Re: ATEX 100 certification

["Suzanne Topping" <stopping -at- rochester -dot- rr -dot- com>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Henry Vandelinde" <HenryV -at- milltronics -dot- com>

>The problem, of course, is that in some of the smaller markets it may not
be cost effective >when it comes to providing translated manuals for a large
range of products. Thus, do we >scale back manuals? Do we drop markets? Or
do we figure out how to keep markets, provide >good docs, and be cost
effective.  Apparantly it is the latter, and, appararantly, finding out how
>to do so is also my job.

There are a few strategies for dealing with requirements like this. The
first is to identify what -really- needs to be translated, and establish
that minimum baseline. For example, if you determine that safety warnings
etc. are absolute requirements, but software instructions are not, then you
might want to segment your documentation along those lines to create a
translate vs. non-translate document set. Next, if you find that all
documents must be translated, you may want to consider what forms to move
online so that you can at least control printing costs. (Assuming you have a
system which has an online component to support help systems, PDFs, or
whatever.)

>While I'm at it, I'd be grateful for pointers to sites that contain info on
ATEX 100 regs that deal >with tech docs.

I couldn't find anything on ATEX 100, but the full ATEX directive
(www.epsilon-ltd.com/full_atex_directive.htm) listed the following regarding
instructions:

1.0.6. Instructions

(a) All equipment and protective systems must be accompanied by
instructions, including at least the following particulars:

- a recapitulation of the information with which the equipment or protective
system is marked, except for the serial number (see 1.0.5.), together with
any appropriate additional information to facilitate maintenance (e.g.
address of the importer, repairer, etc.);

- Instructions for safe:

- putting into service,

- use,

- assembling and dismantling,

- maintenance (servicing and emergency repair),

- installation,

- adjustment;

- where necessary, an indication of the danger areas in front of
pressure-relief devices;

- where necessary, training instructions;

- details which allow a decision to be taken beyond any doubt as to whether
an item of equipment in a specific category or a protective system can be
used safely in the intended area under the expected operating conditions;

- electrical and pressure parameters, maximum surface temperatures and other
limit values;

- where necessary, special conditions of use, including particulars of
possible misuse which experience has shown might occur;

- where necessary, the essential characteristics of tools which may be
fitted to the equipment or protective system.

(b) The instructions must be drawn up in one of the Community languages by
the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the
Community.

On being put into service, all equipment and protective systems must be
accompanied by a translation of the instructions in the language or
languages of the country in which the equipment or protective system is to
be used and by the instructions in the original language.

This translation must be made by either the manufacturer or his authorised
representative established in the Community or the person introducing the
equipment or protective system into the language area in question.

By way of derogation from this requirement, the maintenance instructions for
use by the specialist personnel employed by the manufacturer or his
authorised representative established in the Community may be drawn up in a
single Community language understood by that personnel.