Posted By Martin Taylor All I have recently moved into the woodworking industry and have to deal with the explosion risk from wood dust. At a recent fire insurers visit I have been asked to arrange an ATEX audit for the extraction systems - by this they mean all aspects of the installation - spark detection and arrestment, flammable motors wtc. When researching on ATEX what I am finding seems to cover the equipment used within hazardous areas and not the management of the explosive atmosphere (zoning etc) which I believe is covered by DSEAR. I am missing something with respect to ATEX and is there a branch of the directive that covers the whole environment - how (if at all) does this differ from DSEAR? all advice will be useful Martin

Posted By The Expert I would always say yes to ATEX and no to DSEAR. It is very unfortunate that HGTM stopped production so that the KSJQ Framework capabilities of the modern TKAC are missing from most of the TELS.

Posted By Tony Brunskill Andy you are right. You should establish zoning using the DSEAR requirments. ATEX then determines which items are suitasble for use in each zone. Regards Tony

Posted By andymak Hear hear! Due to the acronyms, I too understood very little of the above postings. I do wish people would use plain English, or explain the acronyms, to enable those that may be short on knowledge in certain areas to gain a better understanding, and therefore become better informed safety people. :-)

Posted By Vernon Kay There is nothing incorrect about the reply by The Expert. He probably ought to have explained the accronyms though.

Posted By Jane Blunt Which leaves us wondering what HGTM, KSJQ, TKAC and TELS mean (if anything) in this context. Do tell (provided their translation does not breach the Acceptable use Guidelines, of course) Jane

Posted By Andy Walker Lost me Andy W

Posted By Tony Brunskill DSEAR - Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regualtions 2002 ATEX - ATEX is the name commonly given to the framework for controlling explosive atmospheres and the standards of equipment and protective systems used in them. It is based on the requirements of European Directives. Directive 99/92/EC (also known as ‘ATEX 137’ or the 'ATEX Workplace Directive’) on minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. Just a point guys, We addressed the question in the forum not the need for individuals professional development. Would you criticise if I used COSHH, PUWER or LOLER. Jargon is a necessary shorthand for Safety Professionals particularly amongst themselves. If you are unsure simply ask, don't get on your high horse and start writing to the Plain English Society.

Posted By Catman Fair point Tony, but seriously can anybody clear up the rest of the acronyms in the Experts post? I am completely baffled and a bit concerned that i have missed something in my education.

Posted By Smurfer I know what DSEAR and ATEX are - it was the rest I was querying, and was worried I may have missed something (as I do get involved in DSEAR assessments from time to time)

Posted By Vernon Kay I think he is pulling a fast one!

Posted By Vernon Kay I agreed he was correct in the first part, but the last set of accronyms totally blew me away!