It is a requirement of the European Union and the IEC that personnel working in potentially explosive atmospheres are competent.
The industry is confronted with the challenge of having to prove this. One of the most rigorous ways to demonstrate competence is through the IECEx Personnel Competence Scheme, and with approximately 300 certificates issued to individuals working in hazardous areas to date, the scheme is
gathering pace.
Developed by the IEC to meet demand from the oil and gas industries for a global competence standard, the IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence (CoPC) provides companies with globally recognised certification that a person has the knowledge and skills necessary to implement international standards relating to equipment, services and personnel operating in potentially explosive atmospheres.
The IECEx CoPC initiative introduces an internationally-accepted scheme to certify competence of personnel working in potentially explosive atmospheres. Candidates are required to complete a rigorous application process, where work experience is assessed to demonstrate practical application of IEC standards in Hazardous Area applications, as well as complete knowledge examinations and practical demonstration of skills.
The Units
The scheme comprises 10 units of competence to meet the varied needs of different functions in this highly specialised area:
Ex001
Apply basic principles of protection in explosive atmospheres
Ex002
Perform classification of hazardous areas
Ex003
Install explosion-protected equipment and wiring systems
Ex004
Maintain equipment in explosive atmospheres
Ex005
Overhaul and repair of explosion-protected equipment
Ex006
Test electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
Ex007
Perform visual & close inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
Ex008
Perform detailed inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
Ex009
Design electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
Ex010
Perform audit inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
The benefits of the IECEx Personnel Competence Scheme
The scheme provides companies with independent proof that a person holding an IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence has the knowledge and
skills necessary to implement the International Ex Standards. This can be especially important for contracting staff, or for firms securing tenders.
Having a CoPC also brings a level of confidence to the individual certificate holder as they have been deemed competent to an International Standard,
and have been certified as having the required skill and knowledge to carry out the relevant aspects of their role.
For further information, or to apply to become an IECEx Competent Person please contact CSA Group-Sira on:
T: +44 (0) 1244 670 900
E: info@siracertification.com.
