Rank: Forum user 
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Hi,
Having been given vague advice from external consultants and the HSE on DSEAR & ATEX topics i thought perhaps you lovely people could help me out of my confused state once and for all.
Since the EU Directive came into force for ATEX rated equipment, does this mean that equipment already in place has to be replaced or can they continue to be used?
We use Vacuum pumps to draw styrene vapour from casting machines. These pumps had been in place for a good few years before the directive and now pull through a much smaller amount than 10 years ago.
I spoke to a fair few "Professionals" who said they HAD to be replaced no questions asked where as a couple said as long as the risks are assessed.
They are regulary maintained and checked for defects and have not encountered any problems in the time they have been in place.
I've not had much experience with dangerous atmospheres for too long so any advice is welcomed!
Thanks!
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Rank: Forum user 
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Is the area they are sited in zoned ie is or could a flammable atmosphere be present? Is or could, the concentration of styrene being extracted be within its flammable limits?
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Rank: Forum user
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The internal area of the vacuum caster is zone 0 and thus the pump is pulling through the concentration of vapour from the caster. The pump itself is situated externally and outwith the zoning of the department. The department is adequately zoned and there is low risk of ignition however the pumps have motors - which in turn are not ATEX rated and therefore could create a spark.
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Rank: New forum user
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Hello,
From my understanding and working with an external company to complete our own DSEAR assessments. You make an assessment of the equipment in the potential zoned area as part of the process and if it is found to be in good working order it was OK to leave as is. We personally had an issue with wiring glands exposing the wires at the ends.
If any part has to be replaced and is in an ATEX zone then you would have to replace it with a part that meets the zone rating for the area it is going into. I also believe that it has to be done by someone with the relevant training, for electrical I know it is COMPEX.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for the replies, it's given me something to think about. It sometimes hard to know who to listen to, especially when those telling you that they NEED to be replaced are the ones trying to sell them to you...
Cheers!
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