The directive is commonly known as the ATEX directive (ATmosphere EXplosive)

Explosive atmospheres can occur in diverse industrial situations, for example, agricultural silos, mines, oil and gas platforms, chemical plants and dusty environments. Products covered by the directive range from lighting for factories to locomotives used in mines.

Products complying with the directive have to be manufactured to a 'harmonized standard', where one exists. Reciprocating internal combustion engines, safety requirements for the design and construction of engines for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Part 1 - Flammable Gases & Vapor Atmospheres. Part 2 - Underground workings susceptible to firedamp and/or combustible dust. Part 3 - Flammable dust atmospheres.