Importance of training the personnel performing specific activities related to equipment / installations operating in areas classified as with potentially explosive atmospheres

Abstract

Equipment operating in installations endangered by the occurrence of potentially explosive atmospheres have special features designed in order to make them suitable for operations in such areas. Equipment designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres shall be placed on the EU market considering the provisions of the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and the harmonized European standards under this Directive. Even if equipment is placed on the EU market in accordance with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU provisions, the special characteristics providing protection to explosion can be invalidated in installation design, erection, operation, inspection, maintenance or repairing phases. In order to prevent invalidation of explosion protection characteristics an important accent is placed on training and authorization of personnel involved in design, mounting, operation, inspection, maintenance or repairing of equipment/installations operating in potentially explosive atmospheres.