Government Decree No. 176 / 1997 Coll.
Government Regulation laying down technical requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
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Regulation
Effective from 01.09.1997
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176
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
of 25 June 1997
laying down technical requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
The Government orders pursuant to Section 22 of Act No. 22 / 1997 Coll., on Technical Requirements for Products and on the Amendment and Addition of Certain Acts (hereinafter referred to as "the Act") to implement Sections 12 (1) and (4) and 13 (2) and (4) of the Act:
(1) This Regulation lays down technical requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive environments, in accordance with the law of the European Communities (1) and with the international Treaty (2).
(2) For the purposes of this Regulation:
(a) equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
1. facilities capable of causing an explosion as a result of their own potential sources of initiation; machinery, apparatus, fixed or mobile equipment, control components and their instrumentation, and detection or preventive protective systems, which are separately or jointly intended for the production, transmission, storage, measurement, control and conversion of energy and for the processing of material, shall be considered as equipment;
2. protective systems, other than those of the equipment defined in paragraph 1, intended to contain the explosion at an initial stage or to limit the extent of the effects of the explosion and which are placed on the market separately and used as autonomous systems;
3. components which are important for the safe operation of equipment and protective systems but do not have a separate function;
(b) devices for safety, control and control equipment intended for use outside the potentially explosive environment, which, however, are necessary or contribute to ensuring the safe operation of the equipment and protective systems with regard to explosion hazards;
(c) by explosive atmosphere, a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gases, vapours, fog or dust under atmospheric conditions in which, after initiation, the combustion is spread to the whole unburned mixture;
(d) an environment with a risk of explosion which may become explosive due to local and operational conditions;
(e) the intended use of equipment, protective systems and devices which correspond to the use according to the relevant equipment and category group and which complies with all the information specified by the manufacturer necessary for the safe operation of the equipment, protective systems and equipment.
(1) For imported equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and devices the obligations of the manufacturer under this Regulation shall be provided by the importer.
(1) The specified products referred to in Article 12 (1) of the Act are equipment, protective systems and equipment with the exception of the products referred to in paragraph 2. Equipment shall be classified in Groups I and II and categories M1, M2, 1, 2 and 3 according to the criteria set out in Annex No 1.
(2) This Regulation shall not apply to:
(a) equipment for medical use;
(b) equipment and protective systems intended for use only in explosive or chemically unstable areas;
(c) equipment intended for use in households and non-commercial environments where an environment with a risk of explosion can rarely occur only as a result of accidental leakage of heating gas;
(d) personal protective equipment which is provided for the assessment of conformity by Government Decree No. 172 / 1997 Coll., laying down technical requirements for personal protective equipment;
(e) seagoing ships and mobile navigation units, including equipment on board such ships and units;
(f) means of transport, or vehicles and their trailers, which are intended exclusively for the carriage of persons or goods by air, road, rail or waterway, unless they are intended for use in potentially explosive spaces;
(g) equipment for the manufacture of weapons, ammunition and military equipment.
(3) The technical requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and apparatus are set out in Annex 2 ("essential requirements"). Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and devices shall meet these requirements with regard to their intended purpose of use.
(4) Where the essential requirements are specified by harmonised Czech technical standards (§ 4a (1) of the Act) or by foreign technical standards transposing a harmonised European standard in the Member States of the European Union and the characteristics of equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and devices are compatible with them, these essential requirements shall be deemed to be met.
(5) The placing on the market of equipment, protective systems or devices which do not comply with the requirements of this Regulation shall not be considered as such, 3) if the visible inscription clearly indicates that such equipment, protective systems and apparatus are non-compliant and are not for sale until they have been modified by the manufacturer in a satisfactory manner. Appropriate safety measures for the protection of persons shall be implemented during the demonstration.
Equipment and protective systems may be designed for a specific explosive atmosphere. In this case, they shall be marked accordingly.
(1) In the case of equipment, protective systems, components and appliances, conformity assessment with the requirements of technical regulations ("conformity assessment") shall be carried out by the following procedures (Section 12 (4) of the Act):
(a) for equipment referred to in Group I of category M1 and Group II of category 1, and for autonomous protection systems, the manufacturer or authorised representative shall ensure the conformity assessment of a sample of the equipment or protective system by an authorised person (hereinafter referred to as "EC type-examination") as set out in Annex 3 and, as their choice, shall ensure either the quality assurance of production as set out in Annex 4 or the verification of products as specified in Annex 5;
(b) for electrical equipment and for combustion engines referred to in Group I of category M2 and Group II of category 2, the manufacturer or the authorised representative shall ensure EC type-examination in accordance with Annex 3 and, at his choice, shall ensure either verification of conformity with the type referred to in Annex 6 or the product quality assurance procedure referred to in Annex 7;
(c) in the case of equipment listed in Group I of category M2 and Group II of category 2 other than those referred to in (b), the manufacturer or the authorised representative shall carry out the conformity assessment referred to in Annex 8 and shall transmit the technical documentation of the product to an authorized person (Section 11 (1) of the Act), confirming its takeover and archiving;
(d) in the case of equipment referred to in Group II, category 3, the manufacturer or the authorised representative shall carry out, or ensure, conformity assessment in accordance with Annex 8,
(e) the procedures referred to in (1a), (1b), (1c) and (1d) shall also be used for components. The manufacturer or authorised representative shall issue a written certificate of conformity certifying compliance of components with the relevant requirements of this Regulation and indicating the characteristics of the component and the manner in which they must be incorporated into the device or protective system in order to meet the essential requirements applicable to the finished equipment or protective system.
(2) For group installations The manufacturer or authorised representative may choose, instead of the procedures referred to in paragraph 1, the verification procedure for individual products as set out in Annex 9.
(3) For the safety aspects referred to in point 1.2.7 of Annex No 2, conformity may be demonstrated by the manufacturer or by an authorised representative in accordance with the procedure set out in Annex No 8.
(1) For devices, protective systems and devices which comply with the requirements of this Regulation, the CE marking provided for in Annex 10 to this Regulation shall be placed on the product instead of the certificate of conformity and the EC declaration of conformity, the particulars of which are set out in Annex 10 to this Regulation.
(2) Where equipment, protective systems and apparatus are also subject to other government regulations relating to other aspects and also providing for the location of the CE marking, the CE marking shall also give rise to compliance with the provisions of those other government regulations.
(3) However, if one or more government regulations allow the manufacturer to choose which measure to apply for a transitional period, the CE marking shall indicate compliance only with the government regulations used by the manufacturer. In this case, references to these government regulations must be made to the documents, instructions and instructions required by government regulations and supplied with equipment, protective systems or devices.
(4) The CE marking shall be supplemented by the identification number of the authorised person where the authorised person is involved in the production control.
(5) The CE marking shall be placed clearly, visibly, legibly and indelibly on the device, protective systems and apparatus. The additional labelling requirements are set out in point 1.0.5 of Annex 2 to this Regulation.
(6) Other permissible markings may be affixed to equipment, protective systems or devices provided that the visibility and legibility of the CE marking are not thereby reduced.
(7) The conditions for authorising conformity assessment activities of equipment, protective systems and equipment are set out in Annex 11 to this Regulation.
The evidence of the conformity assessment method used (Section 13 (8) of the Act) includes technical documentation and documents and findings issued when assessing conformity by an authorised person and a copy of the EC declaration of conformity. The technical documentation shall be prepared in a language agreed with the authorised person. In cases resulting from Paragraph 13 (8) of the Act, the importer shall submit to the supervisory authority documentation in the language of one of the Member States of the European Union or in a language agreed with the supervisory authority.
(1) Equipment, protective systems and apparatus which will be placed on the market after the entry into force of this Regulation until 30 June 1998 may only meet the technical requirements applicable under the legislation in force before the entry into force of this Regulation.
(2) For devices, protective systems and devices which will be placed on the market after the entry into force of this Regulation by 30 June 1998, the manufacturer or importer when assessing conformity
(a) equipment, protective systems and apparatus which before the entry into force of this Regulation were subject to approval under Act No. 30 / 1968 Coll., on State testing, as amended, may replace the conformity assessment procedure under § 4 in accordance with the procedure set out in Annex 3, but not later than 30 June 1998;
(b) equipment, protective systems and apparatus which, before the entry into force of this Regulation, were not subject to approval under Act No. 30 / 1968 Coll., on State testing, as amended, may replace the conformity assessment procedure provided for in Article 4 in accordance with the procedure set out in Annex No 8 but no later than 30 June 1998.
(3) For equipment, protective systems and apparatus which will be placed on the market during the period from the entry into force of this Regulation until 31 December 1997, their manufacturer or importer may obtain the technical documentation referred to in Annex 8 (2) (d) and (e) retrospectively and by 31 December 1997 at the latest.
This Regulation shall enter into force on 1 September 1997.
Prime Minister:
Prof. Ing. Klaus CSc.
Minister for Industry and Trade:
JUDr. Kühnl v. r.
Příloha č. 1
Annex No. 1 to Government Decree No. 176 / 1997 Coll.
CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF GROUPS AND CATEGORIES
1. Device group I
(a) Category M 1 includes equipment which is designed and, where necessary, equipped with additional special protective equipment to enable it to operate in accordance with the operating parameters specified by the manufacturer and to ensure a very high level of protection.
The equipment of this category is intended for use in underground mines and surface installations of those mines which are threatened by methane or flammable dust. An installation of this category shall be required to remain operational even in the event of exceptional events in relation to the installation in the presence of an explosive atmosphere and to be characterised by such means of protection against explosion that:
(aa) either in the event of failure of one of the means used, at least one other independent means of protection ensures a sufficient level of safety; or
(ab) a sufficient level of safety is ensured in the event of two mutually independent failures.
Equipment belonging to this category shall comply with the additional requirements set out in Annex 2, paragraph 2.0.1.
(b) Category M 2 includes equipment designed to be capable of operation in accordance with the operating parameters specified by the manufacturer and providing a high level of protection.
The equipment of this category is intended for use in underground parts of mines and surface installations of these mines where the likelihood of a methane or flammable dust hazard is present.
This device is expected to be switched off in the event of an explosive atmosphere.
Protective equipment for equipment of this category shall ensure a sufficient level of protection in normal operation as well as in the case of more severe operating conditions resulting mainly from gross treatment and environmental changes. Equipment belonging to this category shall comply with the additional requirements set out in Annex 2, paragraph 2.0.2.
2. Equipment Group II
(a) Category 1 includes equipment designed to be capable of operation in accordance with the operating values specified by the manufacturer and providing a very high level of protection.
The equipment of this category is intended for use in spaces where the explosive atmosphere generated by gases, vapours or mists or dust air mixtures is present permanently, for a long or frequent period.
The installation of this category shall ensure a sufficient level of remuneration even in the event of exceptional events in relation to the installation and shall be characterised by means such as to protect against explosion that:
(aa) either in the event of failure of one of the means of protection used, at least one other independent means of remuneration ensures a sufficient level of safety; or
(ab) a sufficient level of safety is ensured in the event of two mutually independent failures. Equipment belonging to this category shall comply with the additional requirements set out in Annex 2, point 2.1.
(b) Category 2 includes equipment designed to be capable of operation in accordance with the operating parameters specified by the manufacturer and providing a high level of protection.
The equipment of this category is intended for use in spaces where the explosive atmosphere generated by gases, vapours, mists or dust air mixtures is likely to occur.
Protective devices for equipment of this category shall ensure a sufficient level of protection even in the event of frequent failures or failures of equipment which must normally be assumed.
Equipment belonging to this category shall comply with the additional requirements set out in Annex 2, point 2.2.
(c) Category 3 includes equipment designed to be capable of operation in accordance with the operating parameters specified by the manufacturer and providing a normal level of protection.
The apparatus of this category is intended for use in spaces where explosive atmosphere generated by gases, vapours, mists or dusty air mixtures is unlikely to occur and, if an explosive atmosphere occurs, will only be present for a short period of time.
The design of the equipment of this category ensures a sufficient level of safety in normal operation.
Equipment belonging to this category shall meet the additional requirements set out in Annex 2, point 2.3.
Příloha č. 2
Annex No 2 to Decree No 176 / 1997 Coll.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Preliminary remarks
A. Technical knowledge which can change very quickly must be taken into account as quickly and immediately as possible.
B. For apparatus, the essential requirements apply only to the extent necessary for the safe operation and operation of these devices in view of the risk of explosion.
1. COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTION SYSTEMS
1.0 General requirements
1.0.1 Principles of complex explosion safety
Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres shall be designed with regard to complex blast safety.
The following measures must be taken:
(a) in particular, where possible, to prevent or escape the formation of an explosive atmosphere which could be generated in the equipment or protective systems itself;
(b) prevent the initiation of an explosive atmosphere, taking into account the characteristics of all electrical and non-electrical sources of initiation;
(c) where an explosion is likely to occur which could directly or indirectly endanger persons, domestic animals or property, take measures to immediately suppress the explosion or to limit the extent of the effect of explosion flames and explosion pressure to an adequate level of safety.
1.0.2 Equipment and protective systems shall be carried out, after an appropriate analysis of possible operational failures, so as to avoid dangerous situations as far as possible.
Any reasonably foreseeable use for other purposes shall be taken into account.
1.0.3 Special checking and maintenance conditions
Equipment and protective systems subject to special checking and maintenance conditions shall be carried out taking into account these conditions.
1.0.4 Ambient conditions
Equipment and protective systems shall be so designed as to withstand actual and foreseeable ambient conditions.
1.0.5 Labelling
All devices and protective systems shall have the following minimum data legibly and permanently marked:
(a) the name and surname of the natural person or the business name of the legal person who is the manufacturer and its registered office;
(b) identification of the series or type;
(c) a serial number, if any;
(d) the year of manufacture;
(e) a specific explosion protection marking accompanied by a symbol of the group and category of equipment;
(f) for group II equipment, the letter "G" (for explosive atmosphere consisting of gases, vapour or fog) or the letter "D" (for explosive atmosphere consisting of dust) or both.
Furthermore, if necessary, all information relevant to the safe use of the equipment shall also be indicated.
1.0.6. Service instructions
(a) Each device and protective system shall be accompanied by an operator manual containing at least the following information:
(aa) repeat the information by which the equipment or protective system is marked, except for the serial number (see 1.0.5), together with any appropriate additional information to facilitate maintenance (e.g. addresses of importer or authorised representative, repair organisation, etc.),
(ab) instructions for safe operation: putting into service, use, assembly and dismantling, maintenance (service and troubleshooting), installation, setting,
(ac) where necessary, marking of the exposed space in front of the pressure relief device;
ad) where necessary, instructions for training,
(ae) details that allow without any doubt to decide whether the installation of the specified category or protection system can be safely used in the area under the expected operating conditions;
(af) electrical and pressure parameters, maximum surface temperature and other limit values;
(ag) where necessary, special conditions of use, including details of inappropriate use (for purposes other than those specified) which may occur in the experience gained;
(ah) where necessary, the essential characteristics of the tools that are suitable for the device or protective system.
(b) The instructions must be drawn up in the Czech language.
This translation shall be made by the manufacturer or authorised representative or importer.
Maintenance instructions intended for use by a specialist employed by the manufacturer or authorised representative may be in a language understood by the staff.
(c) The instructions shall contain the drawings and diagrams necessary for putting into service, maintenance, inspection, correct operation check, and, where appropriate, for the repair of the equipment or the protection system, together with any useful instructions, in particular for safety.
(d) No commercial literature attached to the installation or protection system describing the installation or protection system shall be contrary to the instructions describing the safety aspects.
1.1. Selection of materials
1.1.1. Materials used for the construction of equipment and protective systems shall not cause an explosion in the foreseeable operational stress.
1.1.2. Within the range of operating conditions specified by the manufacturer, there shall be no reaction between the material used and the components of potentially explosive atmosphere likely to interfere with explosion protection.
1.1.3. Materials shall be selected in such a way that foreseeable changes in their properties and their compatibility with other materials do not result in a reduction of the protection provided; attention shall be paid in particular to the corrosive properties of materials, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, ageing resistance and the effects of temperature changes.
1.2 Design and construction
1.2.1 Equipment and protective systems shall be carried out taking into account technical knowledge in the field of explosion protection so that they can be safely operated throughout their expected lifetime.
1.2.2. Components intended for insertion or use as replacement parts for devices and protective systems shall be so designed that, when installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, they can safely perform their intended explosion protection function.
1.2.3 Closed structures and leak prevention
A device which may release flammable gases or money shall preferably use closed structures.
Where openings or loose connections are in the installation, they shall preferably be carried out in such a way that leakage gases or dust cannot create an explosive atmosphere outside the installation.
The places to which the material is brought or taken from shall preferably be carried out and equipped in such a way as to limit the leakage of flammable substances when filling or discharge.
1.2.4. Dust installation
Equipment and protective systems intended for use in a dusty environment shall be so designed that the embedded dust on their surface cannot ignite.
As a general rule, dust deposits should be limited where possible. Devices and protective systems shall be easily cleaned.
The surface temperature of the part of the device shall be kept sufficiently low below the smoldering temperature of the settled dust.
The thickness of the dust layer shall be taken into account and, if necessary, measures to limit temperature shall be taken to prevent heating.
1.2.5. Supplementary protective equipment
Equipment and protective systems which may be subjected to a particular type of external stress shall be equipped, where necessary, with additional protective equipment.
The device shall withstand appropriate stress without adverse effects on explosion protection.
1.2.6 Safe opening
If the device and protective systems are located in a housing or in a secured housing forming part of the explosion protection itself, it shall be possible to open this housing or housing only using special tools or using appropriate protective equipment.
1.2.7 Protection against other hazards
Equipment and protective systems shall be so designed as to:
(a) any injury likely to occur as a result of direct or indirect contact is excluded;
(b) it has been ensured that no surface temperature or radiance on the accessible parts which could cause danger,
(c) the non-electrical danger that may arise from experience is excluded;
(d) it is ensured that no dangerous situation occurs under foreseeable overload conditions.
Where the hazards referred to in this point are applied to installations and protective systems wholly or partly to other government regulations issued for the implementation of the law, this Regulation shall not apply to those installations and protection systems and to those hazards covered by these other government regulations.
1.2.8 Overload of equipment
The device shall be so designed as to prevent overload of the device by using measuring, regulating and controlling devices such as supercurrent triggers, temperature limiters, differential pressure switches, flow controllers, time relays, limit speed guards or similar types of surveillance devices.
1.2.9 Systems in fixed conclusion
If the parts which may ignite the explosive atmosphere are placed at the end, measures shall be taken to ensure that the result of the explosion of the explosive mixture is maintained within the closure and prevents the transfer of the explosion to the explosive atmosphere surrounding the conclusion.
1.3 Potential initiation sources
1.3.1. Hazards caused by different sources of initiation
Potential initiation sources such as sparks, flames, electric arches, high surface temperatures, acoustic energy, visible spectrum radiation, electromagnetic waves and other initialization sources shall be excluded.
1.3.2. Hazards caused by static electricity
The formation of electrostatic charges capable of creating dangerous discharges shall be prevented by appropriate means.
1.3.3. Hazards caused by diffuse and conductive electrical currents
The electrical conductive parts of the device shall prevent the formation of diffuse and conductive currents which could lead, for example, to the formation of dangerous corrosion, overheating of the surface or sparks capable of causing initiation.
1.3.4. Overheating hazards
As far as possible during construction, overheating caused by friction or impact shall be avoided, e.g. between materials and parts interacting on rotation or intrusion of foreign bodies.
1.3.5. Pressure-levelling hazards
Devices or protective systems shall be made or equipped with an integrated measuring, control and control device so that no shock wave or compression which could cause initiation is produced when balancing the pressure due to their operation.
1.4. Hazards caused by external influences
1.4.1 Equipment and protective systems shall be so designed as to be able to perform their intended function at full safety and in changing ambient conditions, under the influence of disturbances, humidity, vibration, pollution and other external influences within the operating conditions specified by the manufacturer.
1.4.2. The parts of the equipment used shall be suitable for anticipated mechanical and thermal stress and shall be capable of resisting the existing or expected effects of the aggressive substances.
1.5. Requirements for safety devices
1.5.1 Safety devices shall operate independently of any measuring or control device required for operation.
The failure of the safety device shall be detected by appropriate technical means, as quickly as possible, to ensure that there is a very low likelihood of a dangerous situation.
In general, the principle of putting into safe condition in case of failure should be applied.
The safety shutdown shall generally operate without the intermediate of the software commands directly on the corresponding control device.
1.5.2. In the event of a failure of the safety device, the device or protective system shall, where possible, be placed in a safe tent.
1.5.3. The emergency safety device switch-off controls shall, as far as possible, be equipped with a locking device against reactivation. A new command to initiate normal operation may only be given after the intentional unlocking of the locking against restart.
1.5.4 Control and display units
If control and display units are used, they shall be carried out in accordance with ergonomic principles in order to achieve the highest possible level of safety in terms of explosion risk.
1.5.5. Requirements for apparatus with a measuring function for explosion protection
Apparatus having a measuring function that affects equipment used in an explosive atmosphere shall be so designed as to meet all foreseeable operational requirements and special conditions of use.
1.5.6. Where necessary, it shall be possible to carry out data accuracy checks and the operability of instruments with a measuring function.
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Regulation Information
| Citation | Government Decree No. 176 / 1997 Coll., laying down technical requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres |
|---|---|
| Regulation Type | Regulation |
| Author | - |
| Collection | Code of Laws |
| Date of Promulgation | 08.08.1997 |
|---|---|
| Effective from | 01.09.1997 |
| Effective until | - |
| Status | Valid |
The regulation text is for informational purposes only.
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