Course Objective

This IECEx Ex 000 training course provides essential basic knowledge and awareness for personnel entering potentially explosive atmospheres, focusing on the safe use of electrical equipment and understanding hazardous area risks. It introduces the core principles of hazardous area safety, including:

• Characteristics of explosive atmospheres
• Introduction to explosion protection techniques
• Hazardous area classification systems
• Awareness of relevant occupational health and safety (OHS) practices
• General understanding of Ex equipment and labelling
• Introduction to applicable international standards (e.g., IEC 60079 series)

The course equips participants with a foundational understanding necessary to recognize hazardous conditions, follow basic safety procedures, and work responsibly under supervision in Ex areas.

Note: This unit does not cover the explosion protection aspects related to the design, installation, or maintenance of plant and machinery. It focuses solely on raising awareness of hazardous area conditions and complements, but does not replace, the competencies required for full compliance with OHS standards in functional roles.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for individuals who require basic awareness and understanding before entering hazardous areas. It is particularly suitable for:

• New personnel preparing to work in potentially explosive atmospheres

• Non-technical staff (e.g. admin, procurement, logistics) supporting Ex-certified operations

• Supervisors and safety observers without formal Ex certification

• Contractors, vendors, and site visitors entering hazardous locations under supervision

• Support staff in oil & gas, petrochemical, marine, utilities, and manufacturing sectors

• Anyone planning to pursue further IECEx CoPC units (Ex001 and above)

Note: This course is designed for awareness purposes and does not require prior technical or electrical knowledge. It is not a substitute for competency-based ExCoPC units but serves as a valuable introduction to hazardous area safety.

Course Outcome

This course builds a solid foundation for understanding hazardous area risks and prepares participants to work under supervision in Ex environments or advance to technical IECEx CoPC modules.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate basic awareness of explosive atmospheres and the associated hazards

• Identify the general properties of flammable gases, vapours, and dusts

• Recognize common ignition sources and unsafe practices in Ex environments

• Understand the principles of explosion protection techniques (introductory level)

• Apply general occupational health and safety (OHS) practices specific to working in or around hazardous areas

• Comply with basic site entry protocols and safety permit systems in Ex-zones

   

Course Content

This course introduces participants to the essential knowledge areas required to safely enter and operate within hazardous (Ex) environments. Key topics include:

• Overview of Codes, Standards, and the IECEx Competency Scheme
  Understand the purpose of IEC 60079 series, IECEx CoPC, and global compliance frameworks

• Hazardous Areas – History, Importance & Industry Relevance
  Learn how incidents shaped modern standards and why hazardous area safety is critical across industries

• Ignition Sources in Hazardous Areas

  • Identify common electrical and non-electrical ignition sources

• Properties of Flammable Materials

  • Understand flammable gases, vapours, and dusts

• Certification Schemes and Equipment Marking

  • Introduction to IECEx & ATEX certification systems

• Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and Permit to Work Systems

  • Introduction to permit-to-work procedures, isolation, and supervision

• General Safety Procedures in Hazardous Areas

  • Safe behavior, PPE, grounding, and basic emergency response

• Hazardous Area Documentation

  • Introduction to documentation such as area classification drawings, Ex registers, and inspection checklists

• Instructions, Signage, and Nameplate Markings

  • Basic understanding of signage and equipment nameplates for Ex compliance