Key dates
21 Aug 2018
Directive 2017/164 transposed (4th IOELV list)
20 May 2021
Directive 2019/1831 transposed (5th IOELV list)
30 Jun 2003
ATEX workplace Directive 1999/92/EC applies to new workplaces
20 Apr 2016
ATEX equipment Directive 2014/34/EU applies
What the rule requires
Article references are to the text in the Official Journal; summaries are informational, not legal advice.
| Indicative OELVs → national limits | Member States set national limits taking the EU indicative values into account: e.g. CO 20 ppm (8 h) / 100 ppm (15 min), SO₂ 0,5 / 1 ppm, NO₂ 0,5 / 1 ppm (2017/164); NH₃ 20 / 50 ppm (2000/39). Check the national value (NL: Arboregeling bijlage XIII; DE: TRGS 900). |
| Explosion protection document — 1999/92/EC Art. 8 | Employer classifies hazardous areas into zones 0/1/2 (gas) and documents the risk assessment and measures. |
| Equipment in zones — 2014/34/EU | Equipment groups/categories (II 1G, 2G, 3G) matched to zones; harmonised standards give presumption of conformity. |
| Gas detector performance — EN 60079-29-1 | Combustible-gas detectors: performance requirements (response, accuracy, drift) for detectors used for %LEL safety functions; EN 60079-29-2 covers selection, installation and maintenance. |
| Calibration & records | Detectors used for safety functions are calibrated at intervals defined by the manufacturer and the safety case; records are inspected. |
What you have to measure
- Toxic gases at the OEL: CO, NH₃, SO₂, SO₂F₂, CH₃Br (ppm) — fixed detectors near sources and in confined spaces
- Combustible gases in %LEL: CH₄, C₃H₈, hydrocarbons, H₂ (non-NDIR) — zoned areas
- Oxygen deficiency (asphyxiants CO₂, SF₆, N₂) — electrochemical O₂ plus NDIR for the displacing gas
- Fumigation clearance: SO₂F₂ and CH₃Br below re-entry limits
// Exposure above national limits and missing zone classification are labour-inspection findings with fines; explosion-protection failures are criminal liability in most Member States.
Tremon products for this rule
L2 · field instrument
TRM-EX
Four sensing principles, one Ex-certified housing.
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L3 · system
GDC
Thirty analyzers, one cabinet, one SCADA link.
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L1 · OEM channel
IR·OEM
Your instrument. Our NDIR channel.
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L3 · system
GASPOD
Safe storage and supply of toxic and flammable process gases.
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Questions engineers ask
NDIR or catalytic for %LEL?
NDIR for hydrocarbons in oxygen-poor or sulphur-laden atmospheres (no poisoning, no O₂ needed); catalytic where hydrogen must be covered (H₂ has no IR absorption).
Which document lists the Dutch limits?
Arboregeling bijlage XIII (wettelijke grenswaarden); the SER database publishes them online.
Get a quote
Tell us what you measure — just tap
Three taps and an email. An engineer replies within 24 h with feasibility and a price indication.
Other regulations
SF₆ switchgearF-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573LDAR surveys, repair deadlinMethane Regulation (EU) 2024/1787Permits, BAT-AELs, continuouIndustrial Emissions DirectiveCarbon border adjustmentCBAMIndoor air quality monitorinEPBD recastToxic and combustible gas deWorkplace: exposure limits (2017/164, 20Digester control and grid-inBiomethane: REPowerEU target & EN 16723
Sources
- Directive (EU) 2017/164, OJ L 27, 1.2.2017 — Annex values for CO, SO₂, NO₂; Directive (EU) 2019/1831, OJ L 279, 31.10.2019; texts saved 2026-09-17
- Directive 1999/92/EC (Art. 4, 7, 8, Annex I zones); Directive 2014/34/EU (Annex I categories); texts saved 2026-09-17
- IEC/EN 60079-29-1 and -2 (webstore.iec.ch abstracts, opened 2026-09-17)
// Read from the Official Journal texts on 2026-09-17. Regulations change — verify the current consolidated text before acting.