ExKnowledge: Explosion Protection Podcast

DSEAR Regulations UK

The UK's Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. Explains how DSEAR implements the EU Workplace Directive(99/92/EC) in the UK, its scope (broader than most people think — covers any workplace with flammable or explosive substances), the employer's duty to carry out risk assessments, hazardous area classification, the Explosion Protection Document, worker training requirements, and how DSEAR interacts with other UK regulations likeCOMAH and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations. Covers post-Brexit status. More info: https://exknowledge.com

NEC 500/505 vs ATEX/IECEx

Comparing North American and international hazardous area classification systems. The NEC uses two parallel systems: Article 500(Division system with Class I/II/III) and Article 505 (Zone system). This episode puts them side by side with ATEX/IECEx, covering howDivision 1/2 maps to Zones 0/1/2, gas group conversions (Groups A-D vsIIA-IIC), protection method equivalents, equipment marking differences, and the challenges of cross-certification for equipment sold in both markets. https://exknowledge.com

The ATEX Directive

A deep look at the ATEX Directive itself. Explains that ATEX is actually two separate directives: 2014/34/EU (the product/equipment directive for manufacturers) and 1999/92/EC (the workplace directive for employers). Covers equipment categories I through III, conformity assessment modules, the role of notified bodies, CE marking requirements, the Explosion Protection Document (EPD), and how ATEX interacts with national implementation across EU member states. https://exknowledge.com

Installation and Inspection

What happens after certified equipment reaches the site. Covers IEC60079-14 (installation) and IEC 60079-17 (inspection and maintenance).Topics include competency requirements (CompEx, IECEx CoPC), cable gland selection and fitting, wiring practices for different protection methods, the three types of inspection (initial, periodic, continuous), inspection grades (visual, close, detailed), common installation mistakes, and why ongoing maintenance is where most real-world failures occur. More info: https://exknowledge.com

The Ex Certification Process

How Ex equipment goes from prototype to certified product. Covers thefull certification journey: preparing technical documentation, selecting a notified body or ExCB, type examination and testing, theQAN (Quality Assurance Notification) for ongoing manufacturing, factory audits, and the differences between ATEX and IECEx certification paths. Explains what happens when designs change, certificates expire, and how manufacturers maintain compliance over a product's lifetime. More info: https://exknowledge.com