As-NZS Hazardous Areas Competency Standards
As-NZS Hazardous Areas Competency Standards
As-NZS Hazardous Areas Competency Standards
Competency Standards are an industry agreed statement used to describe the knowledge and skills required to carry out a particular job or task.
Once you have been awarded a competency in your field of study, you are considered to have all the necessary knowledge and skills required and you are able to apply this knowledge and skills effectively in the workplace. You are considered competent because you can: apply your knowledge and skills in a range of situations simultaneously manage the different activities that make up the competency deal with the responsibilities and expectations of the workplace.
Conduct Close Inspection of Existing Hazardous Areas Installations (endorsement*) (now Clause 2.11) (UTE NES 409): This competency standard unit covers the explosion-protected aspects for conducting visual and close inspection of electrical installations for hazardous areas. It requires the ability to follow inspection programs, work safely, and identify conditions that affect the integrity of explosion-protection and document inspection findings. Conduct Detailed Inspection of Existing Hazardous Areas Installations (endorsement*) (now Clause 2.12) (UTE NES 410): This competency standard unit covers the explosion-protection aspects of conducting initial, periodic and sample audit inspections of explosion-protected equipment and installations. It requires the ability to audit a verification dossier, work safely in a hazardous area, inspect against Standards and report and act on inspection results. Develop and Manage Maintenance Programs for Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment (endorsement*) (now Clause 2.13) (UTE NES 609): This competency standard unit covers the explosion-protection aspects of plant maintenance schemes. It requires the ability to develop and manage maintenance programs incorporating strategies for inspection, repair/overhaul/replacement of components and recording of maintenance outcomes. Ensure the Safety of Hazardous Areas (now Clause 2.14) (UTE NES 610): This competency standard unit covers the explosion-protection aspects of ensuring that explosive atmospheres, generated by production, processing or servicing activities, do not pose a hazard to persons, property or the environment. Design and Develop Modifications to Explosion-Protected Equipment (endorsement*) (now Clause 2.15) (UTE NES 705): This competency standard unit covers the explosion-protection aspects of designing and developing modifications to explosion-protected equipment. It requires abilities in technical design and compliance assessments and documentation. Classify Hazardous Areas (endorsement*) (now Clause 2.16) (UTE NES 706): This competency standard unit covers knowledge and skills to classify areas where explosion materials may exist. It requires the ability to gather and analyse data relative to explosion hazards, determine the extent of risk and to establish and document zones delineating the levels of risk. Plan Electrical Installations in Hazardous Areas (endorsement*) (now Clause 2.17) (UTE NES 707): This competency standard unit covers the explosion-protection aspects of planning electrical installations for hazardous areas. It requires the ability to identify hazardous area zones from classification diagrams, or from examples of previously classified areas such as those given in Standards, and to select and locate explosionprotected equipment and wiring systems and other items that may influence the explosion-protection technique. Design Explosion-Protected Electrical Systems (endorsement*) (now Clause 2.18) (UTE NES 708): This competency standard unit covers the explosion-protection aspects of designing electrical systems. It requires the ability to establish briefs and to pursue economical and effective design solutions. Design Gas Detection Systems (now Clause 2.19) (UTE NES 711): This competency standard unit covers the selection aspects of gas detection equipment for the design of gas detection systems for hazardous areas. It requires the ability to establish equipment parameters and to evaluate these against manufacturer's specifications. ENDORSEMENT* Competency standards have attached endorsements related to the explosion protection equipment/environment in which the competency has been demonstrated. More than one endorsement is achievable. Endorsements are designated by suffixes as follows:
Ex d Ex e Ex n Ex i Ex p Ex tD (DIP) Ex pD Ex m D Ex iD
Flameproof Increased safety Non-sparking Intrinsic safety Pressurization Protection by enclosure - Dusts Pressurization - Dusts Encapsulation - Dusts Intrinsic safety - Dusts
Classification of hazardous areas Dusts Classification of hazardous areas Endorsement* Competency standards have attached endorsements related to the explosion protection equipment / environment in which the competency has been demonstrated. More than one endorsement is achievable. Endorsements are designated by suffixes as follows:
Flameproof Flameproof (enclosures only) Increased safety Non-sparking Intrinsic safety Pressurization Protection by enclosure - Dusts Group I equipment only Gas hazards only Dust hazards only For equipment and systems operating a extralow voltage only