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For organisations operating in high-risk industries, demonstrating competence in hazardous environments is crucial to ensuring safe and efficient operations. While training and qualifications play an essential role, true competence extends beyond certificates and into the practical application of knowledge, experience and continuous assessment.

Here Martin Constable, EPIT’s Operations Director, highlights how ensuring workforce competence is an ongoing responsibility.  One that requires structured systems, periodic evaluations, and an understanding of evolving regulatory and technological landscapes.

There needs to be a shift in organisational mindsets that goes from simply box-ticking to building a strong safety culture amongst the workforce. It’s a common misconception that we see throughout the industry. The notion that attending a training course automatically grants competence. Yes, that’s the first step – but a box-ticking approach where competence is reduced to collecting certificates – is not going to cut it when it comes to proving competence in the event of a workplace incident.

Instead, organisations should instil a culture of continuous learning and accountability. Ensuring that employees understand why competence matters—not just for compliance but for their own safety and the safety of their colleagues.

Understanding competence: beyond qualifications

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines competence as “the combination of training, skills, experience, and knowledge that a person has and their ability to apply them to perform a task safely.”

While the completion of a training certification or qualification provides foundational knowledge, it does not on its own achieve competence. Demonstrating true competence in hazardous environments requires a combination of:

• Knowledge – acquired through formal training and theoretical education
• Skills – developed through hands-on experience in real-world scenarios
• Experience – gained over time, ensuring practical application of learned concepts
• Training – ensuring individuals remain updated with evolving industry standards
• Assessment – continuous evaluation to verify that individuals possess the necessary knowledge, skills, experience, and training to maintain competence and compliance

Often, organisations fall into the trap of equating training completion with competence, but assessment is essential to determine whether individuals meet the required competency standards. At EPIT, we take the HSE definition a step further by recognising that assessment is a critical component in validating true competence.

The role of competence management systems (CMS)

One of the significant challenges faced by organisations is the lack of structured competence management systems (CMS). A robust CMS is essential for the ongoing tracking of employee capability, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mitigating risks associated with hazardous environments.

A well-designed CMS should include:

1. Documented evidence – a comprehensive file for each employee, including training records, internal assessments, CVs, and peer reviews.
2. Internal assessments – regular evaluations by qualified personnel to confirm practical skills and adherence to safety standards.
3. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) – ensuring employees are continuously developing and demonstrating competence through learning experiences as well as identifying and addressing any capability gaps.
4. Periodic reviews – structured reassessment cycles (annually, bi-annually) to validate continued competence.
5. Knowledge of regulatory updates – keeping employees informed about changes in standards, regulations and best practices. For example, hazardous area classifications, explosion protection, and maintenance protocols.

Without a structured CMS, organisations may struggle to justify workforce competence in the event of an incident or regulatory audit. Competence should be documented with evidence of knowledge, skills, experience, training, and assessment to validate competency.

Regulatory and technological influences on competence

HSE, the UK regulatory body, the IEC, and BS EN regularly update standards guidance to enhance safety in hazardous environments. These changes require continuous upskilling and knowledge updates to maintain compliance. Companies must integrate CPD into their competence frameworks to ensure employees remain informed about evolving safety requirements.

Furthermore, technological advancements, including AI and VR-based training, are redefining competence development. While digital tools provide accessible training solutions, practical, hands-on training remains irreplaceable in hazardous environments. Particularly in tasks requiring precision, such as installing hazardous area (EX) equipment. The real-world experience of handling equipment, tightening bolts, and troubleshooting systems cannot be fully replicated in virtual environments.

Competence in the transition to renewables

As industries transition to renewable energy sources, particularly hydrogen, the scope of competence requirements expands. Hydrogen presents distinct hazards compared to traditional fuels, requiring specialised knowledge and training. Workers must be competent, not only in traditional hazardous area classifications, but also in understanding hydrogen’s unique risks and explosion characteristics.

This shift requires:

• Training in hydrogen-specific hazardous area risks
• Competence development in new installation and maintenance techniques
• Cross-sector knowledge transfer for workers transitioning from traditional petroleum backgrounds

The cost of incompetence: legal and insurance considerations

Beyond operational efficiency, competence management has direct implications for legal liability and insurance coverage. In the event of an incident, companies are required to provide documented evidence proving that personnel were competent in their roles. A single training certificate is insufficient; regulatory bodies and insurers require a comprehensive record of competence development, including ongoing training, peer reviews, and work sample assessments.

Failure to maintain a documented competence management system can result in:

• Regulatory fines and operational shutdowns
• Increased insurance premiums or denial of claims
• Legal liability in case of accidents due to inadequate training or competence verification

Insurance companies operate on a presumption of competence but conduct reactive investigations post-incident. If evidence of periodic competence validation is lacking, companies may face significant financial and reputational consequences.

Future-proofing workforce competence

Competence is not a static achievement but a continuous process. Organisations should:

• Invest in structured competence management systems
• Conduct regular internal assessments and peer reviews
• Stay ahead of regulatory and technological changes
• Integrate CPD into workforce development strategies
• Foster a safety-first culture where competence is valued beyond certification

EPIT’s approach to competence development aligns with industry best practice, ensuring that organisations receive relevant, high-quality training that integrates seamlessly into their broader competence management frameworks. While training is a key component, true competence requires continuous assessment to confirm that individuals apply their skills effectively in real-world environments.

By embedding competence into every aspect of operations, organisations can enhance safety, improve efficiency, and secure long-term compliance in an ever-changing industrial landscape.

www.epitgroup.com

Safety is paramount in the oil and gas industry, particularly when operating in hazardous downhole environments. Extreme pressures, high temperatures, and unpredictable formations pose constant risks to personnel, equipment, and the environment. To mitigate these risks, accurate and reliable pressure monitoring is critical — and that’s where the HI5000 downhole pressure transmitter makes a real difference.

Engineered specifically for demanding drilling conditions, the HI5000 provides oil and gas operators with precise, real-time pressure data essential for maintaining well integrity and preventing dangerous incidents such as blowouts or equipment failure. Its advanced sensor technology and robust construction allow it to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) environments, making it a trusted safety solution in some of the world’s harshest drilling locations.

In wellhead monitoring, the HI5000 enables early detection of pressure anomalies, helping operators take rapid, corrective action before minor issues escalate. In Measurement While Drilling (MWD) and Pressure While Drilling (PWD) applications, it delivers continuous downhole pressure data, allowing drilling teams to maintain wellbore stability, optimise drilling fluid properties, and avoid risks like differential sticking or formation damage.

Crucially, the HI5000 supports safer operations in remote and hazardous locations, where equipment reliability is vital. Its resilience in corrosive fluids, extreme temperatures, and dynamic pressure conditions reduces the risk of sensor failure, helping operators maintain control and avoid costly downtime.

By providing accurate, real-time pressure monitoring, the HI5000 empowers oil and gas companies to improve drilling safety, protect personnel, and safeguard the environment. In an industry where the cost of failure is high, the HI5000 offers peace of mind — delivering the critical data needed to make informed decisions and operate more safely in the world’s most challenging drilling environments.

Pressure Transducers and Transmitters | ESI Technology Ltd

Aberdeen-based JCE Energy has secured a $1m contract with Connexa, a Texas-based wireless solutions provider to design, manufacture and supply a total of 33 advanced solar-powered Wi-Fi units engineered to deliver high-performance connectivity in challenging environments.

The custom-engineered units are fully ATEX Zone 2 compliant, ensuring safe operation in potentially explosive atmospheres. Each self-sustaining system is mounted on a robust trailer platform for mobility and adaptability, enabling rapid deployment across multiple sites and terrain types to meet the evolving needs of field operations.

Designed for off-grid operation, the units will provide reliable, uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity to chemical plants in Wales and The Netherlands. All control equipment is stored within secure cabinets, along with a 6-metre mast offering wide coverage and flexibility, optimising signal strength in dynamic environments.

Powered by high-efficiency Zone 2 solar panels and advanced hazardous area energy storage technology, these units ensure 100% renewable energy-powered connectivity. Their robust design meets the highest standards of safety and performance, even in hazardous locations to power additional devices like bird scarers and security lighting to meet specific client needs.

“This solution marks a significant step forward in providing secure, off-grid connectivity,” said Martin Craig, Managing Director of JCE Group.

“By integrating solar energy and advanced wireless technology, not only are we enabling industries to stay connected, we’re supporting them to do so sustainably, with minimal environmental impact. This opens up a world of possibilities for the most challenging environments on a global basis.”

“The solar-powered Wi-Fi units supplied by JCE Energy are a valuable addition to our connectivity portfolio,” said Darcy Dickson at Connexa.

“Their innovative design and off-grid capabilities allow us to deploy high-performance solutions in areas where traditional infrastructure is not feasible.

www.jceenergy.com

Hazardous Location Equipment Markings: A Guide to Global Compliance

Download the latest whitepaper from Element Materials Technology
For manufacturers of electrical and non-electrical equipment designed for use in hazardous locations, the compliance journey can be complex and confusing. Products certified for explosive atmospheres must ensure the correct markings are applied, these can vastly differ depending on the end products use, the countries it will sold within, and much more.

In our latest whitepaper, hazardous location expert, Andy Smith, explores the topic of global hazardous location markings, and the differences between global certification schemes, and how to access the global explosive atmosphere market.

Download our whitepaper to read more about:
https://bit.ly/41QIqVq
Accessing the global explosive atmosphere market
Global certification schemes for explosive atmosphere equipment
IECEx conformity assessment system
Europe CE Mark and ATEX certification
United Kingdom UKCA Mark and UKEX certification
North America HazLoc
Asia
Rest of World
How Element Materials Technology can help

In challenging industrial environments, effective noise management is crucial for worker safety and regulatory compliance. Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification services, has developed an innovative solution to address this critical need: the Noise Exposure Management System (NEMS).

NEMS: A Comprehensive Approach to Noise Management

NEMS is a proprietary, comprehensive management system developed and offered exclusively by Bureau Veritas. It provides a systematic approach to noise management, ensuring consistency and effective comparability in determining noise risk across industries. While initially developed for the oil and gas sector, NEMS can be deployed across any industry where there are high-risk noise areas.

The system has become so widely adopted that it is now considered the industry standard for risk assessment of occupational noise by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Key Features of NEMS:

1. Exposure Level Calculation: NEMS accurately calculates noise exposure levels for the workforce, identifying areas or tasks that contribute most significantly to noise exposures.
2. Targeted Risk Reduction: By pinpointing the highest contributing areas to people's noise exposure, NEMS allows for a targeted approach to implementing noise control measures.
3. Compliance Monitoring: The system provides recording facilities for assessing ongoing compliance and demonstrates commitment to reducing noise exposure.
4. Key Performance Indicators: NEMS results can be used to quantify KPIs related to noise exposure risk.
5. Adaptability: As a live and evolving system, NEMS can easily incorporate new areas, trades, and work patterns, ensuring the risk assessment remains up-to-date.

Practical Applications and Benefits

NEMS offers a range of practical benefits for industries dealing with high noise levels:

NEMS Output

The system provides valuable outputs, including:

1. Area Ranking Scores: Determines the highest contributing areas to people's noise exposure, helping prioritize noise control efforts.
2. Personnel Noise Exposure: Predicts individual noise exposure based on measured levels and work patterns, ensuring appropriate categorization under relevant legislation.
3. Detailed Noise Exposure Information: Helps manage workforce exposure by clearly indicating action value groups and contributing areas.
4. Log Sheet: Automatically tracks updates, calculates new KPIs, and plots graphs showing Asset Score and number of lower and upper action value cases over time.

Industry-Wide Adoption

The effectiveness of NEMS is evidenced by its widespread adoption. The large majority of oil and gas assets located onshore and offshore within the UK currently operate Bureau Veritas' NEMS. The client list includes major players in the industry such as BP, Shell, Total, Apache North Sea, and many others across various sectors.

Compliance and Expertise

Bureau Veritas' Acoustics and Vibration team, a specialist division, has extensive experience providing noise management services to the Oil & Gas sector across both UK continental shelf waters and worldwide. Their expertise ensures that NEMS not only calculates exposure levels but also helps clients achieve compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations.

Conclusion

As industries strive to create safer work environments, especially in high-risk sectors, solutions like Bureau Veritas' NEMS play a crucial role. By providing a comprehensive, adaptable, and widely-recognized system for noise management, NEMS helps companies across various industries protect their workforce, comply with regulations, and demonstrate their commitment to occupational health and safety.

Worker health and safety are critical in the modern industrial landscape. Industries from manufacturing to chemical processing, mining, and beyond present unique and varied hazards to employees. As these sectors evolve, so do the complexities of their associated risks and the need for more advanced breathing protection solutions for workers.

Despite thorough regulations and safety protocols across the region, several challenges persist in safeguarding industrial workers. Many facilities still rely on legacy safety apparatus that may not meet current standards or be effective against modern hazards. Such equipment can be cumbersome, reducing worker mobility and efficiency and lacking integration with contemporary safety technologies.

The absence of systems that provide real-time feedback on environmental conditions and worker health can hinder proactive hazard management. Without the correct data, it's difficult to identify and respond to emerging threats, resulting in delayed and reactive interventions. In the ideal scenario, safety teams can detect and address risks before they escalate to improve safety and reduce downtime.

How M1 SCBA Meets These Needs

The M1 SCBA by MSA Safety is a forward-thinking approach to industrial safety and breathing protection. Its customisable design allows for easy adjustments and upgrades, helping to improve safety standards without the need for complete overhauls. Constructed with chemical-resistant materials, it provides a robust barrier against hazardous substances, assisting workers in staying shielded from exposure.

Equipped with integrated monitoring capabilities, the M1 SCBA also facilitates real-time tracking of environmental conditions and equipment performance. It empowers safety teams with actionable data, enhancing situational awareness and response times.

Furthermore, the lightweight design distributes weight evenly to help reduce physical strain. Each component is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning, promoting better hygiene practices and extending the equipment's lifespan.

Discover how M1 SCBA can transform your safety protocols: link.