DIRECTIVES AND STANDARDS FOR IGNITION PREVENTION OF EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES IN MINES Jozi R., Huki E.

Association Atex, Tuzla 75000, Bosnia and Herzegovina Safety regulations in B&H are not harmonized with EU regulations, and many transposed standards are not in use yet. Equipment manufacturers and neighbouring countries use new standards, so in industry and mining in B&H there is a growing threat of accidents, among which are the most dangerous ones of flammable atmospheres. Several directives are regulating explosive atmospheres, ranging from preventing the occurrence and ignition to explosion effects mitigation of explosive atmospheres, and they are followed by a large number of standards. B&H has not yet transposed the directives on mining and explosionproof devices. Among standards the most important one is BAS EN 1127-2 + A1: 2009 Explosive atmospheres - Explosion prevention and protection - Basic concepts and methodology for mining. Some standards are still being harmonized at the European level, and most mining countries used their own national standards. Mentioned standard and directives have holistic approach to threat assessment and protective measures, which is not yet present in education programs or in additional trainings in B&H, while the development of new mining regulations just begun. The paper presents important directives and standards, and suggests activities essential for the improvement of the B&H legislation and practice. Keywords: directive, standard, explosive atmosphere