This post gives some information about the ATEX directives and CompEX training relating to operatives working in hazardous and potentially explosive locations.
CompEx Training for Electricians
The Electricity at Work Regulations require anyone working in an environment with potentially hazardous or explosive atmospheres to undergo relevant training.
Electricians may be required to hold a CompEx qualification.
What is CompEx?
CompEx is the leading national training, assessment and certification scheme for electrotechnical craftspersons working in potentially hazardous or explosive atmospheres.
Further to the 1987 Piper Alpha Offshore disaster the investigation report led by Lord Cullen, recommended that employers ensure the Competency of Personnel for all workers that they employ.
Potentially explosive atmospheres occur in onshore and offshore petrochemical plants and refining plants. They are also found in distilleries, paint spraying plants, flourmills, woodworking machine plants, the water industry and petrol forecourt environments.
All electrical work must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations to ensure safe and legal requirements are met.
Electricians working in potentially hazardous or explosive areas or atmospheres where dust, gasses or substances hazardous to health may be present need to be trained to asses the dangers.
Failure to ensure safe working practices in these circumstances could result in the ignition of explosive gases or dust clouds leading to injury or even fatalities.
There are CompEx approved training centres throughout the UK.
For more information and to find your nearest training centre you can visit the CompEx website.
ATEX
There are two EU directives regarding the protection of employees from explosion risk in areas with an explosive atmosphere. These are ATEX 95 relating to equipment and ATEX 137 relating to workplace.
What is ATEX?
ATEX derives its name from the French title of the 94/9/EC directive: Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles.
Read more about the ATEX and CompEX training at:http://www.electriciansblog.co.uk/2010/10/compex-electrician-training-co...