Explosion Risk Assessment
If your facility uses or stores flammable substances or combustible dust, you have a legal obligation to prepare an Explosion Risk Assessment (OZW). We deliver complete documentation compliant with the ATEX Directive, verifiable by the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) and the State Fire Service (PSP).
Who is required to prepare an OZW?
Facilities using gases and vapours
— paint shops, fuel stations, flammable liquid warehouses, gas installations: wherever explosive mixtures of gases or vapours with air can form, the employer must hold an OZW.
Facilities with combustible dust
— sawmills, mills, wood and plastics processing plants, sugar factories, food processing facilities: producing or processing materials that generate combustible dust means an obligation to classify EX zones.
Any company updating its documentation
— changes to technological processes, new installations or modernisation of existing ones require updating the OZW. Outdated documentation does not meet PIP and PSP requirements and may result in sanctions.
What consequences will you avoid with a properly prepared OZW?
Sanctions from PIP and PSP for missing documentation
The OZW is verified by the National Labour Inspectorate and the State Fire Service. A missing or outdated document means an administrative fine, an order to supplement it and an entry in the inspection report — with an obligation to demonstrate that the deficiencies have been remedied.
Incorrect EX zone classification — wrong equipment selection
Without an OZW, the employer does not know which areas are explosion hazard zones. Using equipment there that is not certified for work in EX zones is a direct risk of explosion and a breach of the ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC.
Employer liability after an accident or explosion
An explosion in the workplace can cause serious injuries, financial losses and production downtime. Lacking an OZW when an accident occurs aggravates the employer’s liability — civil, criminal and insurance-related.
Why entrust your OZW to our experts?
We know the ATEX regulations and the technical standards for EX zone classification. We prepare documentation that passes PIP and PSP inspections and provides a solid basis for developing the Explosion Protection Document.
Knowledge of ATEX standards and regulations
We prepare documentation compliant with Directive 1999/92/EC, the regulation on minimum safety requirements and fire protection regulations. The result is accepted by PIP, PSP and insurers.
On-site visit and in situ analysis
We come to your facility and analyse the technological processes and hazardous substances on site. The documentation is based on real data, not templates — which makes it reliable and verifiable.
A basis for the DZPW and further documentation
The OZW is the foundation of the Explosion Protection Document (DZPW). We can prepare both documents comprehensively — and also support your facility in selecting equipment for EX zones and in safe work instructions.
How does the process work?
01. Initial analysis and quote
We gather basic information about the facility — type of activity, substances used, number of installations. On this basis we prepare an individual quote and scope of work.
02. On-site visit at the facility
We carry out an on-site visit — analysing technological processes, identifying hazardous substances and potential ignition sources. We collect the data for EX zone classification.
03. Zone classification and document preparation
We designate the explosion hazard zones, prepare the graphic classification documentation and draw up the full OZW document — with risk analysis, conclusions and recommended protective measures.
04. Handover and after-sales support
We hand over the finished document together with a discussion of the results. We explain the conclusions, help implement the recommendations and remain available to update the OZW after changes at the facility.
What does preparing an OZW include?
Analysis of technological processes
A detailed analysis of production and storage operations — identifying places particularly exposed to the formation of explosive mixtures from gases, flammable liquid vapours and combustible dust.
Identification of hazardous substances
Analysis of the physicochemical properties of the substances used: flash point, lower and upper explosive limits, minimum ignition energy, auto-ignition temperature.
Classification of explosion hazard zones
Designation of zones 0, 1, 2 (gases/vapours) or 20, 21, 22 (dust) in accordance with EN 60079 and EN 61241. Preparation of graphic classification documentation — zoning drawings for PIP, PSP and OHS services.
Identification of ignition sources
Analysis of potential ignition sources: electrical installations, hot equipment surfaces, mechanical sparks, electrostatic discharges. The basis for selecting appropriate protective measures.
OZW report with full documentation
A complete document: description of the technological installations, explosion risk analysis, zone classification, conclusions and recommendations on protective measures — ready to be added to the facility’s records and for inspection.
Updating the OZW after changes at the facility
Technological changes, new installations or raw materials require updating the documentation. We carry out OZW reviews and supplement the document so that it is always current and consistent with the facility’s present state.
ATEX documentation compliant with regulations. EX zones correctly designated. Peace of mind at every inspection.
The price is set individually — it depends on the size of the facility, the number of installations and the complexity of the processes. Contact us and we will prepare a free quote.
