Program Overview
Hazardous area equipment does not stay compliant on its own. Gaskets age, glands loosen, enclosures corrode and modifications drift away from the original design. A structured inspection and maintenance program, backed by an accurate Ex register, is the only reliable way to keep a classified plant safe over decades of operation.
This combined Level 1 and Level 2 program takes participants from the fundamentals of explosion protection to the practical management of Ex assets. After covering area classification, ignition sources and protection concepts, the program focuses on the work maintenance teams actually perform: identifying and registering Ex equipment, conducting visual, close and detailed inspections, registering defects, carrying out permitted minor repairs and keeping area classification drawings and maintenance systems up to date.
Learning Outcomes
- Classify hazardous areas and explain the principles of protection in explosive atmospheres
- Identify all types of Ex equipment in the field and verify marking against area classification requirements
- Plan and perform visual, close and detailed inspections and record findings in accordance with IEC 60079-17
- Register defects, prioritize corrective actions and carry out permitted minor repairs
- Create and correct Ex area classification drawings and build a complete Ex equipment register
- Update maintenance management system data and report in accordance with IECEx and NEC requirements
Program Modules
- Hazardous Zone Classification and Principles of Protection — zones, sources of release and protection philosophy
- Explosion Theory and Material Properties — behavior of gases, liquids and solvents in explosive atmospheres
- Flammability Parameters — flash point, ignition temperature, LEL/UEL, density, gas groups and temperature classes
- Ignition Sources — electrical arcs, frictional sparks, hot surfaces and static electricity
- Methods of Protection — Ex d, Ex e, Ex p, Ex q, Ex o, Ex ia/ib/ic, Ex m, Ex n and Ex s
- Certification, Marking, Ex Loops, Earthing and Bonding — verifying equipment and intrinsically safe loops
- Ex Equipment Identification and Inspection Setup — establishing an inspection program and performing visual inspections
- Defect Reporting and Minor Repairs — inspection findings, defect registration and correcting Ex area drawings
- Maintenance and Reporting to IECEx and NEC — maintenance practices and compliance reporting
- Ex Register and Maintenance System Data — creating an Ex register and updating CMMS records
Who Should Attend
- Electrical and instrument maintenance technicians in classified plants
- Ex inspectors and inspection coordinators
- Maintenance planners and reliability engineers
- Operations supervisors responsible for hazardous area integrity
- Contractors performing Ex inspection campaigns
Standards & Codes Referenced
- IEC 60079-0 (Explosive Atmospheres: General Requirements)
- IEC 60079-10-1 (Classification of Areas: Explosive Gas Atmospheres)
- IEC 60079-14 (Electrical Installations Design, Selection and Erection)
- IEC 60079-17 (Electrical Installations Inspection and Maintenance)
- ISO 16852:2016 (Flame Arresters)
- IEC 61241-0, -1, -4, -11, -18 (Equipment for Use with Combustible Dust)
- IEC 61779 (Flammable Gas Detection Apparatus)
- IEC 62013-1 and -2 (Caplights for Use in Mines Susceptible to Firedamp)
Assessment & Certification
Candidates complete written examinations at Level 1 and Level 2 and a practical assessment in which they inspect a set of Ex equipment, identify seeded defects, record them in an Ex register and propose corrective actions. Practical sessions take place at ASEEE-approved training centers.
Successful candidates are awarded the ASEEE competency certificate, issued with a unique certificate ID that employers and clients can verify online through Certificate Check. ASEEE recommends recertification every 3 years to keep competence aligned with current standards, equipment and site practice.
