ATEX INSPECTION SERVICES
✓ Bureau Veritas helps businesses operating in hazardous environments stay compliant with ATEX and DSEAR regulations. Our team has the expertise, systems and experience to test and certify electrical equipment, ensuring it meets the correct ATEX rating and safety requirements.
ensuring safe & compliant operations in hazardous areas
WHAT IS ATEX?
ATEX is short for ATmosphères EXplosibles, the name commonly given to the two European Directives that regulate equipment and protective systems designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. These directives are designed to improve health and safety protection for workers by ensuring that workplaces where flammable gases, vapours, mists, or dusts are present have strict safety controls in place.
The ATEX directives include:
- 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114, previously ATEX 95): Regulations for manufacturers of equipment used in explosive atmospheres.
- 1999/92/EC (ATEX 153, previously ATEX 137): Focuses on worker protection and employer responsibilities in hazardous areas.
In the UK, ATEX requirements work in conjunction with DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) to keep workplaces compliant and safe.
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WHY ATEX COMPLIANCE MATTERS
Explosions caused by flammable gases, vapours, mists or combustible dusts can lead to serious injury, loss of life and severe damage to facilities. Compliance with ATEX regulations and DSEAR requirements is essential for businesses operating in potentially explosive atmospheres to protect people and property.
Industries at risk: chemical plants, paint spraying facilities, woodworking sites, grain mills, fuel storage depots.
ENSURE WORKPLACE SAFETY WITH ATEX ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS
Before a workspace with designated EX zones can begin operations, employers must confirm that comprehensive explosion safety measures are in place. This includes verifying that all electrical and mechanical equipment used within those EX zones are properly tested and certified to the appropriate ATEX standards.
As your trusted ATEX inspection partner, Bureau Veritas brings the expertise, systems, and experience required to ensure EX areas are identified and compliant and that explosion control measures are safely implemented and reviewed across your electrical and mechanical equipment.
Our inspections, conducted by Bureau Veritas professionals in accordance with the BS EN 60079 suite of standards, encompass a thorough electrical and mechanical assessment of equipment operating in environments with explosive or potentially explosive atmospheres. These inspections are often prompted by DSEAR visual assessments, equipment classification audits, and EX zoning carried out by our DSEAR compliance team, in partnership with site knowledge and experience, providing a bespoke solution.
Meticulous documentation is maintained for all inspections, audits, and risk assessments, equipping you with the important information needed to uphold compliance and implement any necessary control measures to keep your facilities safe and compliant.
DOWNLOAD OUR FLYER: UNDERSTANDING ATEX & DSEAR
WHY BUREAU VERITAS?
Whether your workplace activities create or release flammable atmospheres - such as gases, mists, or dusts - across diverse industrial environments like vehicle paint spraying facilities, oil processing plants, or areas handling fine organic materials like grain, flour, or wood, Bureau Veritas stands as your independent and unbiased third-party partner. We are committed to helping your team enhance safety awareness, meet industry-specific legislative requirements, and systematically reduce the risk of serious employee injuries and potential infrastructure damage. Our expert ATEX services provide comprehensive protection, ensuring your workplace remains safe and compliant.
We operate best practice standards, with clear, concise documentation and a consistent approach to ATEX assessments that can be offered across multiple sites, to help you promote a culture of safety and competence within your workplace.
- Prevent release from non-compliant equipment and to protect workers and facilities
- Ensure compliance with European safety regulations and achieve industry best practice
- Reduce legal and financial risks
- Clearly promote your SHEQ management to all stakeholders
- Maintain consistent documentation which is aligned to recognised corporate standards
- Develop a proactive and aligned approach across multiple sites
DON’T HAVE A DSEAR ASSESSMENT YET?
We can help you with that too. Our experienced team of DSEAR experts are ready to support you through the following stages, providing you with a comprehensive report outlining the necessary steps to ensure full compliance.
- DSEAR survey to identify hazardous operations and associated areas
- DSEAR risk assessment
- DSEAR zoning of potentially explosive atmospheres
- Equipment classification audit
- Implementing control measures
Get in touch today to schedule your DSEAR assessment and safeguard your operations.
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How often should ATEX equipment be inspected?
Inspection frequency depends on risk level and environment, but annual inspections are recommended, with more frequent checks for high-risk sites.
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Does ATEX still apply in the UK?
Yes. Post-Brexit, ATEX remains relevant in the UK alongside UKCA certification, ensuring safety and legal compliance. Since 2003 all equipment that is installed in the UK must comply with the ATEX directive.
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What does ATEX certification involve?
ATEX certification confirms that equipment meets strict safety standards for use in hazardous areas, ensuring businesses demonstrate compliance and reduce risks which may impact local environments and communities.
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BUREAU VERITAS
As part of the B&I OPEX services, Our Electrical Business unit team take great pride in delivering top-quality comprehensive electrical services across the UK. Our team of highly skilled and experienced engineers work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the most reliable, efficient, and safe electrical solutions tailored to their unique needs. With a deep understanding of the UK's electrical landscape and a relentless focus on innovation, we continue to set the standard for excellence in the industry.