Working in explosive atmospheres requires zone classification knowledge, Ex equipment selection, BS EN 60079-14 installation practice, and CompEx certification. This guide covers everything you need.
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Working on electrical installations in potentially explosive atmospheres is one of the most demanding — and best-paid — specialisms in UK electrical contracting. Oil refineries, chemical plants, offshore platforms, distilleries, and flour mills all contain areas where flammable gas, vapour, mist, or combustible dust can form an explosive atmosphere. A single ignition source in these areas can cause a catastrophic explosion.
The legal framework for managing this risk is built on two pillars: the ATEX Directive (which governs equipment) and DSEAR 2002 (which governs the workplace safety obligations). The technical installation standard is BS EN 60079-14, and inspection is governed by BS EN 60079-17. Competency is demonstrated through the CompEx certificate.
This guide covers the legislation, zone classification, Ex equipment markings, installation and inspection standards, competency requirements, and the industries where this specialism is most in demand.
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Two pieces of legislation govern hazardous area electrical work in the UK:
The Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016 (implementing ATEX in UK law, retained post-Brexit). Governs manufacturers of Ex equipment. Sets out construction, testing, and marking requirements. Enforced by OPSS (Office for Product Safety and Standards). Applies to the equipment, not the installation.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. Governs employers and contractors. Requires hazardous area classification, risk assessment, appropriate equipment selection, and work by competent persons. Enforced by the HSE. Retained in UK law post-Brexit and continues to apply. This is the regulation that drives the need for CompEx certification.
DSEAR Regulation 7 is the key provision for electricians: it requires that work involving dangerous substances is carried out by competent persons using appropriate procedures and equipment. The Approved Code of Practice for DSEAR references BS EN 60079-14 and BS EN 60079-17 as the appropriate technical standards.
The first step in managing hazardous areas is classification — identifying and documenting the zones. This is the duty of the operator (employer), but electricians must understand the classification to select appropriate equipment.
Every piece of certified Ex equipment carries a marking that encodes its protection concept, equipment group, and temperature class. The equipment must match the zone, gas group, and temperature class of the hazardous area. Common protection concepts:
BS EN 60079-14 (Explosive atmospheres — Part 14: Electrical installations design, selection and erection) is the mandatory technical standard for hazardous area electrical installation. Key requirements include:
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BS EN 60079-17 (Explosive atmospheres — Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance) governs how hazardous area installations are inspected after commissioning. It defines three grades of inspection and requires that all inspections are carried out by competent persons and formally recorded.
DSEAR requires that only competent persons carry out electrical work in hazardous areas. The CompEx scheme (Competency in Explosive Atmospheres) is the recognised industry standard for demonstrating this competency. It is administered by the CompEx Certification Scheme operated by EAL (Awards for Business and Industry).
CompEx covers installation and inspection of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres. The core units for electricians are EX01 to EX04, covering gas and vapour Zone 0/1/2 work. See the CompEx qualification guide for full details on units, training centres, costs, and the assessment process. Without CompEx, access to formal hazardous area electrical contracts in oil and gas, chemical, and offshore sectors is extremely limited.
Elec-Mate's certificate and test record tools help you produce the professional documentation required for ATEX installation dossiers and BS EN 60079-17…
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