Maintenance of ATEX-certified portable devices – What operators need to be aware of

⚠ Why is it so important to maintain ATEX-certified devices?

An ATEX-certified device can only be operated safely if it remains in its intended state.

IImproper maintenance or repairs can:

🔴 Declare the ATEX certification invalid

🔴 Danger to safety - can become a source of ignition

🔴 Legal consequences for the operator.

Companies are therefore obliged to ensure regular inspections and maintenance work.

✅ 1️⃣ Maintenance and inspection - regulations and responsibilities for operators

The ATEX Directives (2014/34/EU) and the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) stipulate that ATEX devices:

✔ Must be checked regularly.

✔ May only be used in a safe condition.

✔ Maintenance may only be carried out by trained personnel.

When and how often does it need to be checked?

📌 Daily visual inspection by the user:

• Is there any visible damage to the housing, display or buttons?
• Is the antenna or camera in perfect condition?
• Is the device working normally or are there error messages?

📌 Regular technical inspection by qualified personnel:

• Depending on the manufacturer's recommendations and the (often annual) assessment of the operational risk
• Checking electrical safety and all protective devices
• Check battery status and charging behavior

📌 Additional check after special events:

• If the device has been dropped or subjected to heavy loads
• In case of contact with liquids or chemicals
• In the event of faults or warnings

❗ Important:

All maintenance measures must be documented in order to prove compliance with the ATEX requirements.

✅ 2️⃣ Cleaning and storage - but not in the ATEX zone!

ATEX devices must never be serviced or cleaned in potentially explosive atmospheres.

🔴 Why?

• Any maintenance or cleaning work can stir up dust or inadvertently cause sparks.
• An open or damaged appliance can be a source of ignition.
• Most cleaning agents are not approved for use in Ex zones.

✔ Correct cleaning and storage:

✅ Cleaning takes place outside the ATEX zone in a safe environment.

✅ Do not use any aggressive solvents - these could damage the seals or housing.

✅ Use a damp cloth with a cleaning agent approved by the manufacturer.

✅ Remove dust deposits carefully - without static charge.

✅ Store devices safely, not in damp or overheated areas.

✅ Do not leave the batteries in the charger permanently to avoid overcharging.

✅ 3️⃣ Only use approved batteries and accessories.

ATEX devices may only be operated with the certified batteries and accessories listed in the certificate!

🔴 Why?

• Non-certified batteries can generate excessive voltages or temperatures → fire hazard!
  
• Unsuitable batteries can lead to gas generation or thermal runaway.
• Accessories such as chargers or headsets must also be ATEX-certified.

✔ Solution:

Always use original batteries and accessories approved by the manufacturer!

✅ 4️⃣ Repairs and modifications are taboo (except by certified specialists!).

🚨 Attention: The operating personnel must not carry out any unauthorized repairs or modifications to ATEX devices!

🔴 What is not allowed?

• Do not open the appliance - tampering can destroy the explosion protection function.
• Do not use any non-approved spare parts - only original components are ATEX-compliant
  .
• Do not install any software changes or unsafe firmware updates
  .

✔ Solution:

If a device is defective, it must be sent to a certified repair workshop or to the manufacturer for repair.

❗ Attention:

After each repair, the device must be checked and documented again before it can be used in ATEX areas again.

✅ 5️⃣ Employee training - duty of the operator!

📢 Companies are obliged to train their employees in the use of ATEX devices.

🔴 Why?

• Improper use can become a source of ignition.
• Users must be able to recognize damage and know when a device needs to be replaced.
• The maintenance personnel must know the correct test procedures.

✔ Solution:

Regular training on the following topics:

✅ How can damage and defects be identified?

✅ What to do if a device becomes suspicious?

✅ Which batteries and chargers are permitted?

✅ How are ATEX devices properly cleaned and stored?

❗ Tip:

Training should be documented to demonstrate compliance.

🚀 Conclusion: Safe maintenance protects people and operations

ATEX-certified portable devices are indispensable in potentially explosive environments - but only if they are properly maintained and handled!

🔹Maintenance and inspection are mandatory - only tested appliances remain safe.

🔹 No cleaning or maintenance in the ATEX zone!

🔹 Only use certified batteries and accessories - experiments are taboo!

🔹 Unauthorized repairs are prohibited - only authorized service centres may open the device.

🔹 Employees need to be trained - they are the first line of defense...

🚨 A poorly maintained ATEX device can become a deadly hazard - so careful inspection and maintenance are essential!

➡ Rely on regular maintenance and trained personnel - for maximum safety in potentially explosive areas!💡💪