CompEx Ex12 – Hazardous Locations Competency

The CompEx competency modules were developed as a means for companies and their employees to recognize and manage hazardous locations safely. The CompEx Ex12 course applies the requirements of IEC 60079-14:2013 for designers and provides an in-depth review of the potentially explosive atmospheres formed by gases, vapours, mists, and combustible dusts. A Competency Certificate is granted to those who demonstrate their understanding of the risks associated with the correct design, selection and assembly of electrical equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres.

The CompEx Ex12 Course meets the rigor outlined in the Standard: ISO/IEC 17024 – General requirements for bodies operating certification schemes for persons

Courses are led by Hazardous Location Industry expert Brian Schneider, a global specialist in intrinsic safety and flame-proof/explosion designs, evaluations, and a senior member of the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Section 18 Committee. Brian has designed and built laboratories in Canada and Europe that test hazardous locations equipment in various explosive atmospheres.

Goal: (per IEC 60079-14 Annex A: Knowledge, skills and competencies of responsible persons, operatives/technicians and designers)

The goal of the CompEx Ex12 course is to demonstrate that successful candidates possess detailed knowledge of:

1. the general principles of explosion protection
2. the general principles of types of protection and marking
3. those aspects of equipment design which affect the protection concept
4. content of certificates and relevant parts of this standard

In addition:

5. understanding of practical skills for the preparation and installation of relevant concepts of protection
6. detailed knowledge of the additional importance of permit to work systems and safe isolation in relation to explosion protection
7. detailed knowledge of the particular techniques to be employed in the selection and erection of equipment referred to in the IEC 60079-14 standard
8. general understanding of inspection and maintenance requirements of IEC 60079-17

Objectives:

At the conclusion of the CompEx Ex12 Course successful candidates will have met the following objectives:

• Demonstrate core knowledge of hazardous locations requirements
• Identify and explain the meaning of Ex markings
• Select Ex equipment suitable for the area classification
• Perform IS Loop calculations for single barrier
• Define proper installation methodology based on method of protection

1. Core knowledge
2. Markings
3. Standards Part one
4. Standards Part two
5. Design (non-intrinsically safe, and, intrinsically safe).

Electrical and design engineers, project engineers, engineering maintenance personnel, and engineering managers with experience and exposure to Explosive environments or exposure to Ex equipment and a solid background on explosive atmospheres and area classification.

A Compex Ex12 Identification Card will be issued to all those who complete the course.  In addition, candidates will receive a Certificate of Core Competence, Explosive Atmosphere – Application Design Engineer Module. Receiving this certificate demonstrates that you have met the rigour outlined in the Standard: ISO/IEC 17024 – General requirements for bodies operating certification schemes for persons.

Attendees will receive a confirmation letter confirming attendance and outlining each topic covered and time spent. This letter supports the candidate’s application for professional development credits.

Canary HLE will contact registered CompEx candidates directly regarding payment.

How Does the CompEx Scheme Relate to the Canadian Electrical Code and USA National Electrical Code?

In an effort to harmonize with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC C22.1) has adopted the Zone System. As a consequence, the Class/Division system, * Hazardous Locations Section 18, was moved to appendix J18 in the 1998 edition of the Canadian Electrical Code.

The United States of America has also made provision for the application of the Zone system which are included in the NFPA 70 (NEC) articles 505 (gas/vapours) and 506 (combustible dusts or ignitable fibers/flyings).

The CEC, NEC and the IECEx all apply the Zone system in Hazardous Area Classification.

Topics covered in the CompEx Ex12 course are indispensable for the safe design and installation of equipment intended for hazardous location areas, regardless of country. Where the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and NEC 70 provides guidance for the electrical connections of equipment in hazardous locations, CompEx Ex12 outlines the best practices for the selection and assembly of hazardous locations equipment. The CompEx scheme is known for its rigor in documentation and requirements for inspections of assembled hazardous locations equipment. A person who has earned his/her CompEx Certificate of Core Competence has demonstrated Competence of Experience, Skill, and Education under the only scheme in the world qualified for the ISO system, ISO 17024.

Contact CompEx@CanaryHLE.com to inquire about upcoming CompEx courses