Tackling the lack of skilled labour in explosion protection

Roger Peters: Legislation requires personnel who perform activities in hazardous areas to hold certain qualifications. Plant operators have to ensure that only qualified personnel work in their plant. This applies both to their in-house personnel and to service providers. But companies are having issues finding suitable partners with qualified installation personnel and commissioning them with work. The new seminar was designed so that it meets the requirements of German industry yet still fits within the IECEx's certification system.

Roger Peters: The new seminar deals with the most frequently encountered installation tasks in companies – from I&C (instrumentation and control) technology with numerous intrinsically safe circuits, and drive technology, through to lighting.

We also take a close look at how to deal with the different types of protection. Practical exercises are also carried out, in particular for the increased safety, intrinsic safety and flameproof enclosure types of protection.

Roger Peters: Yes, you're right. That's why the practical component makes up at least 30 per cent of this seminar. We place great value on alternating between theoretical and practical sections during the seminar to give attendees the opportunity to put what they learn into practice straight away. For example, they are asked to install lighting – a standard task for electricians in hazardous areas.

Roger Peters: IECEx specifies in great detail the content that the relevant personnel must be familiar with. It also lays out the requirements for us as a training provider. Despite that, we have ample opportunity to address specific national circumstances. And it goes without saying that we also look at the regulations which apply in Germany, such as the Operational Safety Ordinance (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung) and the technical rules. Recognised IECEx Certification Bodies (ExCBs) are responsible for assessment and certification. These bodies have to follow clear rules regarding the procedure and content of the assessment. It's a very transparent system and the rules are openly laid out on the homepages of the certification bodies.

R. STAHL was the first German company to be recognised as an IECEx training provider. After attending our seminar, participants have the opportunity to sit an official examination from an IECEx Certification Body. Our customers therefore no longer have the hassle of having to organise the examination with the Certification Body separately. Once the candidate passes the examination, he receives an official IECEx certificate. But it is possible to take part in the seminar without sitting the examination afterwards. In this case he receives a certificate of attendance.

Roger Peters: We offer IECEx personnel certification in accordance with Unit 001, Unit 003, Unit 006 and Unit 009. Other units are possible on request. Unit 001 covers the application of the basic principles of explosion protection. In Unit 003 and Unit 006, we look at the installation of explosion-protected devices and the testing of electrical installations in hazardous areas. Unit 009 is dedicated to the design of electrical installations in hazardous areas. Unit 007 and Unit 008 focus on the topic of inspecting systems in hazardous areas.

Roger Peters: Over the years, we have seen a growing number of enquiries as companies are becoming more international. Official IECEx certification gives responsible persons assurance that they are working with qualified partners.