ATEX, IECEx, MSDS, Manual, Declaration of Conformity & Co.

Who needs what - and why is it all so important?

When it comes to explosion-protected devices, there are countless abbreviations and documentation requirements:

ATEX, IECEx, MSDS, manual, declaration of conformity, UN38.3 - but who actually needs what, why and when?

In this article, we bring order to the documentation jungle of the ex-world.

🔥 1. ATEX-Zertifizierung – ein Muss in der EU

• What is this? A legally required test mark for devices that are used in potentially explosive atmospheres
  .
• Who needs it? Manufacturers, importers and operators as soon as a device is used in zones 0, 1, 2 or 20, 21, 22
  .
• Why is this important? Without ATEX certification, a device is not permitted in the EU - the operator is personally liable in the event of damage.
  

🌍 2. IECEx-Zertifizierung – das internationale Pendant zu ATEX

• What is that? A globally recognized certification system for explosion-protected devices in accordance with IEC standards.
  
• Who needs it? Manufacturers who want to sell their devices outside the EU, e.g. to Australia, South Africa, Asia or the Middle East
  .
• Why is this important? IECEx is the standard for Ex certification in many countries - often a prerequisite for market access.
  

📄 3. Konformitätserklärung (EU-Konformitätserklärung)

• What is this? A legally binding document from the manufacturer that confirms: "This product complies with all relevant EU directives" - e.g. ATEX, EMC, RoHS, etc.
  
• Who needs it? Anyone who manufactures, imports or markets a device
  .
• Why is this important? The product may not be sold or used without a valid declaration of conformity
  .

🔍 Hinweis: Die Konformitätserklärung sollte vom Betreiber zu Dokumentationszwecken aufbewahrt werden – sie wird häufig während Audits oder im Falle von Unfällen angefordert.

📚 4. Bedienungsanleitung / Handbuch

• Was ist das? Ein detailliertes Benutzerhandbuch, das Folgendes enthält:
  • Vorgesehene Verwendung
  • Zone and temperature class assignment
  • Maintenance and installation instructions
  • Safety requirements
• Who needs it? Every user, maintenance technician and safety officer
  .
• Why is this important? The full instructions may be in English, but sections relating to safety must be available in the local language
  .

🧪 5. MSDS / Sicherheitsdatenblatt

• What is this? A document that details the chemical safety of a product (e.g. rechargeable batteries, batteries, solvents, sealants)
  .
• Who needs it? Operators, warehouse managers, occupational safety specialists as soon as hazardous substances are handled
  .
• Warum ist das wichtig? Das MSDS enthält Informationen über:
  • Explosionsgrenzen
  • Flammability
  • Storage requirements
  • First aid measures

📦 6. UN38.3 – Transportsicherheit für Lithiumbatterien

• What is this? A mandatory test for lithium-ion batteries in accordance with UN regulations - required for transportation by air or sea
  .
• Who needs it? Manufacturers and shippers of devices containing lithium cells or batteries
  .
• Why is this important? A battery may not be transported without having passed the UN38.3 test - not even in the end device (e.g. ex-tablet, scanner).
  

📌 Die UN38.3-Zertifikate sollten vom Hersteller verfügbar sein und bei der Lieferung großer Mengen beigefügt werden.

7. safety regulations / operating instructions

• What is this? Internal or official requirements for the safe operation of an Ex device or system
  .
• Who needs it? Operators who are responsible for staff and equipment
  .
• Why is this important? Regulations such as DGUV rules, explosion protection documents and operating instructions are required by law and must be checked regularly
  .

✅ Wer braucht was? – Ein Überblick

Conclusion

In potentially explosive areas, it is not sufficient to use "any" explosion-proof device.

Documentation, approval, translation and transportability are at least as important as the device itself.

🛑 Betriebsleiter, die Geräte ohne gültige ATEX-Zulassung, eine Konformitätserklärung oder Sicherheitsdokumentation verwenden, haften im Falle eines Unfalls persönlich und können auch strafrechtlich verfolgt werden.

💬 Benötigen Sie Hilfe bei der Überprüfung von Dokumenten, Ausschreibungen oder der Auswahl konformer Geräte?

We at ATEXshop.de look forward to supporting you with proven expertise, clear communication and practical solutions.