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CompEx Training

Introduction

Applus+ K2 training division have developed a number of vital training courses aimed at the

offshore industry. The CompEx Competency Scheme is designed for personnel who work safely

in place where there is a possibility, however small, that an explosive atmosphere may be

present demands that appropriate work methods and equipment are used. These require-

ments can be met by compliance with the standards and legislation which have been developed

specifically for this purpose.

In the UK, the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) imposed requirements to employ only

competent persons to undertake electrical installation and maintenance work. Other coun-

tries have enacted similar legislation. Companies in the petrochemical industry have normally

provided in-house training for employees who were expected to work in potentially explosive

atmospheres. Some contractors and companies send their personnel to receive this essential

training from an approved training centre.

CompEx (Competency in Explosive atmospheres) is an accredited international scheme that validates core competency for

safe working in potentially hazardous, flammable or explosive atmospheres. CompEx determines Core Competency by check-

ing both the underpinning knowledge by examination and practical skills and ability by assessment.

The main object of CompEx training and competency validation is to enhance the knowledge and practical ability of opera-

tives who have already gained a basic knowledge of electrical/mechanical installation, through working within the contract-

ing and installation sector of the electrical industry and to certify their competence. Experience gained in maritime activi-

ties or service overseas may also give a candidate the necessary prior knowledge.

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Prior knowledge required for CompEx It is expected that electrical candidates intending to take the assessment for competency certification will have had exposure to or understand the most of the following: • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. • The IEE Wiring Regulations BS7671.• Single phase and three phase power supplies.• Types of electrical cables used in general installation.• Basic knowledge industrial electric motors.• Earthing requirements and their objectives.• Protective systems used such as motor overload pro-

tection, fuses, fuse gear, circuit protection devices.• Understanding of electrical circuit diagrams.• Common faults, their detection and correction.

Design of the Programme

The program is divided into two halves, namely: (a) Job Knowledge (preparation for Theory Exam); (b) Competence Validation Testing (CVT) (Practical Test) The ‘job knowledge’ component takes place in the class-room during the first half of the week and provides the information and experience you need to tackle the CVT’s. Competence Validation Testing is in the simulated rig bays.

Course Objectives

At the end of the course the attendees should be able to state the relevant theories and able to perform the assessment related to the following: • Of electrical/instrument equipment that can be a

source of ignition and could contribute to an explosion.• Of the concept of area classification and zones of

flammable atmospheres. • Of the different terminologies and definitions associ-

ated with hazardous areas. • Of the requirements of ATEX and the standards, BS,

EN and IEC. • Of the various protection concepts namely Ex d, Ex e.

Ex i, Ex m, Ex n, Ex o. Ex p, Ex q, Ex s. • To select the protection concept, enclosure/equip-

ment, glands, and ancillary components and install cor-rectly in hazardous areas to be able to successfully complete the practical and theoretical assessments.

• Of the use of Inspection tables of IEC 60079-17.

Training Units: CompEx training have been designed with the needs of industry in mind, so that candidates can be released to attend without too great a difficulty. The training and assessment for the four Units Ex01 to Ex04 are completed in a total of five days.

The first 3 days of the course covers standards, including the manufacture and installation of electrical/instrument equipment and their protection concepts, which may be exposed to a potentially flammable atmosphere. The final 2 days assesses, practically and theoretically, the compe-tence of the delegates.

CompEx training is divided into units. All units include a tutorial session in the classroom followed by practical tuition in a simulated work environment where the special techniques are taught. This is followed by the assessed practical work. Equipment Protection type Ex ‘d’, ‘e’,’n’, and Ex ‘p’ Training Unit Ex 01 – Preparation and Installation of Ex ‘d’, ‘e’, ‘n’ & ‘p’ electrical equipment Training Unit Ex 02 –Inspection and Maintenance of Ex ‘d’, ‘e’, ‘n’ & ‘p’ electrical equipment Equipment Protection type Intrinsically safe Ex ‘i’ Training Unit Ex 03 - Preparation and Installation of Ex ‘i’ equipment and systems Training Unit Ex 04- Inspection and Maintenance of Ex ‘i’ equipment and systems Each unit may be studied individually or as part of a compli-mentary pair covering the installation and maintenance of a particular subject. The suggested complimentary pairs are as follows: • Ex 01 and Ex 02 : Preparation & Installation and

Inspection & Maintenance of Ex ‘d’, ‘e’, ‘n’ & ‘p’ electrical equipment

• Ex 03 and Ex 04 : Preparation & Installation and Inspection & Maintenance of Ex ‘i’ equipment and systems

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Details of Assessment On completion of acceptance and training, candidates undertake an assessment on both their knowledge and practical ability. Part A: Practical Assessment

Performance evidence required for CVT EX01, EX02, EX03, EX04

The practical assessment (installation) is undertaken on special rigs where the candidate has to install specific items with the appropriate type of cable within the pre-scribed time. The accuracy is assessed by the centre using criteria defined by the certification body and the results are sent to the certification body. Inspection assessment is undertaken using pre-assem-bled work rigs on which equipment has been pre-installed and where several deliberate errors have been intro-duced. These may need visual, close or detailed inspec-tion techniques to find. The candidate has limited time to complete the inspection and on completion hands in a written report. The results are checked by the centre and a report sent to the certification body.

Part B: Written Assessment

Knowledge evidence required MCQ for EX01, EX02, and EX03 & EX04 on the last day of training. The knowledge assessment takes the form of a closed-book examination. The on-line computerized examination has a number of multi choice questions relevant to the units undertaken. The completed examinations are sent directly to and are marked by the CompEx certification body JT Limited UK.

The Training and Assessment Outcome The certification body, having assessed the examination results and the practical work, communicates with each candidate and advises the outcome. Successful candidates are given a national certificate of core competence in the units undertaken. Those who fail to achieve the required standard are given a suitable report. Re-sit is allowed for the failed units. Possession of a certificate does not indicate that the candidate is fully competent. Full competency can only be gained after significant work has been undertaken in the field whilst under the supervision of a competent person. The employer is in a position to determine when, in the employer’s opinion; the candidate has reached the point where work without close supervision may be undertaken.

Significance of the CompEx Certificate

It should be noted that someone not in possession of a valid CompEx certificate of core competence may be refused work at any of the many sites where possession of a valid CompEx certificate is a mandatory requirement.

Course Criteria

Standards : UK Electrical Standards, BS/

EN/IEC 60079

Approvals : JTL UK

Durations : 5 Days

Locations : Applus K2 Training Facility

Entry requirements : Instrument and electrical

background

Instructor Qualification : JTL Approved

Assessment Qualification : JTL Approved

Assessment : Continuous

Competency : Written & Practical Assessment

Certification : Valid for 5 years