In accordance with the Regulation relating to Explosive Atmospheres (Verordnung explosionsfähige Atmosphären, VEXAT) employers have the specific obligation to document the risks at workplaces. Pursuant to Section 5 of the VEXAT, the Explosion Protection Document has to contain data on the hazards identified during regular operation, hazards when predictable failures occur, hazards during cleaning, testing, maintenance and trouble-shooting, as well as a detailed description of explosion protective measures to be taken. Moreover, the zoning and the scope and findings of tests and measurements have to be documented. Such documentation must be drawn up by the employer or his authorized representative. Prior to the entry into force of the Regulation, measures for explosion protection and the determination of zones were stipulated by official orders of the competent authorities.
