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Who benefits
Built and maintained for industry and community by representatives of industry and community in response to the stated needs of industry and community regarding Ex areas.
How is this achieved?
Through Standards & Conformity Assessment (CA). Standards, certification requirements, and conformity assessment related to Ex equipment have existed for many decades. The basic principles of explosion protection are codified in International Standards, IEC and ISO, which cover specific requirements for all Ex equipment and systems.
These international standards have been embraced by all sectors of the Ex industry. They are used by manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and end-users of Ex equipment to ensure safety in their products and processes. They are also adopted in various countries at the national and regional level, either in whole (without differences), or in part (with identified differences). CA systems provide independent verification of claims of compliance with Standards related to:
• safety
• performance
• reliability
• inter-operatability
• competence
based on independent testing and assessment of production processes, people and management systems.
The IECEx System provides a harmonised conformity assessment system that is rules-based and through its accessed and approved Ex Certification Bodies and Test Laboratories, ensures consistent quality of its CA systems.
Conformity Assessment provides tangible benefits for the different stakeholders
Manufacturers:
reduced testing and certification costs to manufacturers
reduced time to market
international confidence in the product assessment process
one international database listing
confidence in equipment and services covered by IECEx certification throughout the world
Governments & Regulators: By adopting the IECEx Conformity Assessment System, governments can enhance safety regulations and reduce trade barriers. The international standards-based approach facilitates global harmonization in safety compliance, promoting consistency in regulations across borders.
Global Community: The IECEx Conformity Assessment System contributes to the reduction of trade barriers and fosters international cooperation. It facilitates a standardized approach to safety compliance, promoting a safer working environment globally
Certification Bodies: They benefit from conducting assessments and certifications, ensuring compliance with international standards and enhancing safety.
Customers: Conformity assessment provided assurance that the goods being purchased will perform to expectations and are reasonably safe.
How does the IECEx help national regulatory frameworks?
Informative Guideline for national officials for regulation
Background
Explosion protection is an essential part of the overall risk management to be conducted for industrial sectors such as coal mining, oil, gas and chemical industries, to ensure safety in industrial processes using or producing hazardous materials like – for example – combustible gas, dusts or vapours. The risks to life and health of persons and the risk of loss of property when using the equipment which operates in the presence of explosive atmospheres are high.
Equipment used in high-risk facilities is highly sophisticated. Checking that it conforms to international best practice and current regulations is a complex task, even for those regulatory authorities who have substantial resources and modern equipment at their disposal.
Most national regulatory frameworks require that conformity assessment be conducted by independent, third-party inspection bodies. This is a prerequisite for safety in a sector where hazards are substantial and may involve many casualties. The IECEx Certification System offers a global framework for equipment, repair facilities or personal competence in this field.
Invitation to communicate and exchange of information with the IECEx-System
The IECEx system sees themselves as a transparent organisation with the aim to have a high safety level an interaction with national officials for regulation is essential in cases of e.g. non-compliance matters. In case of non-compliance matters the IECEx-System appreciates to be contacted by national officials for regulation in the Ex-field. One of the unique and key features of the IECEx is the IECEx “On-Line” Certificate System with full public display of all IECEx Certificates, which provides a one-stop location that provides instant verification and checking of claims of holding IECEx Certification for either Ex Products, Ex related Service Organisations and Persons certified as Competent in the Ex field. For further information our contact is: Contact us
The IECEx system offers high confidentiality with respect to non-compliance or also general technical matters. The secretariat in conjunction with a steering committee of IECEx can handle your concerns.
The IECEx System appreciates your trust and support by starting the communication and discussion to get a highly recognized certification system.
