Accredited
Certification Body
Ex Testing and Certification is accredited by NATA and JASANZ for explosive atmosphere testing and certification. We are also an accepted Certification Body (ExCB) and Testing Laboratory (ExTL) in the IECEx and ANZEx schemes for the certification of devices/products used in an explosive atmosphere environment.
Explosive Atmospheres can arise from flammable gases, mists, vapours or combustible dust. When these substances mix with air in sufficient quantities, they can ignite from a spark or other ignition source, potentially leading to an explosion.
Such incidents can result in loss of life, serious injuries, and substantial damage. Therefore, all equipment and processes within areas prone to explosive atmospheres must comply with the relevant standards to reduce the risks to an acceptable level. Ex areas typically include:
Petrochemical
Oil rigs, refineries and processing plants
Oil recycling facilities
Bitumen heated storage tanks
Oil and biofuels Manufacturing / Production Facilities
Storage and transportation of fuel and biofuels
Fuel plants, dispensing and refuelling stations
Fuel Pipelines
Gas
Methane (natural gas), LPG (propane, butane), Biogas, Ethane, Ethylene
Gas plants, dispensing and refuelling stations
Storage and transportation of gas
Gas pipelines
Sewerage pipelines and treatment plants
Gas byproducts
Hydrogen
Hydrogen Manufacturing / Production Facilities
Decomposition of Ammonia gas
Hydrogen photocatalysis process
Hydrogen filling and dispensing stations
Pipeline for supply and distribution of Hydrogen
Hydrogen storage
Renewable energy
Chemical
Fertiliser production facility
Laboratories
Pharmaceutical manufacturing plants
Industrial manufacturing of ink, paint, glass, fibreglass, glue and resin compounds
Dust
Breweries and distilleries
Food processing facilities such as grain mills, sugar processing plants, and bakeries
Storage silos
Woodworking shops such as sawmills, carpentry workshops and furniture manufacturing which produces wood dusts
Textile production plants
Cement manufacturer and distribution centres
Mining
Underground coals seams, mineshafts and longwall
Coal handling areas
Loading, unloading and transport of coal
Ore storage, refineries and processing facilities
The product is required by legislation to be Ex Certified to the correct standards by an Ex Certification Body.
Ex Testing and Certification is accredited and accepted to provide both national and international recognised certification for devices/products used in the explosive atmosphere environment.
What is an IECEx Certification Body?
An IECEx certification body is an organisation that has passed the IECEx assessment process and is authorised to operate within the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme. Under this IECEx scheme Ex Testing and Certification can issue:
IECEx Test Reports (ExTRs)
IECEx Quality Assessment Reports (QARs)
IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
IECEx Facility Assessment Reports (FAR)
What schemes can we certify against?
IECEx
Ex Testing and Certification is an accepted Certification Body (ExCB) and Testing Laboratory (ExTL) in the IECEx scheme.
The objective of the IECEx Scheme is to facilitate International trade in equipment and services for use in an explosive atmosphere environment, while maintaining the required level of safety.
IECEx 02 - The IECEx 02 Equipment certification scheme is a voluntary system that provides manufacturers of equipment for explosive atmospheres with a way to obtain an IECEx certificate of conformity. This certificate is recognised and accepted in the participating countries where the scheme is implemented.
The IECEx certification scheme, along with its associated procedures, establishes the guidelines for IECEx certification. The framework for this assessment includes international Ex standards and various documents available on the IECEx website.
IECEx 03 - The IECEx 03 Certified Service Facility scheme evaluates and certifies organisations and workshops that offer services such as Ex equipment selection, design, installation, inspection, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and reclamation to the Ex industry. This certification ensures that these services adhere to the stringent requirements outlined in IEC International Standards IEC 60079-14, IEC 60079-17, and IEC 60079-19. The scheme guarantees that critical Ex safety features are preserved throughout all stages of service.
ANZEx
Ex Testing and Certification is an accepted Certification Body (ExCB) and Testing Laboratory (ExTL) in the ANZEx scheme.
The ANZEx scheme is a certification program designed for equipment and systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres in Australia and New Zealand. This scheme ensures that such equipment meets the required safety and performance standards to operate safely in hazardous environments.
Under the ANZEx scheme, equipment is evaluated against specific standards to verify its compliance with safety requirements. The certification process involves rigorous testing and assessment to ensure that products are suitable for use in explosive atmospheres. The scheme helps facilitate trade by providing a standardised certification that is recognised across both Australia and New Zealand.
The ANZEx scheme aims to promote safety, reduce risks, and streamline market access for manufacturers by ensuring that equipment complies with both national and international safety standards.
ATEX
The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU addresses equipment and protective systems designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It outlines the essential health and safety requirements and conformity assessment procedures that must be followed before products can be marketed in the EU. This directive, which took effect on April 20, 2016, aligns with the new legislative framework policy and replaces the previous Directive 94/9/EC.
Ex Testing and Certification Application for Ex Services
How to apply for Ex Services
01. Download Application for Ex Services
02. Complete form with specific requirements
03. Email completed and signed application form along with relevant technical information to info@extesting.com.au and one of our expert team members will contact you to discuss further.
Both the IECEx and ANZEx schemes require an Ex Test report (ExTR), an Ex Audit report (QAR), and a review of additional certification criteria based on the specific scheme requirements.
Ex Testing and Certification is accredited by JASANZ (Joint Accreditation Scheme for Australia and New Zealand) to ISO 17065 to deliver Ex certification.
What certification do I need?
If you need clarification on which certification is required for your device/product give us a call on +61 2 4964 5800 or email us at info@extesting.com.au and one of our highly qualified team of engineers can discuss your requirements further.
Our approach
Ex Testing and Certification provides our clients with clear detailed knowledge of what information and documents need to be provided for your device/product to tested and deemed compliant for certified use in an explosive atmosphere environment under the IECEx, ANZEx and ATEX schemes.
Once your device/product has passed the thorough and rigorous assessment and testing process to the required standards a Certificate can then be issued.
We guide our clients through all stages of the project answering any questions that you have. Our team at Ex Testing and Certification understand that clients value technical knowledge and service, so we ensure that turnaround times are as short as possible.
If you would like to have your product tested, please email us at info@extesting.com.au and attach the completed and signed Application Form then one of our expert team members will contact you to discuss further.
The Certification Process
We work with our clients throughout the project to achieve compliance of your device/product so that certification can be issued. Our typical process is as follows:
01.
Assess and test the device/product
02.
Provide client with a suitable Test Report (ExTR)
03.
Audit manufacturing facility or evaluate audit report from another acceptable body
04.
Provide Quality Assessment Report (QAR)
05.
Issue Certificate
01.
Assess and test the device/product
02.
Provide client with a suitable Test Report (ExTR)
03.
Audit manufacturing facility or evaluate audit report from another acceptable body
04.
Provide Quality Assessment Report (QAR)
05.
Issue Certificate
IECEx can serve as a gateway to other certification schemes
The IECEx product assessment is frequently used as a foundation for certifications with other schemes. In many respects, IECEx functions as a primary or "parent" scheme.
Conversion between IECEx & other schemes
The main issue is that IECEx only accepts reports written to IEC standards and formatted according to IECEx guidelines. Other certification schemes can accept IECEx reports; for instance, while an ATEX test report cannot substitute for an IECEx test report, an IECEx report can serve as a foundation for ATEX certification. This may also necessitate additional testing to achieve IECEx certification.
