be declared invalid if you knowingly use non-compliant equipment.
Safety risks: Non-certified overpressure protection can fail at critical moments and cause explosions. This endangers human lives and can lead to catastrophic business damage.
To resolve problems: immediately stop using non-certified equipment, contact the supplier for correct documentation and, if necessary, have an ATEX specialist check the installation. Always invest in recognised, safety-certified overpressure system solutions from reliable suppliers.
How Presscon helps with ATEX overpressure protection certification
We ensure complete ATEX certification and documentation with all our overpressure protection systems for explosive atmospheres. Our expertise in industrial overpressure protection and ATEX directives for overpressure protection guarantees that you always receive correct and complete documentation.
Our ATEX overpressure protection service includes:
- Complete certification: All ATEX overpressure protection systems are supplied with complete EU declarations of conformity and technical documentation
- Expertise and support: Our specialists advise on the correct Ex codes and zone classifications for your specific application
- Installation guidance: Professional support during installation according to ATEX regulations and safety standards
- Maintenance service: Certified maintenance to keep your ATEX certification valid and ensure optimal safety
With more than 25 years of experience in explosion-proof systems, we understand the complexity of ATEX regulations and ensure that your project is fully compliant. For specific applications such as vacuum systems, we also offer specialised ATEX vacuum overpressure protection devices with complete certification. Contact us for advice on ATEX overpressure protection and let us answer your certification questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an ATEX declaration of conformity remain valid?
An ATEX declaration of conformity remains valid as long as the product is not modified and the underlying standards do not change. However, periodic inspections and maintenance according to prescribed procedures must be carried out to keep the certification active. When changes are made to the device or new standard versions are released, the certification must be reviewed.
Can I use an ATEX overpressure protection device from another EU country in the Netherlands?
Yes, ATEX certification is valid EU-wide through harmonisation of legislation. An overpressure protection device certified in Germany or France may also be used in the Netherlands, provided the Ex codes correspond to your zone classification. However, check that all documents are available in a language you understand for safe installation and maintenance.
What should I do if the Ex codes on my overpressure protection device do not match my zone classification?
Stop using immediately and contact an ATEX specialist for a new risk assessment. You can either revise your zone classification or purchase an overpressure protection device with the correct Ex codes. Never use equipment with a lower protection level than required for your hazardous explosive zone.
Who may carry out maintenance on ATEX-certified overpressure protection?
Maintenance must be carried out by qualified personnel trained in ATEX procedures and familiar with the specific equipment. Often certification or training from the manufacturer is required. Incorrect maintenance can invalidate ATEX certification and cause serious safety risks.
How often should I inspect my ATEX overpressure protection?
Follow the inspection frequency as prescribed in the manufacturer's maintenance instructions, usually ranging from monthly to annually depending on environmental conditions. Additionally, periodic re-examination by recognised bodies and direct inspection after incidents or modifications are mandatory to keep the certification valid.
What are the costs if I am caught using non-certified ATEX equipment?
Fines can amount to up to €450,000 per violation, plus possible criminal prosecution in case of accidents. Additionally, you risk business shutdown by inspection services, invalidation of insurance and personal liability as an employer. The costs of correct certification do not outweigh these risks.
Can I check myself whether a notified body is reliable?
Yes, check the four-digit number on the CE marking in the official NANDO database of the European Commission. Here you will find all recognised notified bodies with their specialisations and contact details. When in doubt, contact the relevant body directly to verify certificates.