The Directive equipment and protective systems intended for use in a potentially explosive environment sets essential safety and health requirements. These requirements are relating to the design and construction of equipment and security systems intended for use in locations that may have a risk of explosion.

The scope of this Directive also includes the safety, inspection and regulatory provisions intended for use outside locations where there may be a risk of explosion, but which are a prerequisite for or contribute to the safe operation of equipment and security systems relating to explosion hazards.

The Directive came into force on 1st March 1996 and will become a legal obligation on 1st July 2003.