Frequently Asked Questions – SafeEx Training Institute

What is IECEx?

International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx System). IECEx allows producers, regulators, and users of hazardous-area equipment to handle the danger of fires or explosions caused by flammable gases or dusts. Testing and certification of equipment, services, and personnel to international standards enables the international distribution of safer products at a lesser cost.

Equipment utilized in high-risk institutions is quite advanced. Checking that it complies with worldwide best practices and current legislation is a difficult undertaking, especially for regulatory bodies with extensive resources and contemporary equipment.

This is a requirement for safety in a sector where dangers are significant and may result in many casualties. The IECEx Certification System provides a global foundation for equipment, repair facilities, and individual expertise in this industry.
What is IECEx CoPC?

IECEx CoPC is a worldwide certification system for persons who operate with explosive equipment in sectors like as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and mines, where the environment is prone to explosions generated by materials such as gas, vapour, and dust. Workers in these regions must fulfill additional safety criteria and avoid creating sources of ignite. IECEx CoPC is an international standard-based certification that certifies personnel who are physically and technically capable of working safely in specialized areas.

What is the difference between ATEX and IECEx certification?

ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles) and IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres) are two standards and certification systems for equipment designed for use in potentially explosive environments. While they have the same purpose of guaranteeing safety in such circumstances, there are several significant distinctions between the two:

Geographic Scope: ATEX is a mandatory certification for the European Union. Not recognized outside the European Union. IECEx is an international certification process that is recognized in a number of countries throughout the world, including those outside the EU. Offers more worldwide recognition.

Regulation versus Standard: ATEX: The European Union regulates ATEX and enforces it through its member states. IECEx: Governed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a global body that creates and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technology.

Certification Responsibility: ATEX certification entails conformity assessment processes carried out by recognized entities certified by EU member states. These bodies inspect items to ensure that they fulfil ATEX regulations and criteria. IECEx certification requires testing and assessment by accredited testing facilities and certification authorities. It works on the principle of reciprocal recognition among member countries, making certified equipment more easily accepted across borders.
Global acceptance:
ATEX is mostly acknowledged in the European Union, however certain non-EU nations may recognize ATEX certification for specialized uses. IECExis internationally recognized, allowing manufacturers to export their goods to a variety of nations without requiring further certification.
Is an IECEx Certificate of Acceptance the same as an IECEx Certificate of Conformity?

No, an IECEx Certificate of Acceptance certifies that a testing laboratory has been accepted / permitted to undertake testing to IEC Ex standards

An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (Equipment) issued by an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) to a manufacturer of equipment that supplies products that meet the relevant requirements of applicable IEC Standards AND are manufactured in factories that continue to meet requirements as verified by surveillance audits.

ExCBs also issue IECEx Certificates of Conformity for Service Facilities and Personnel Competencies to certify that service facilities or personnel meet the appropriate criteria. Audits are also conducted to ensure continuous compliance.
Who can benefit from this training?

Every engineer, technician, company, interested in being competent while handling hazardous area equipment and working in these hazardous zones.

Why do I need this certification?

Explosive areas and atmospheres are very delicate and unlike other casual environments, the hazards likely to occur are higher and there is a need to ascertain the ability and credibility of an individual to work in these areas. The products used in hazardous zones conform to the internal standards. IECEx certification allows users of hazardous-area equipment to handle the danger of fires or explosions caused by flammable gases or dusts. The certification also enables personnels to meet the internal standards of using hazardous equipment.
Why IECEx CoPC?

The IECEx Certification System provides a global foundation for equipment, repair facilities, and individual expertise in this industry. Certificate of Personnel Competency (CoPC) is IECEx's certification system for people to prove their ability and experience to work with Ex explosion protection equipment that meets international standards.

What is an Ex Area?

Ex areas, also termed as "Hazardous Locations," "Hazardous Areas," "Explosive Atmospheres," and so on, refer to regions where flammable liquids, vapours, gasses, or combustible dusts and fibers are likely to present in sufficient numbers to ignite a fire or explosion.
How to identify an Ex Area?

Identifying an Ex (explosive atmosphere) region is critical for assuring safety in situations where potentially explosive atmospheres may exist. Here are several methods to help identify an ex-area:

Understand Hazardous Area Classifications: Learn how hazardous regions are classified. These categories are usually based on the possibility of explosive atmospheres and the type of compounds present. Common categories include the Zone system (Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2 for gases; Zone 20, Zone 21, Zone 22 for dust) and the Division system (Division 1, Division 2 in the United States).

Review Documentation: Refer to relevant paperwork, such as engineering drawings, safety data sheets, or hazardous area classification reports, to determine the hazardous zones inside a facility or site.

Look for Warning Signs: In regions where explosive atmospheres exist, there should be visible warning signs indicating the presence of dangerous zones. These signs usually include symbols and language to alert people to the possible risk. Signs may feature wording like "Explosion Hazard," "No Smoking," or symbols for explosive environments.

Identify Potential Sources of Ignition: Be aware of any potential sources of ignition that might cause explosions in hazardous places. These sources include open flames, sparks, hot surfaces, electrical equipment, and static electricity.

Inspect Equipment: Pay close attention to the equipment installed in the area. Equipment intended for usage in hazardous environments will be labelled with relevant certification labels, such as ATEX or IECEx marks. These markings indicate that the equipment has been evaluated and approved for safe use in potentially explosive environments.

Consult with Experts: If you're confused about the classification of a specific place or want more clarity, speak with experts in hazardous area classification and safety. These professionals may be safety engineers, industrial hygienists, or certified hazardous area specialists.

Stay Informed and Trained: Ensure that individuals working in or near hazardous locations are properly trained in hazard awareness, safe work practices, and emergency procedures.

Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of hazardous sites to detect any modifications or possible risks that may have developed over time. This involves inspecting for leaks, spills, and other variables that might change the area's categorization. Following these procedures allows persons to properly identify Ex regions and take necessary precautions to reduce the dangers connected with potentially explosive environments.
What is explosion protection?

Explosion protection is an essential component of overall risk management for industrial sectors such as coal mining, oil, gas, and chemical industries. It ensures safety in industrial processes that use or produce hazardous materials such as combustible gas, dusts, or vapours. When operating equipment in the presence of explosive atmospheres, there are significant dangers to human life and health, as well as the possibility of property loss.

Why safeEx?

We provide specialist courses to help you improve technical skills in the design, installation, maintenance, and inspection of explosion-proof equipment. This may enable individuals in a variety of professions, such as engineers, electricians, maintenance technicians, and safety staff, get the skills and information they need to perform safely in hazardous situations.
What is safeEx?

SafeEx Training Institute is a training program that specializes in ATEX certifications, with a primary focus on delivering the IECEX CoPC certification in Nigeria. With a team of industry experts, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to the highest standards, we are dedicated to shaping safety-conscious professionals for the future.
Who is qualified to train at safeEx?

Anyone interested in being a professional in explosion proof and hazardous areas.
Does safeEx offer personal trainings?

Yes, safeEx offers personal trainings within our company building and within your company based on requests.
Does safeEx offer trainings to companies?

Yes, safeEx offers trainings to companies to meet their specific needs.
Does safeEx offer physical trainings?

Yes, safeEx offers trainings onsite and offsite.