IECEx COPC Training
Course Details
Units of Competence
Ex 000 – Basic Knowledge and Awareness to Enter a Site with a Classified Hazardous Area
This unit covers the fundamental safety obligations and basic knowledge required for individuals entering hazardous areas. It includes an understanding of hazardous area classifications, restrictions on devices brought into such areas, and essential health and safety responsibilities. This unit is theoretical and does not cover explosion protection for machinery or equipment.
Who should take this? – Personnel who need general awareness of hazardous areas, such as supervisors, safety officers, and administrative staff working near classified zones.
Ex 001 – Basic Principles of Protection in Explosive Atmospheres
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the properties and hazards of flammable gases, vapors, dusts, and mists.
- Identify the types of explosive atmospheres and associated risks.
- Explain the basic protection concepts (e.g., Ex d, Ex e, Ex i).
- Interpret area classification (zones 0, 1, 2, 20, 21, 22).
- Understand international standards (IEC 60079 series).
- Recognize the importance of correct equipment selection and installation in Ex areas.
Agenda:
|
Time |
Description |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Introduction to Explosive Atmospheres & Industry Hazards |
|
09:30 – 10:15 |
Flammable Substances & Ignition Sources |
|
10:15 – 10:30 |
Break |
|
10:30 – 11:30 |
Area Classification (Zones 0–2 for gas, 20–22 for dust) |
|
11:30 – 12:30 |
Explosion Protection Concepts (Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, Ex p, etc.) |
|
12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch |
|
13:30 – 14:30 |
Gas Groups & Temperature Classes |
|
14:30 – 15:30 |
Case Examples, Hands-On Activities/Visuals |
|
15:30 – 16:00 |
Q&A and Recap |
|
16:00 – 16:30 |
Knowledge Assessment / Quiz |
Ex 002 – Installation of Ex Equipment
Learning Outcomes:
- Interpret installation requirements according to IEC 60079-14.
- Select appropriate Ex-certified equipment based on zone classification.
- Install Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, Ex n, Ex t, and other types of protection correctly.
- Apply cable glanding and termination practices in Ex environments.
- Follow documentation and inspection protocols during installation.
- Understand environmental factors influencing installation (e.g., temperature, IP rating).
Agenda:
|
Time |
Description |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Installation Principles & Reference to IEC 60079-14 |
|
09:30 – 10:30 |
Equipment Types & Zone Suitability |
|
10:30 – 10:45 |
Break |
|
10:45 – 11:45 |
Cable Systems, Glands & Terminations in Ex Zones |
|
11:45 – 12:30 |
Mechanical & Electrical Installation Requirements |
|
12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch |
|
13:30 – 14:30 |
Environmental Considerations & Mounting Techniques |
|
14:30 – 15:30 |
Review of Typical Installation Errors & Case Studies |
|
15:30 – 16:00 |
Q&A, Recap and Practical Scenarios Discussion |
|
16:00 – 16:30 |
Written or Oral Assessment |
Ex 003 – Maintenance of Ex Equipment
Learning Outcomes:
- Perform routine and preventative maintenance on Ex equipment per IEC 60079-17.
- Identify faults and degradation in Ex equipment and protective systems.
- Carry out corrective actions without compromising protection techniques.
- Understand maintenance categories (visual, close, detailed).
- Use appropriate tools and procedures to maintain Ex integrity.
- Document maintenance activities for compliance and traceability.
Agenda:
|
Time |
Description |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Introduction to Maintenance under IEC 60079-17 |
|
09:30 – 10:15 |
Visual, Close & Detailed Maintenance Categories |
|
10:15 – 10:30 |
Break |
|
10:30 – 11:30 |
Common Maintenance Procedures for Ex d, Ex e, Ex i Equipment |
|
11:30 – 12:30 |
Managing Non-conformities & Equipment Degradation |
|
12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch |
|
13:30 – 14:30 |
Documentation & Maintenance Record Keeping |
|
14:30 – 15:30 |
Fault-Finding Techniques & Case Studies |
|
15:30 – 16:00 |
Recap, Discussion |
|
16:00 – 16:30 |
Knowledge Check / Quiz |
Ex 004 – Repair and Overhaul of Ex Equipment
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand principles of repair, overhaul, and reclamation under IEC 60079-19.
- Identify limitations on repairability for different Ex protection types.
- Apply repair methods without altering safety characteristics of equipment.
- Use correct materials, tolerances, and clearances as per original design.
- Maintain repair records and quality assurance documentation.
- Ensure repaired equipment remains compliant with original certification.
Agenda:
|
Time |
Description |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Scope of IEC 60079-19 and Legal Responsibilities |
|
09:30 – 10:30 |
Repair Limits by Protection Type (Ex d, Ex e, etc.) |
|
10:30 – 10:45 |
Break |
|
10:45 – 11:45 |
Workshop Practices: Tolerances, Materials, Techniques |
|
11:45 – 12:30 |
Testing & Inspection After Repair |
|
12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch |
|
13:30 – 14:30 |
Marking, Traceability, and Documentation Requirements |
|
14:30 – 15:30 |
Case Studies: Repair Failures & Lessons Learned |
|
15:30 – 16:00 |
Recap & Practical Examples Discussion |
|
16:00 – 16:30 |
Assessment |
Ex 005 – Preparation and Installation of Cable Glands
Learning Outcomes:
- Select and install cable glands suitable for Ex d, Ex e, and Ex t protection types.
- Understand gland sealing requirements for gas- and dust-hazardous areas.
- Recognize the role of barrier glands, compound filling, and IP protection.
- Follow manufacturer specifications and standards (IEC 60079-0/14).
- Ensure mechanical strength and flameproof integrity of glands and enclosures.
Agenda:
|
Time |
Description |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Gland Functionality & Selection (Ex d, Ex e, Ex t) |
|
09:30 – 10:30 |
Gland Construction Types & Sealing Techniques |
|
10:30 – 10:45 |
Break |
|
10:45 – 11:45 |
Installation Steps & Termination Methods |
|
11:45 – 12:30 |
Environmental Considerations (IP Ratings, Corrosion) |
|
12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch |
|
13:30 – 14:30 |
Faults Due to Incorrect Glanding Practices |
|
14:30 – 15:30 |
Demonstration or Hands-on Gland Installation |
|
15:30 – 16:00 |
Q&A and Troubleshooting Checklist |
|
16:00 – 16:30 |
Quiz / Skill Demonstration |
Ex 006 – Testing and Verification of Ex Installations
Learning Outcomes:
- Conduct testing and commissioning per IEC 60079-14 and IEC 60079-17.
- Verify Ex equipment installation integrity through insulation resistance, continuity, and earth loop testing.
- Interpret test results against acceptance criteria.
- Understand responsibilities during initial inspection vs periodic inspection.
- Use inspection checklists and documentation to validate installation quality.
Agenda:
|
Time |
Description |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Introduction to Testing Requirements (IEC 60079-14 & -17) |
|
09:30 – 10:30 |
Pre-Commissioning vs Periodic Testing: Objectives & Scope |
|
10:30 – 10:45 |
Break |
|
10:45 – 11:45 |
Electrical Testing Procedures: Insulation, Continuity, Earth Loops |
|
11:45 – 12:30 |
Verifying Equipment Ratings, IP, Markings & Mechanical Integrity |
|
12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch |
|
13:30 – 14:30 |
Interpreting Results & Accept/Reject Criteria |
|
14:30 – 15:30 |
Test Equipment Handling & Troubleshooting |
|
15:30 – 16:00 |
Recap, Case Scenarios |
|
16:00 – 16:30 |
Written Quiz / Verification Checklist Practical |
Ex 007 – Visual and Close Inspection of Ex Installations
Learning Outcomes:
- Carry out visual and close inspections on Ex equipment according to IEC 60079-17.
- Identify potential non-conformities or defects affecting equipment integrity.
- Classify inspection results and report findings.
- Understand inspection intervals and categories.
- Use proper inspection tools without compromising protection.
Agenda:
|
Time |
Description |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Principles of Inspection (IEC 60079-17) |
|
09:30 – 10:30 |
Definitions: Visual, Close, Detailed – What’s Included |
|
10:30 – 10:45 |
Break |
|
10:45 – 11:45 |
Common Defects: Corrosion, Loose Fittings, Wrong Components |
|
11:45 – 12:30 |
Using Checklists & Inspection Tools Effectively |
|
12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch |
|
13:30 – 14:30 |
Review of Sample Photos / Hands-on Visual Exercises |
|
14:30 – 15:30 |
Documentation & Reporting Non-Conformities |
|
15:30 – 16:00 |
Recap, Peer Review Activity |
|
16:00 – 16:30 |
Short Quiz or Inspection Simulation |
Ex 008 – Detailed Inspection of Ex Installations
Learning Outcomes:
- Conduct detailed (intrusive) inspectionsas per IEC 60079-17.
- Disassemble equipment if necessary to verify internal condition.
- Identify non-compliance or unsafe modifications.
- Document and evaluate findings with risk-based judgement.
- Understand the criticality of inspection for aging Ex equipment.
Agenda:
|
Time |
Description |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Introduction to Detailed Inspections (IEC 60079-17) |
|
09:30 – 10:30 |
When to Perform Detailed Inspections: Criteria and Triggers |
|
10:30 – 10:45 |
Break |
|
10:45 – 11:45 |
Tools, Instruments, and Safe Disassembly Techniques |
|
11:45 – 12:30 |
Evaluating Enclosure Integrity, Flamepaths, and Gland Seals |
|
12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch |
|
13:30 – 14:30 |
Maintenance vs Detailed Inspection – What to Record |
|
14:30 – 15:30 |
Fault-Finding Case Studies & Examples |
|
15:30 – 16:00 |
Q&A and Best Practice Review |
|
16:00 – 16:30 |
Knowledge Check or Practical Simulation |
Ex 009 – Design of Ex Installations
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply area classification data to design compliant Ex installations.
- Select suitable equipment, wiring systems, and protection concepts.
- Interpret and apply IEC 60079-14 in layout planning.
- Design for environmental conditions and temperature classifications.
- Ensure segregation, bonding, earthing, and control measures are in place.
- Produce Ex-compliant documentation and design drawings.
Agenda:
|
Time |
Description |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Introduction to Hazardous Area Design Standards (IEC 60079-14) |
|
09:30 – 10:30 |
Selecting Protection Concepts Based on Zone & Equipment Type |
|
10:30 – 10:45 |
Break |
|
10:45 – 11:45 |
Designing Cable Routing, Glanding, Earthing & Segregation |
|
11:45 – 12:30 |
Using Area Classification Drawings in Design |
|
12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch |
|
13:30 – 14:30 |
Preparing Design Documentation & Ex Equipment Schedules |
|
14:30 – 15:30 |
Common Design Errors & Compliance Failures |
|
15:30 – 16:00 |
Peer Design Review & Recap |
|
16:00 – 16:30 |
Written Design Review Exercise or Quiz |
Ex 010 – Audit and Inspection of Ex Installations
Learning Outcomes:
- Plan and conduct formal audits and compliance inspections.
- Evaluate installed systems for adherence to IEC 60079 standards.
- Identify systemic deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
- Review maintenance, repair, and inspection records.
- Ensure conformity of documentation, marking, and certification.
- Prepare technical reports and compliance summaries
Agenda:
|
Time |
Topic |
|
09:00 – 09:30 |
Audit Principles: IEC 60079-17 & IEC 60079-14 |
|
09:30 – 10:30 |
Planning and Structuring an Ex Compliance Audit |
|
10:30 – 10:45 |
Break |
|
10:45 – 11:45 |
Evidence Gathering: Documents, Photos, Checklists |
|
11:45 – 12:30 |
Risk Assessment in Compliance Gaps & Prioritization |
|
12:30 – 13:30 |
Lunch |
|
13:30 – 14:30 |
Conducting Interviews & Site Walkdowns |
|
14:30 – 15:30 |
Writing a Compliance Audit Report |
|
15:30 – 16:00 |
Discussion: Real-World Non-Compliance Cases |
|
16:00 – 16:30 |
Audit Simulation / Summary Assessment |