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The topic of explosion protection as a coherent scientifically-based safety concept is being addressed in several groups as a result of requirements relating to the quality of products and operating regulations. These include:

• manufacturers of explosion-protected appliances and safety systems
• operators of potentially-explosive systems
• the bodies mentioned in EU Directive 94/9/EC
• employers’ liability insurance associations (for the chemical sector (BG Chemie, food and nutrition)
• monitoring organisations in the context of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung)
• responsible authorities (at a federal and state level).

The maintenance and interpretation of rules, standards and regulations governing explosion protection demands the intensive coordination of those involved to unify different perspectives and enable the correct application of requirements. Coordination of the preparation of different rules (e.g. in the committee for industrial safety, in employers’ liability insurance associations, DIN, DKE, CEN, CENELEC, ISO and IEC) creates the potential for the maintenance of a high degree of safety in relation to explosion protection in Germany, its expansion on an international level and application with a high level of efficiency for operators of potentially-explosive plants and systems. The intensive and regular exchange of experience in the steering committee of Ex Service avoids unnecessary costs in organisations and companies which can result from poor coordination.

Operators of potentially-explosive plants and systems in particular have a vested interest in the efficiency of explosion protection measures and the associated preparation of rules. NAMUR therefore decided in 2003 to support the formation of a unique network, the “Ex Service - Network for Explosion Protection�, by setting up Project Group 5. It has proved possible in the last 4 years to develop consciousness of the necessity of close coordination among organisations and strengthen the work of the group. The stability that has been achieved through the integration of all involved led to the decision to enable the formation of an independent umbrella organisation without legal capacity on the 1st October 2007. The contract required for this was concluded on the basis of an agreement governing areas of responsibility, the organs involved and general working procedures. Signatories, i. e. members of the organisation, to date are

• NAMUR
• ZVEI
• VDMA
• Berufsgenossenschaft Chemie (BG Chemie), the chemical industry employers’ liability insurance
• The Berufsgenossenschaftliche Institut für Arbeitsschutz (BGIA), institute for research and testing of the institutions for statutory accident insurance and prevention in Germany
• TÃœV Nord
• The Bundesanstalt für Materialprüfung und –forschung (BAM - Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing)
• The Physikalische Bundesanstalt (PTB – the national metrology institute providing scientific and technical services).

An important working result achieved recently is the improved cooperation in market monitoring of explosion-protected products, cementing of regular inspections in compliance with § 14 of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung) and requirements to be met by officially-accredited persons. An important upcoming topic will be the discussion relating to the certification of service providers (e.g. repair workshops). In addition, it will also be necessary to decide whether and how national legislation should be adjusted in the interest of the international harmonising process.

This work will be continued in the newly-established

“Ex Service - Network for Explosion Protection�.

The office of this Ex Service is located at the PTB in Braunschweig.


Prof. Dr. Uwe Klausmeyer
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
Bundesallee 100
38116 Braunschweig
Tel.: +49 (0)531 / 592-3501
Fax: +49 (0)531 / 592-3505
www.ex-dienst.org