There are many schemes that check the competence of ‘Ex’ equipment installers and inspectors (such as CompEx) but those schemes ‘assume’ that the equipment certificates are correct. In the UK and EU however, a lot of equipment can be ‘self-certified’ by the manufacturer. This includes all Zone 2 equipment, Zone 1 non-electrical equipment and even equipment for Zone 0 if the manufacturer declares that the device is a simple apparatus. In addition to this, there is equipment which is put on the market as an ‘assembly’ using certified equipment but often introducing new (often non-electrical) ignition sources.

So how does the end user know these ‘self-certified’ items of equipment are safe?

As an end user, you are taking the final responsibility for the equipment you use, it is vital that you have sufficient diligence in accepting certification that has no accreditation or independence. ‘Ex’ matters, if something goes wrong the result can be catastrophic, so you should accept nothing at ‘face value’.

Specify 3^rd party certication (and check it is legitimate)

Although the manufacturer does not legally always need to obtain 3^rd party certication, the buyer can make it a condition of purchase. This is the safest and simplest as method as the buyer can be assured of the independence and competence of the Certification Body (assuming the body is accredited for ‘Ex’, schemes like ‘IECEx’ who have global recognition and Certification Bodies status can be checked on line.)

Caveat Emptor (Let the Buyer Beware)

Remember, anyone can produce a certificate and many manufacturers and non-accredited bodies and counterfeiters issue certificates that look very much like officially Notified Body or IECEx Body Certification. Only accept certification from reputable bodies who’s certification can be verified (that can be done by the end user online with IECEx).

Be an ‘intelligent’ customer.

No certification should be taken at face value, so you should always have the competence to check the certificate you are being presented with ‘before’ purchase, for example:

• Are the certificates to the correct Standards and are all necessary standards included. For example, a fan may be certified to generic standards when it should be certified to the standard specifically for Ex fans.
• Are the certificates to the ‘current’ level and at least to the 60079 series standards (as required by the installation standard, 60079-14).
• Is the manufacturer an ‘Ex’ specialist and have you audited or reviewed them as a body with the ‘competence’ to self-certify (for example, do they have a test facility, do their staff have the relevant competence and independence).

There are suitable training courses to help become be an ‘intelligent customer’ or a ‘competent manufacturer’ for explosion safety. These courses can help with the design and certification (self certication or 3^rd party certication) and will ultimately save time and money as well as make ‘safer’ product and installations. For example, courses run by ExVeritas include:

• 'Ex' Electrical Equipment Design and Certification: How to select a design with appropriate protection concepts, prepare certication drawings, test samples and quality systems (QAN/QAR/FUS).
• Advanced Intrinsic Safety Circuit Design: A five-day workshop-based training covering the most advanced intrinsic safety design techniques.
• Ex Assemblies and Non-Electrical Equipment: How to design ‘Ex’ assemblies and non-electrical equipment for ATEX, UKCA and IECEx Certification (from simple pump skids to diesel engine generators)

ExVeritas are a UK Government Appointed Body for UKCA ‘Ex’, an ATEX Notified Body and an IECEx Certification Body and Test Laboratory, we are also a MET Partner Laboratory for North American Certification. Our training is delivered by Senior Certification Body Engineers who are industry experts, you will learn from our vast experience in this field. www.exveritas.com

Links for courses that address the competence issues discussed in this article:

Ex Certification Process for ATEX and IECEx is explained here (exveritas.com)

Advanced Intrinsic Safety Circuit Design from an ATEX/UKCA and IECEx Body (exveritas.com)

ATEX and IECEx Ex h Non-Electrical Equipment and Assemblies training for Designers (exveritas.com)