A new module for the CompEx Scheme has been launched by JT Limited, part of the JTL Group, in response to feedback from the industry.
That feedback has indicated to the CompEx Scheme Committee that there is a gap in skills between the Foundation Unit and the CompEx core competency validation practical units for the Gas & Vapour modules Ex01-04, especifically in the area of installing cable glands and terminating cables.
The CompEx Scheme is the recognised global scheme for the protection of oil, gas and chemical workers in both offshore and onshore activities. The scheme assesses the competency of employees and contract staff who are working in environments with the potential risk of explosive atmospheres. Developed by the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association (EEMUA), industry experts and JT Limited, the scheme is approaching 25 years since it was first launched. JT Limited the CompEx Certification Body, is internationally accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17024 : 2012 Conformity Assessment – ‘General Requirements for bodies operating Certification of Persons’.
The new CompEx Module launched is the Ex ‘F’ Plus module and is an extension of the existing Ex ‘F’ which has run successfully for the last 10 years. The CompEx Foundation Plus element is an extra module which can be “bolted” on to the existing Foundation Course for candidates who require additional practical instruction to familiarise them with Ex equipment in readiness for taking further CompEx units.
The CompEx Foundation Plus element is a 2-day course aimed at candidates who are perhaps new to working in Hazardous areas or who work in Hazardous areas but don’t have the experience of ‘Glanding and Terminating’ armoured cables. For example, at 3rd/4th year apprentices in the UK, or craft persons overseas in developing countries, for whom the ‘full’ Ex01-04 course is a step too far initially.
This unit will provide a good indicator to the individuals and employers that they are ready for the full CompEx assessment of core competency. The assessment consists of 1-2 days instruction on the basic legislation, international standards and safety requirements of working in Hazardous areas followed by a 1.5 hour practical assessment and 1 hour theory online exam.
CompEx Field Officer John Harris said: “We see the CompEx Ex Foundation Plus module being popular in the UK with candidates lacking the practical skills to attempt the ‘main’ modules (Ex 01-10). Overseas, there is a massive potential for major users - Oil & Gas companies in the main, to use this basic assessment as a benchmark for where their Electrical & Instrumentation workforce are, prior to them undertaking the 5 day ‘main’ course that could potentially be beyond the craft persons current understanding and hand skills set.”
One of the first individuals to complete the new module was fulsome in his praise for the training he had received: “I‘ve found the course content and instruction from Roxby Training very helpful. It was great to also cover some of the practical skills needed to install Electrical and Instrumentation equipment in Hazardous areas. This added practical assessment will prove extremely useful when I return to carry out the Ex01-04 units,” said Shaun Ward, Electrical Maintenance Engineer with Saint Gobain Group.
“Shaun Ward and his colleague having successfully completed this module, will go away with a greater understanding and readiness for the main CompEx assessments of core competency,” said John Harris. “Indeed, both candidates are planning to return to Roxby training to complete the 5 day CompEx Ex 01-04 Gas & Vapour assessments now they have satisfactorily progressed through the Foundation Plus module. Moving forward, successful results in the Gas & Vapour Ex01-04 assessments will give Shaun and his employer peace of mind that he is core competent and safe to undertake installation, inspection and maintenance tasks in a Hazardous area environment, as these core competency validation tests include a rigorous assessment of underpinning knowledge and practical assessment.”
The CompEx modules are recognised by industry and the UK Regulator (HSE) as a sound methodology for proving core competence of the workforce engaged in Hazardous area work.
This work can include the installation, commissioning and inspection of Electrical, Instrumentation and Mechanical equipment which is often designed specifically for use in industries such as off-shore, petro-chemical, pharmaceutical and Dust environments such as sugar, flour and chip board.
For further information about the new module and to register interest for courses please click here.
That feedback has indicated to the CompEx Scheme Committee that there is a gap in skills between the Foundation Unit and the CompEx core competency validation practical units for the Gas & Vapour modules Ex01-04, especifically in the area of installing cable glands and terminating cables.The CompEx Scheme is the recognised global scheme for the protection of oil, gas and chemical workers in both offshore and onshore activities. The scheme assesses the competency of employees and contract staff who are working in environments with the potential risk of explosive atmospheres. Developed by the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association (EEMUA), industry experts and JT Limited, the scheme is approaching 25 years since it was first launched. JT Limited the CompEx Certification Body, is internationally accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17024 : 2012 Conformity Assessment – ‘General Requirements for bodies operating Certification of Persons’.
The new CompEx Module launched is the Ex ‘F’ Plus module and is an extension of the existing Ex ‘F’ which has run successfully for the last 10 years. The CompEx Foundation Plus element is an extra module which can be “bolted” on to the existing Foundation Course for candidates who require additional practical instruction to familiarise them with Ex equipment in readiness for taking further CompEx units.
The CompEx Foundation Plus element is a 2-day course aimed at candidates who are perhaps new to working in Hazardous areas or who work in Hazardous areas but don’t have the experience of ‘Glanding and Terminating’ armoured cables. For example, at 3rd/4th year apprentices in the UK, or craft persons overseas in developing countries, for whom the ‘full’ Ex01-04 course is a step too far initially.
This unit will provide a good indicator to the individuals and employers that they are ready for the full CompEx assessment of core competency. The assessment consists of 1-2 days instruction on the basic legislation, international standards and safety requirements of working in Hazardous areas followed by a 1.5 hour practical assessment and 1 hour theory online exam.
CompEx Field Officer John Harris said: “We see the CompEx Ex Foundation Plus module being popular in the UK with candidates lacking the practical skills to attempt the ‘main’ modules (Ex 01-10). Overseas, there is a massive potential for major users - Oil & Gas companies in the main, to use this basic assessment as a benchmark for where their Electrical & Instrumentation workforce are, prior to them undertaking the 5 day ‘main’ course that could potentially be beyond the craft persons current understanding and hand skills set.”
One of the first individuals to complete the new module was fulsome in his praise for the training he had received: “I‘ve found the course content and instruction from Roxby Training very helpful. It was great to also cover some of the practical skills needed to install Electrical and Instrumentation equipment in Hazardous areas. This added practical assessment will prove extremely useful when I return to carry out the Ex01-04 units,” said Shaun Ward, Electrical Maintenance Engineer with Saint Gobain Group.
“Shaun Ward and his colleague having successfully completed this module, will go away with a greater understanding and readiness for the main CompEx assessments of core competency,” said John Harris. “Indeed, both candidates are planning to return to Roxby training to complete the 5 day CompEx Ex 01-04 Gas & Vapour assessments now they have satisfactorily progressed through the Foundation Plus module. Moving forward, successful results in the Gas & Vapour Ex01-04 assessments will give Shaun and his employer peace of mind that he is core competent and safe to undertake installation, inspection and maintenance tasks in a Hazardous area environment, as these core competency validation tests include a rigorous assessment of underpinning knowledge and practical assessment.”
The CompEx modules are recognised by industry and the UK Regulator (HSE) as a sound methodology for proving core competence of the workforce engaged in Hazardous area work.
This work can include the installation, commissioning and inspection of Electrical, Instrumentation and Mechanical equipment which is often designed specifically for use in industries such as off-shore, petro-chemical, pharmaceutical and Dust environments such as sugar, flour and chip board.
For further information about the new module and to register interest for courses please click here.
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