Explosion Protection Document

Discover the DRPCE, which applies to all companies exposed to risks related to the formation of explosive atmospheres (ATEX).

David Payet
Mise à jour : 
27.07.2026
Publication : 
20.10.2025
Table of Contents
Example H2
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🔎 Key takeaways

  • Un document légalement obligatoire : Issu de la directive européenne 1999/92/CE et codifié aux articles R. 4227-52 à R. 4227-54 du Code du travail, le DRPCE est obligatoire pour toute entreprise exposée au risque d'atmosphères explosives (ATEX).
  • Une démarche intégrée au DUERP : Les résultats de l'évaluation du risque d'explosion doivent être retranscrits dans le DRPCE et intégrés au Document Unique d'Évaluation des Risques Professionnels (DUERP), après consultation des instances représentatives du personnel (CSE).
  • Un contenu réglementé et exhaustif : Le DRPCE doit détailler l'évaluation des risques, le classement des zones ATEX, les mesures techniques/organisationnelles (prévention de la formation et de l'inflammation des ATEX, atténuation des effets), les consignes de maintenance, les autorisations de travail et la coordination des interventions d'entreprises extérieures.
  • Une méthodologie structurée et dynamique : L'élaboration repose sur l'inventaire des combustibles, la modélisation des scénarios d'anomalie, la cartographie des zones, l'identification des sources d'inflammation et la mise en place d'un plan d'action. Le document doit impérativement être établi avant le début des travaux et mis à jour lors de toute modification notable.

    • Please note: This article concerns French legislation. The requirements described may not apply in other countries.

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    The Explosion Protection Document (DRPCE) is a mandatory regulatory document for all companies exposed to risks related to the formation of explosive atmospheres (ATEX).

    Regulatory context

    The DRPCE was initially introduced by Directive 1999/92/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1999 concerning minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. It was subsequently transposed into French law in the Labor Code by Decrees No. 2002-1553 of 24 December 2002.

    Today, the regulatory requirements regarding the DRPCE are primarily contained in Articles R. 4227-52 to R. 4227-54 of the Labor Code.

    Obligations

    As a reminder, employers must identify and assess the risks present in the company, including risks related to the formation of explosive atmospheres.

    The results of this assessment must be recorded in the DRPCE and integrated into the Single Occupational Risk Assessment Document (DUERP).

    Employers must take the necessary measures to ensure safe working conditions. To do this, employers must prevent the formation of ATEX. If, due to the nature of the activity, the formation of ATEX cannot be prevented, measures must be taken to avoid their ignition and mitigate the harmful effects of an explosion. These measures must be detailed in the DRPCE.

    The content of the DRPCE is set by regulation. It must include:

    - Identification and assessment of exposure risks;

    - A description of the technical and organizational measures taken to eliminate the risk of ATEX formation or, if it occurs, to limit its effects;

    - A description and classification of ATEX-zoned areas;

    - The procedures and rules according to which workplaces and work equipment (including alarm systems) are designed, used, and maintained to ensure the safety of workers and facilities (maintenance plans, inspections, safety instructions, etc.);

    - A list of tasks performed according to written instructions from the employer, subject to the issuance of a work permit, or executed by an authorized person;

    - The purpose, measures, and implementation procedures for the general coordination of ATEX risk prevention measures when workers from multiple companies are present at the same workplace.  

    This document, and in particular the procedures to be applied and the written instructions for risk prevention, must be established before work begins in the affected areas and updated whenever there is a significant change to the premises, equipment, or work organization. Prevention measures must be adapted to each specific situation.

    Just as with the single risk assessment document, employee representative bodies must be consulted regarding the DRPCE and its updates.

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    The process

    The Explosion Protection Document (EPD) is a core component of explosion risk management. It consolidates your entire prevention strategy regarding ATEX risks, providing a comprehensive overview of your risk analysis and the measures implemented.

    Its development relies on a thorough understanding of processes, substances, and high-risk equipment, as well as the control measures to be put in place.

    To achieve this, the following steps can be taken:

    - Inventory all combustible products stored or used, based on their state (liquid, gas, etc.), quantity, and characteristics (flash point, explosive limits, particle size, etc.);

    - Assess the risks of ATEX generation from these combustible products during normal operation or in the event of an anomaly (it is therefore necessary to establish scenarios for foreseeable equipment malfunctions);

    - Establish ATEX zoning based on the table below;

    - Identify potential ignition sources (including electrostatic discharges);

    - Evaluate the extent of the foreseeable consequences of an explosion.

    - Identify, implement, and monitor preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of ATEX and ignition sources occurring (without neglecting worker training and risk signage);

     

     

    The EPD can be developed in-house or with the support of external expertise.

    When regularly updated, the EPD allows for the monitoring of the action plan to ensure the compliance of electrical and non-electrical equipment.

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    To learn more about developing an EPD and managing ATEX risks:

    - Non-binding good practice guide for Directive 1999/92/EC "ATEX" (explosive atmospheres) https://op.europa.eu/fr/publication-detail/-/publication/c23f5429-1632-4b61-9eb1-a6c0e60828e0

    - ED 945: Implementing regulations regarding explosive atmospheres (ATEX) Methodological guide https://www.inrs.fr/media.html?refINRS=ED%20945

     

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