Dynamics of the standardization process for explosive atmospheres

This paper presents an overview of the standardization activity in the field of explosive atmospheres both at the national and international level, as well as the evolution of this activity in different areas related to these explosive atmospheres. In the first part of the paper, the aspects regarding explosion risk, explosion prevention and protection, classification of explosive atmospheres, as well as factors influencing explosion protection are briefly presented. In the second part of the paper, the context of standardization at the national level is presented together with the reference institutions in the field of standardization for or in relation to explosive atmospheres. On this occasion, the international institutions that administer the standards that have an impact in the field of regulations for explosive atmospheres at the national level are also presented. In the last part of the paper, the analysis carried out for several representative standards in the field of explosion protection is presented, from the point of view of the significant changes made in the current edition compared to the previous edition.