Editorial

Designer and Project Engineer Ex Training and Competence

Certification & Training

Many of you will be aware that the Ex-Standards aimed at ‘end users’(such as IEC60079-14) have very specific requirements for competence. These can include both ‘knowledge’ and ‘skills’ assessments and the need to retain and be reassessed regularly. ‘Installers’ have historically had to have some form of special certificationto be allowed to work in Hazardous Areas (for Example, CompEx 01-06) but it is now also the case that people involved in design and equipment selection will also be asked for their qualifications and evidence of competence. 

In addition to the current requirements of the users’standards, a new standard (initially a technicalspecification) is being developed specifically covering Ex Competence (IEC TS 60079-44 Personal Competence) so now is a good time to refresh our memory on the role of the designers and project engineers! 

Ex Design Competence

The requirements for personnel involved in the process of designing plant or equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (including equipment that may be in the safe area but have functionality involved in the safe explosion prevention or mitigation) should be given serious consideration. 

Reviewing case studies of many recent explosions will demonstrate that it was the fundamental design that was unsafe, even when correctly built and installed (such as an incorrectly specified level switch or an impractical maintenance procedure post installation).

The requirements will obviously be applicable to companies who design plant but are equally applicable to project engineering companies or manufacturers who may provide rigs, skids or assemblies (now covered by IEC TS 60079-46) that may or may not utilise certified hazardous area equipment. (ExVeritas offer specific course for ‘Assembles’ that cover these specific risks and challenges for ‘manufacturers’ as well as end users)

According to the Installation Standard, Designers must possess, to the extent necessary to perform their tasks, the following skills:

• Detailed knowledge of the general principles of explosion protection; this would include knowledge of terms such as LEL, MESG, Flashpoint and factors that affect dust and gas explosion properties (pressure, temperature, oxygen etc).
• Detailed knowledge of the general principles of types of protection and marking; this would include all of the electrical concepts such as i.c., m.a. op is, Non-electricalh, etc., group markings such as IIB+H2 (Gas) or IIIC (dust) and EPL’s such as Ga/Gb.
 
• Detailed knowledge of those aspects of equipment design which affect the protection concept; this may include SIL if safety systems or protective systems are used and in-depth design knowledge if concepts such as constructional safety (c) or IEC special safety (s) are used.
 
•Detailed knowledge of content of certificates, such as use of the ‘X’ or ‘U’ and the many different certificate types and issuing bodies. It is also important to make sure these corticates are to ‘current’ Standards and not certified to ‘withdrawn’ standards! 
 
•An understanding of practical skills for the preparation and installation of relevant concepts of protection (full knowledge of the installation requirements).
 
•Detailed knowledge of the additional importance of ‘Permit to Work systems’, safe isolation and ‘risk assessment’ in relation to Explosion Protection; Process and procedure documentation – most explosions occur during startup/shut down or maintenance!
 
•Detailed knowledge of the techniques to be employed in the selection and installation of equipment referred to in IEC/EN 60079-14 and a general understanding of Inspection and Maintenance requirements of IEC/EN60079-17.
 

Designers must be able to demonstrate their competency and provide evidence of attaining the knowledge and skill requirements specified above, relevant to the types of protection and/or types of equipment involved. They must also be able to demonstrate their competency with documentary evidence such as ‘Designers training Certificates’ to the user and suitable documented safe operating procedures and list of required checks and maintenance (including intervals). 

One of the most used and widely accepted levels of certification for Designers is CompEx EX12, it is also worth noting that CompEx has also added an introductory Functional safety course to their portfolio which is useful alongside EX12.

Full details of the new CompEx Courses can be found here: CompEx Training and Competence Certification or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a prospectus. 

This Article can also be found in the issue below.

 

 

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