Statutory mandates and standards relating to explosion protection first existed at national level. Later on, these were replaced by European directives and standards. ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (manufacturers) and Directive 1999/92/EC (plant operators) with risk assessment as the key element are thus also decisive for Germany.

This directive sets out the requirements for the quality of explosion-protected equipment and protection systems (e.g. by determining the construction type, certification, manufacturing and quality assurance, marking, operating instructions and the declaration of conformity), wherein the important health and safety requirements are specified that are to be complied with by the manufacturer and/or the importer.

These "Minimum requirements for improving the health and safety protection of the worker at risk from explosive atmospheres" refer to the operation of potentially explosive plants, and is therefore intended for the operator (employer).In accordance with this Directive 1999/92/EC, the operator must assess the explosion hazard of the plant, classify the plant into hazard zones, and document all measures for the protection of workers in the explosion protection document.