Employers are obliged to assess the hazards associated with explosive atmospheres and the special risks they may pose and the findings must be included in the Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E).

The hazards in question may exist in locations where people work with flammable substances or where flammable substances might be produced or released. Employers are expected to record hazard information in writing in a so-called explosion protection document.

European directive

The Netherlands Labour Authority is responsible for monitoring compliance with obligations for safe working in places where explosive atmospheres may exist. These obligations are set out in the European ATEX 153 directive. The Netherlands Labour Authority is also responsible for monitoring compliance with the Explosion-Proof Materials (Commodities Act) Decree 2016 (Warenwetbesluit explosieveilig materieel 2016).

The way in which the hazards associated with explosive atmospheres and the special risks involved can be assessed is explained in standards describing current tactical know-how and best practices as laid down primarily in the NEN-EN-IEC 60079 series of standards and the NPR 7910 code of practice. In this regard the Working Conditions Act is regarded as the standard for supervision. In some specific situations the Netherlands Labour Authority employs targeted supervision methods which, together with the standards, form the basis for the inspector's judgement.

Supervision methods

The Netherlands Labour Authority has documented the following supervision methods:

  • The Supervision method for monitoring the use of mobile equipment in areas where explosive atmospheres may exist. This publication can be found here (Dutch).
  • The Supervision method for monitoring the use of flammable substances in UN-approved packaging, packaging subject to the Limited Quantity (LQ) regime and lighters. This publication can be found here (Dutch).

It should be noted that the Supervision method relating to UN packaging was updated in the autumn of 2022, when a number of irregularities were corrected. The Supervision method relating to mobile equipment was revised in early 2023, following discussions with chemical industry representatives.