The legal system for explosion protection in the European union

摘要

In March 1994 the European Parliament and the Council adopted the New Approach Directive 94/9/EC on the approximation of the laws of member States concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheresthe ATEX ("ATmospheres Explosibles) Directive. Ratified under Article 100a the main objectives of the Directive are to guarantee the freedom of movement of good whilst ensuring a high level of protection against explosions.However, this was not the first step towards technical harmonisation in this sector. For over twenty years there have been a number of Directives which have sought to guarantee free trade within Europe and these will continue to remain valid until theATEX Directive becomes mandatory from 1 July 2003.These original specifications split the sector into two distinct product types - electrical equipment for use in mines or these surface parts of mines that may be affected by firedamp and electrical equipment for industrial applications other than mines.The former is covered by the so-called "Gassy Mines" Directive 82/130/EEC whilst the latter is provisioned for in 76/117/EEC and 79/196/EEC (the latter called the "first specific" Directive).