Title II: Employer's obligations regarding use of the workplace

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.

The employer shall draw up and update a document relating to explosion protection, as part of the single risk assessment document. This document includes information relating to compliance with the obligations defined in articles R. 4227-44 to R. 4227-48, in particular: 1° The identification and assessment of explosion risks; 2° The nature of the measures taken to ensure compliance with the objectives defined in this section; 3° The classification into…

Where workers from several undertakings are present in the same workplace, the head of the user undertaking shall specify in the explosion protection document the purpose, measures and procedures for implementing the general coordination of prevention measures which is his responsibility in accordance with the provisions of articles R. 4511-5 to R. 4511-8.

The explosion protection document is drawn up before work begins and is revised when significant changes, extensions or alterations are made, particularly to the premises, work equipment or work organisation.