Section 6: Explosion prevention

The provisions of this section do not apply to the following places or activities: 1° Areas used directly for and during the medical treatment of patients; 2° Use of gas appliances; 3° Manufacture, handling, use, storage and transport of explosives and unstable chemical substances.

For the purposes of this section, an explosive atmosphere is a mixture with air, under atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour, mist or dust, in which, after ignition, combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture.

To ensure the prevention of and protection against explosions, the employer shall take the technical and organisational measures appropriate to the type of operation on the basis of the principles of prevention and in the following order of priority: 1° Prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres; 2° If the nature of the activity makes it impossible to prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres, prevent their ignition; 3° Mitigate the harmful…

The measures taken by the employer are, if necessary, combined and supplemented with measures to prevent the spread of explosions. They are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in the conditions under which work is carried out.

The employer shall assess the risks created or likely to be created by explosive atmospheres, taking into account at least: 1° The probability that explosive atmospheres may occur and persist; 2° The probability that ignition sources, including electrostatic discharges, may occur and become active and effective; 3° The installations, substances and preparations used, the processes and any interactions between them; 4° The extent of the foreseeable consequences of an explosion.

The assessment of explosion risks is global and, where appropriate, combined with the results of the assessment of other risks identified in each work unit of the company or establishment.

When assessing explosion risks, account is taken of locations which are or may be connected by openings to locations where explosive atmospheres may occur.

Where explosive atmospheres may form in quantities likely to present a risk to the health and safety of workers or other persons, the employer shall take the necessary measures to ensure that: 1° The working environment allows work to be carried out in complete safety; 2° Adequate supervision is provided and appropriate technical means are used; 3° Workers are provided with training in explosion protection; 4° Workers are provided, where…

The employer shall subdivide the areas in which explosive atmospheres may occur into zones and shall ensure that the minimum requirements for the protection of workers are applied in these areas. Joint decrees by the Ministers of Labour and Agriculture determine the rules for classifying areas and the minimum requirements mentioned in the first paragraph.

Entrances to places where explosive atmospheres may occur in quantities likely to present a risk to the health and safety of workers are signposted in accordance with the provisions of the order relating to health and safety signs at work provided for in article R. 4224-24.