Description

Explosion protection in Europe is based on the EU ATEX Directive, which has been implemented in national law. The aim of the ATEX directive is to protect workers in potentially explosive atmospheres. To this end, the employer has to develop a measures-based explosion protection concept for avoiding explosive atmospheres, ignition sources or to control explosions, e.g. by designing pressure-resistant installations.

We develop technically and economically optimised explosion protection concepts for you within the scope of plant planning and the approval process. In addition to determining the lowest possible investment costs, the main focus here is placed on simplicity of handling, usability and maintenance.

Services of the contractor

In detail, we will provide general information on the type of plant and equipment, the main parts of the plant and the demarcation from neighbouring facilities. This is followed by a description of the process, focusing on essential aspects of explosion protection, use and handling of the relevant substances and equipment, manual intervention in accordance with work instructions, measures to be taken in the event of malfunctions and interlocking/monitoring/control.

The safety parameters for the relevant flammable or combustible substances (input materials and products) are listed in table form.

The heart of the explosion protection concept is the risk assessment. This includes the following steps:

• Determination of the areas in which a potentially explosive atmosphere may occur,
• Assessment of the explosion hazard in the identified areas,
• Classification of areas into explosion protection zones and
• Definition and implementation of appropriate protection measures.

A catalogue of measures is used to list any explosion protection measures that may still be necessary and which you still have to take into account in the explosion protection concept.

Finally, we compile all documents in one document and hand over the draft to you. We will discuss this with you by phone or e-mail and finally process the final document. You will receive this final version from us in electronic form.

Services not included

As standard, the following services are not included in the preparation of an explosion protection concept, but can be included additionally If you would like to cover these services as well, please make an appropriate note in your request.

• Drawings in dwg format to implement the recommended changes and measures
• required electronic processing of R+I flow diagrams
• Preparation of a HAZOP study
• Determination of SIL levels
• A risk assessment in terms of the Machinery Directive or requirements resulting from the application of the Machinery Directive

Required documents

The documents required for processing are listed in detail in the offer. If you have any questions in advance, please contact us by phone or e-mail.

On-site appointments

On-site appointments are difficult to implement in the current situation. Despite the possibility of video inspections, a plant inspection without an on-site appointment is always difficult and certainly only useful in individual cases. We will continue – under certain conditions – to visit your facility even in the current situation. Please refer to our internal guidelines as to which requirements must be met for such an inspection. Here you will find the corresponding concept.

Processing time: 8 weeks
(from receipt of all necessary documents)

Executive member of the weyer gruppe:
horst weyer und partner gmbh