Changes to the forthcoming ATEX Directive, due to come into force in 2003, could see a transfer of the onus of compliance from manufacturer to end user.
Proposed amendments to legislation covering equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres could have far-reaching implications for electrical contractors.

The ATEX Directive, due to come into force in 2003, will apply to products 'placed on the market' but so far does not include modifications to systems undertaken by end-users. Changes could see end-user installation included within the scope of the regulations.

Members of the Engineering Equipment & Materials Users Association are worried that the move will transfer the onus of compliance from manufacturer to end user.

Bob Cooper, general manager of the Sira Hazardous Area Centre says the amendments would also affect stockists and distributors of ATEX-compliant equipment. Non-compliant stock may have to be scrapped if not 'put into service' by June 2003, when ATEX becomes statutory.

Another dissenting voice is that of Colin Rowley, of Dron & Dickson, specialists in explosion-proof systems. He believes that breakdown spares that have been held for long periods of time should be exempt from the ATEX Directive.

"The problem comes when end-users are requested to change an entire system rather than change only a spare part. In this respect, the temptation to install a spare part from stock remains a common sense solution rather than compliance with the Directive," says Rowley.