What is CompEX and what is a ATEX inspection?

The CompEx scheme is a certified training program which is recognised worldwide and is a vital qualification for those working in hazardous and potentially explosive environments. The UK does not have many fully CompEx certified engineers which restricts many maintenance providing companies on the work they can undertake. The scheme is broken into 12 differing unit to cover safety and working within a wide range of hazardous environments.

An engineer will certainly need CompEx certification to work on, repair or even maintain certain equipment in the oil, gas and chemical sectors. The qualification provides the knowledge and skills to carry out safe working practices in these high-risk areas whilst allowing the engineer to understand the correct approach to reduce the risk of ignition of explosive gasses, liquids or dust.

Reassuringly, the CompEx certification is not simply a one-off course but rather a commitment to continued learning and refreshing participant’s knowledge. If engineers do not commit to this, they will not be considered CompEx qualified.

This flows on to the second part of the question. An ATEX inspection can only be undertaken by a CompEx qualified engineer. ATEX is an acronym that stands for ATmospheres Explosive. It deals with the replacement, repair and maintenance of core equipment within hazardous, or potentially explosive, environments ranging from flour mills and food processing plants to gas works. The need for regular ATEX inspections is based on Government legislation which places the responsibility of controlling and reducing risks in these environments solely on the employer and

business owner. It is vital these are kept up to date to keep health and safety at the forefront of the organisations mind and highlight potential issues before the become serious problems.

Install Projects and our CompEx certified engineers are proud to provide ATEX installations & inspections to a number of Calor Gas bulk filling depos in the UK (we have a case study on this work, click here if you want to learn more).