Assessment Units
The scheme contains several assessment units that form the basis of examinations. As a minimum, candidates must sit examinations that cover the requirements of three mandatory units.
The scheme also contains optional units, covering application-specific topics aimed at candidates who want to gain competence in a specific area of expertise, relevant to their job function.
It is therefore possible to achieve a competence qualification in a specific area of expertise, and not just an overall competence on general hazardous area issues.
Mandatory Units
The following two units are mandatory and must be achieved in order to gain a Competence Knowledge Certificate:
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Unit 3 |
Properties of Flammable Materials and Ignition Sources |
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Application of ignition properties for hazardous substances and the general requirements for apparatus, providing an overview of the basic principles of hazardous area equipment and the information needed to use this equipment in safety.
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Unit 7 |
Overview of all Protection Methods, Apparatus Grouping and Temperature Classification |
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Various protection methods used for both electrical and mechanical equipment in hazardous areas, their relationship with apparatus grouping and temperature classification and the importance of these parameters with hazardous areas.
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Candidates will then choose to undertake either unit 1 or unit 13 as the third mandatory unit. However, most do end up taking both.
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Unit 1 |
ATEX 100a Introduction Guidance and Application |
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The differences between the 'New' and 'Old' approach directives and their relationship with established standards and techniques for preventing ignition, including Essential Health & Safety Requirements (EHSRs), product marking and the application of quality systems.
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Unit 13 |
A Basic Understanding of ATEX 137 & DSEAR
(Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) |
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Methods of analysis and classification of environments where explosive atmospheres may occur to facilitate the implementation of correct procedures, selection and installation of apparatus for use in such areas.
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Optional Units
The following units are
optional and can be taken to gain a Competence Knowledge Certificate in a specialist area of expertise.
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Unit 8-12 |
Units Covering Methods of Explosion Protection |
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Units 8 –12 provide competence in the installation of the relevant methods of protection and will cover the inspection requirements of standard EN 60079-17 and the reporting of faults in preparation for on-site maintenance.
The following methods of protection are covered: |
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Unit 8 |
Increased Safety Ex e protection concept, installation and inspection |
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Unit 9 |
Flameproof Ex d protection concept, installation and inspection |
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Unit 10 |
Intrinsic Safety Ex ia/Ex ib protection concept, installation and inspection |
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Unit 11 |
Pressurised Ex p protection concept, installation and inspection |
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Unit 12 |
Non incendive Ex n protection concept, installation and inspection |
Unit 17 |
Handling combustible dusts and fibres |
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The properties and hazards associated with combustible dusts, equipment design considerations, and the requirements for the operation of equipment.
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Unit 18 |
Area Classification Overview |
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The principles of area classification and the link between the severity of the zones and the appropriate level of protection for equipment. This unit is not intended for those who intend to carry out area classification, but need to understand the underlying principles
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Unit 20 |
Theory for inspection and maintenance EN 60079-17 |
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The principles of inspection of electrical equipment in explosive gas atmospheres.
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Unit 22 |
Hazardous Area Installations |
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Applications of low-voltage wiring and earthing and the general requirements for conduit systems. The identification of cable types for low-voltage power, intrinsic safety, process circuits and segregation requirements for power and IS circuits. The requirement for earth continuity and the safe us e of instruments for testing purposes will be included
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Assessment Dates & Locations
A number of assessment dates are available throughout the year whereby you can sit the Competence knowledge units. Assessments take place at Sira approved training facilities in Chester, Falkirk and Dartford. Assessments can also take place on-site. More information can be found by clicking here
For more information about our range of services, please email
info@siraenvironmental.com or
tel +44 (0) 1322 520 500