The ATEX Directive (also known as "ATEX 95") - ‘Equipment and Protective Systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres’ - has been mandatory since 2003 July 1. Despite this, the interpretation of how this Directive applies to mechanical seals is still largely misunderstood. Consequently, the Members of the ESA Mechanical Seals Division have developed a Position Statement to act as a guidance towards clarification.
To download (as a pdf file) .... 
The Directive was formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 1997 May 29. The Directive will enter into force on 1999 November 29, but compliance with its requirements will be optional until 2002 May 29.
The Directive will have significant implications on sealing technology, which is of course used extensively for the reliable and safe containment of fluids under high pressure. In response, the Mechanical Seals Division of the ESA has developed a statement of guidance about the legislation and its relevance to sealing systems.
For more information ....
The Directive 97/69/EC on the Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances was formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 1997 December 5. This was agreed by qualified majority vote, with only Germany voting against the Directive. Unilaterally, Germany has introduced a new piece of legislation, entitled Appendix V, No. 7, Ordinance on Dangerous Chemicals (Gefahrstoffverordnung), which contradicts some of the requirements of the above EU Directive.
This unilateral action by Germany will have significant implications on sealing technology, in particular for fibre-reinforced materials. In response, the ESA has made a formal complaint to the European Commission, while the Flange Gaskets Division of the ESA has developed a statement of guidance for distributors, cutters and users.
For more information ....
