STC
Ex equipment, and why training is required
What is Ex equipment?
In electrical engineering, a hazardous location is a place where concentrations of flammable gases, vapours or dusts occur. Electrical equipment installed in such locations is specially designed and tested to ensure it cannot initiate an explosion — whether through arcing contacts or through high surface temperature.
Why learn about it?
IEC requires personnel working in the oil and gas industry to attend Ex equipment safety training. Prospective employees seeking work in industries where Ex equipment is used, and those upgrading their skills, are encouraged to attend these courses.
Where is it used?
Ex equipment is widely used on oil rigs, FPSOs and VLCCs, and in refineries, chemical plants and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Standards used in Ex equipment training
- BS — British Standards
- IEC — International Electrotechnical Commission
- UL — Underwriters Laboratories — American standards
- ATEX — European standards
- IECEx — IEC system for certification to standards for Ex equipment