An explosion protection document is a means of ensuring safety in industrial environments with potentially explosive atmospheres. It provides a systematic method for identifying and evaluating hazards in those areas and for planning and documenting the necessary protective measures.
Many companies are legally obliged to prepare an explosion protection document under the German Ordinance on Industrial Health and Safety (BetrSichV). The operator is responsible for creating and maintaining the document in accordance with the German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (GefStoffV).
We can support you in conducting a risk assessment for your facility and in preparing an explosion protection document that meets all regulatory requirements.
Who needs an explosion protection document?
Section 6 (9) GefStoffV stipulates that an explosion protection document is mandatory whenever explosive mixtures could occur without adequate safeguards.
An explosive mixture typically consists of flammable gases, vapours, mists or dusts suspended in air or other oxidising agents. If an explosive mixture comes into contact with an ignition source, the flame can spread on its own, leading to a sudden rise in temperature and pressure (Section 2 (10) GefStoffV).
For companies working in potentially explosive environments, an explosion protection document serves as evidence that all necessary safety precautions have been taken.
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Your benefits with TÜV Hessen:
- End-to-end service: We can handle all aspects of your project when it comes to preparing an explosion protection document and conducting a risk assessment.
- Extensive experience and expertise: Our environmental engineering experts have years of experience in applying and adapting national and international regulations.
- Personal support: Our services are tailored to each customer’s specific needs to ensure individual attention and comprehensive support.
An explosion protection document is used to assess the risks of potentially explosive atmospheres in facilities and to define appropriate protective measures. It shows that your company has taken all necessary precautions to prevent explosions, including risk assessments, risk analysis and protective measures.
An explosion protection document is required for companies that handle explosive substances, gases, mixtures, mists, liquids or dusts. This ensures legal compliance and workplace safety in a wide range of industries – from paint shops to bakeries. The key factor is whether the substances, mixtures and products used or present in your company could form an explosive atmosphere.
DGUV Information 213-106 provides practical guidance for preparing and implementing explosion protection documents. It helps companies meet the relevant legal requirements and correctly document their safety measures.
An explosion protection document must be prepared by qualified professionals such as in-house safety specialists, engineers specialising in explosion protection or external experts. The main thing is that the person preparing the document has a solid understanding of applicable laws, regulations and technical rules in order to correctly assess the relevant risks and define appropriate protective measures. The employer is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the documentation is correct and complete.
A qualified person is someone with specific training, expertise and practical experience in the field of explosion protection. They are responsible for conducting risk assessments, defining and implementing protective measures, inspecting and maintaining protective systems, and training employees. They ensure compliance with legal requirements and help minimise the risk of explosions.
You will need to appoint an explosion protection officer if your operations involve a risk of explosions due to hazardous substances or explosive atmospheres. The explosion protection officer will monitor your safety measures, ensure regulatory compliance and support you in putting explosion protection measures into practice.
An explosion protection document must include the following points:
Risk assessment
The aim of the risk assessment is to identify potentially explosive areas and hazardous substances. A detailed list of all hazardous substances used and stored on site forms the basis for subsequent risk analysis.
Risk analysis
The document analyses all processes and facilities involving potential ignition sources and evaluates the risk of explosions.
Identification of protective measures
Based on the risk assessment and analysis, technical and organisational measures are defined to minimise the risk of explosions. This may include explosion protection systems, staff training and procedures for handling hazardous substances.
Zone classification
Your facilities are classified into zones based on how frequently and how long explosive atmospheres may be present in those areas (e.g. Zones 0, 1 and 2 for gases / vapours; Zones 20, 21 and 22 for dusts).
Maintenance and monitoring
The document contains a detailed record of measures designed to ensure explosion protection within your facilities, including regular inspections and maintenance, monitoring of ignition sources, documentation of activities, calibration of detection systems and staff training.
Emergency planning
The document sets out the actions to be taken in the event of an explosion or imminent explosion hazard, including evacuation procedures, first aid, emergency calls and coordinated measures to minimise damage and personal injury.
Your explosion protection document should be updated every five years to maintain a consistently high level of safety. If you make any changes to your facilities or staffing arrangements, you will need to reevaluate your explosion protection measures. You should also adjust your explosion protection mechanisms in line
How much do we charge to prepare an explosion protection document?
Our prices vary depending on the complexity of your facilities. All prices are quoted without VAT. All documents are prepared in accordance with Section 6 of the German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (GefStoffV).
The documentation includes:
- Risk assessment and identification of potentially explosive areas and hazardous substances
- Analysis of explosion risks
- Definition and communication of protective measures
- Documentation of all evaluations and measures