Certification
Manufacturing/Production of ATEX products using the quality modules, specified by the directive’s Annex IV, VI, and VII – the ATEX quality modules (PQAN).
Equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (dust/gas) (ATEX equipment)
The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU contains a series of quality modules that apply to the certification of Ex products.Within the ATEX field, for example, a certified ISO 9001 system cannot “stand alone”. In addition to an existing quality management system, the ATEX Directive requires an “enhanced” quality management system that includes a wide range of interpretations and enhancements. These additional requirements are specified in the standard DS/EN/ISO 80079-34: "Explosive atmospheres - Use of quality systems for equipment manufacture”.
The ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) makes the Notified Body responsible for performing quality management system assessment and monitoring and issuing a “Production Quality Assurance Notification“ (PQAN). Thus, specific requirements for "quality modules" are specified for use when products are certified as Category 1 or Category 2 equipment.
PQAN modules for Category 1 and M1 (typical equipment for use in Zone 0 or Zone 20)
The green box in the chart indicates the so-called "Production Quality Assurance Notification," which applies to Category 1 and M1 equipment.
PQAN modules for Category 2 and M2 (typical equipment for use in Zone 1 or Zone 21)
The green boxes in the chart indicate the "Product Quality Assurance Notification" and the "Notice of Conformity to Type" option, which typically applies if the manufacturer has chosen to draw up a quality plan for a specific Ex Product.
For further information:
Supplementary provisions for certification of ATEX quality modules
Download our ”ATEX Guide” and get an overview of various concepts and terminologies used in the Ex industry.