Explosion protection and prevention require the acquisition of specific competencies on the several aspects characterizing these matters.
The main subjects such as Hazardous areas classification, Selection of equipment, design and erection of installations, Inspection and maintenance of installations as well as Repair and/or overhaul of the equipment, are those ones which personnel shall be qualified on.
- Directive 1999/92/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16th December 1999, Annex II, par. A, clause 1
“1.1. Training of workers
The employer must provide those working in places where explosive atmospheres may occur with sufficient and appropriate training with regard to explosion protection.”
- IEC 60079-10-1:2015, sub-clause 4.4
“The area classification should be carried out by those who understand the relevance and significance of the properties of the flammable substances, principles of gas/vapour dispersion and those who are familiar with the process and the equipment. It may be beneficial for other engineering disciplines, e.g. electrical and mechanical engineers, and personnel with specific responsibility for safety to be part of and have an input to the area classification process. The competency of the person shall be relevant to the nature of the plant and methodology used for carrying out the area classification. Appropriate continuing education or training should be undertaken by personnel on a regular basis where required.”
- IEC 60079-10-2:2015, sub-clause 4.3
“The area classification should be carried out by those who are competent and understand the relevance and significance of the characteristics of dust and those who are familiar with the process and the equipment, along with safety, electrical, mechanical, and other qualified engineering personnel”
- IEC 60079-14:2013, sub-clause 4.5
“The design of the installation, the selection of equipment and the erection covered by this standard shall be carried out only by persons whose training has included instruction on the various types of protection and installation practices, relevant rules and regulations and on the general principles of area classification. The competency of the person shall be relevant to the type of work to be undertaken (see Annex A).
Appropriate continuing education or training shall be undertaken by personnel on a regular basis.”
- IEC 60079-17:2013, sub-clause 4.2
“The inspection and maintenance of installations covered by this standard shall be carried out only by experienced personnel, whose training has included instruction on the various types of protection and installation practices, the requirements of this standard, the relevant national regulations/company rules applicable to the installation and on the general principles of area classification (see Annex B). Appropriate continuing education or training shall be undertaken by personnel on a regular basis. Evidence of the relevant experience and training claimed shall be documented and available.”
- IEC 60079-19:2012, sub-clause 4.4.1.3
“All personnel directly concerned with the repair and/or overhaul of the equipment shall be competent or supervised by a competent person. The competencies may be specific to the type of work.
Training and competency assessments are specified in Annex B.
Appropriate training and assessment shall be undertaken from time to time at intervals depending on the frequency of utilization of the technique or skill and change of standards or regulations. The interval should normally not exceed three years.”