As of July 2003, organizations in EU must follow the directives to protect employees from explosion risk in areas with an explosive atmosphere.
There are two ATEx directives (one for the manufacturer and one for the user of the equipment):
The ATEx 95 equipment directive 94/9/EC, Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres;
The ATEx 137 workplace directive 99/92/EC, Minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.