ATEX Certification for TCU
WHAT IS ATEX?
ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European directives for controlling explosive atmospheres. (Directive 99/92/EC or ATEX 137/ATEX Workplace Directive and Directive 2014/34/EU or ATEX 114/ATEX Equipment Directive)
Essentially, one directive controls how risks are managed or controlled in areas where there are explosive atmospheres and the other directive is related to equipment being certified as being appropriate to use in such explosive atmospheres.
HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE ATEX COMPLIANCE
Manufacturers/suppliers (or importers, if the manufacturers are outside the EU) must ensure that their products meet essential health and safety requirements and undergo appropriate conformity procedures. To achieve ATEX compliance, any equipment and processes of installation of that equipment must be tested and certified by a nominated or approved 3rd Party testing agency (or Notified Body). Our Telematics Control Unit (TCU) which is used on Trailer Premium, has been submitted for ATEX accreditation to a Notified Body
MICHELIN CONNECTED FLEET ATEX ACCREDITATION
Our Telematics Control Unit or TCU which is fitted to vehicles has recently been certified as being ATEX compliant by TUV-SUD a recognised Notified Body. As such, all new installations of a TCU will be able to be certified as being ATEX compliant and a sticker of conformity will be available to be affixed to the device along with the customer having access to the compliance statement. As such, the equipment is marked by the 'EX' symbol to identify it as meeting the requirements.
WHAT ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS ARE THERE?
As well as the equipment being certified, the installation process has certain caveats linked to it. This includes the positioning of the TCU and it being an appropriate distance from certain hazards including fuel tanks. In addition, installations must be done by professional engineers and the TCU being positioned in specific locations on the vehicle.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PROVE ATEX COMPLIANCE
To demonstrate ATEX compliance, our TCU’s will come complete with a sticker indicating that they have been tested and certified as being compliant. In addition, the TCU will be installed by a professional installation partner who will ensure correct installation as per the ATEX regulations. In addition, certification of compliance will be available to you should you need to prove compliance.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ATEX AND ADR?
ADR and ATEX are both linked to hazardous goods and materials but there are key differences that shouldn’t be confused. ADR refers more generally to the process of the transportation of any hazardous materials and covers the appropriate process, labelling and equipment specifications that are required to move hazardous goods. ATEX more broadly refers to operating procedures and equipment specifications for areas deemed as explosive environments. You should refer to guidance about the different requirements on the DVSA website.
