[ Technical: FAQs ]
to produce risk assessments and update them if they change the procedures of materials that they use. It is highly unlikely that a contractor will be able to produce a document that definitively covers their client’s complete operations. If a client did not know their legal responsibilities in the first place, then they will also require training, and need to be aware that they are required to revise their procedures should they change their routines and/or materials.
What training do I need to work on hazardous area electrical installations? The answer to this depends on your experience to date. Generally, if you have a good grasp of
industrial electrical installations and so on, then CompEx training, supplemented by an undefined period of post-work supervision, will suffice to start with. For general hazardous area work, CompEx modules 01-06 are required, and to work on petrol filling stations only, CompEx modules 07 and 08 are required. However, other suitable training is available. It should be noted that, generally, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not consider training on its own to be sufficient; it requires you to be able to demonstrate a period of post-training supervision and experience.
I worked on hazardous areas years ago; can I still work in hazardous areas now? Yes. However, requirements for update training or retraining will depend on how much you remember and your experience. If you are unsure, you are best to retrain by undertaking CompEx modules 01-06.
Many clients fail to provide contractors with the information required in order to select and install the correct equipment for a location
Do MICC cable glands need to be certified when fitted in hazardous areas? Yes. Many years ago, it was the practice to use uncertified MICC cable glands. However, this is now
deemed to be unacceptable and MICC cable glands require certification.
I worked in a refrigerated food factory and the client told me that the ammonia refrigerant was
not an explosive gas. Is that true? No. This is a popular misconception. Ammonia is an explosive gas from Group IIB and, although the
UEL and LEL are very close together – making it more difficult to ignite – it is explosive. It may well be that a client has made the area safe
through other provisions such as proper ventilation that will dispel even major leaks. However, before working in an area containing ammonia, ask to see the risk assessment for that area and do not begin work until you have satisfied yourself of the safety requirements. It is always good practice to keep a copy of a hazardous area risk assessment when undertaking work in a hazardous area.
I have been asked to work on a petrol filling station and the client does not have a hazardous area concept document or drawing. What should I do? The HSE considers it adequate to use the hazardous area concept advice given in in the book Guidance
for Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations (Revised June 2011) otherwise known as The Blue Book. ECA members get a 50 per cent reduction on the price of this publication, which is available from the Energy Institute/APEA.
January 2012 ECA Today 65
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