Hi, at my site there are multiple ATEX approved pieces of equipment such as lighting, switches, power outlets which are all rated for zone 2 installations. However, our site has them installed in safe areas according to our LEAC report and hazardous area compliance drawings. Since they are installed as ATEX approved pieces they must be maintained and periodically inspected as per BS EN 60079 part 17. This adds unnecessary overheads to our already stretched maintenance department. My understanding is that we can author a report to effectively de-rate these pieces of ATEX equipment and place stickers over the ATEX labels stating "NON ATEX RATED EQUIPMENT". Once this is done we can then remove the periodic ATEX inspections and treat the equipment as any non rated piece. I would be interested to hear the communities view on this and whether there is any formal guidance on this as I cannot see it in 60079. Thanks.
