Working in potentially explosive environments
AIS Training has become one of companies worldwide to offer a complete training package for electricians and engineers looking to work offshore and in potentially explosive atmospheres.
The company, which is based in North Shields, has received a licence to run the CompEx Electrical course, an international qualification which trains electrical workers and engineers to work in potentially explosive atmospheres, like those found offshore or in the chemical and heavy industrial sectors. The licence has been granted by JTLimited, the CompEx Certification Body.
Endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive, the 5-day course is a pre-requisite for electrical workers and engineers looking to work offshore or in industries where gases and other highly combustible materials may be present. These include places like distilleries, paint spraying and woodworking plants or fuel forecourts. It is also an essential qualification for employers who need to comply with legislation around explosive environments (such as the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations and European Directive, ATEX) by demonstrating the competency of their workers.
The CompEx Ex01-04 Gas and Vapour course covers a wide range of practical and theoretical subjects from area classification to identifying ignition sources and legislation to detailed protection methods. It is the latest addition to AIS Training’s extensive portfolio, which includes more than 60 competency and industry-specific courses, approved by the world’s leading trade and standard setting bodies.
To help achieve CompEx approval, AIS has invested heavily in a new bespoke electrical training and assessment facility, which includes dedicated teaching areas and specially equipped practical assessment booths. These enable candidates to learn and practice the highest industry standards and latest techniques using specialist equipment in a controlled environment.
The new facility is part of a wider investment programme, which will see a new 2.4million offshore survival centre with world-class restaurant opening at the AIS training village in the spring, along with a new on site hotel facility coming soon.
Martin Jones JTLimited’s CompEx Operation Manager said: “We are extremely impressed with AIS’s professionalism and approach. Their North Shields centre meets the very high standards we demand from a CompEx licenced facility and AIS has also implemented a training management system which ensures consistency and quality for the delegate experience. JTLimited is delighted to add AIS to our list of licensed CompEx Centres around the world.“
Paul Stonebanks, managing director of AIS, said: “This new course is excellent news for electricians or engineers looking for a job offshore. The sector is currently experiencing massive skills shortages and numerous lucrative job opportunities exist for skilled personnel such as electricians.
“We’re now one of only a handful of centres across the globe to be able to offer all the training and competency testing needed to help electrical personnel and engineers pursue a new offshore career or simply enhance their existing one.
“We’ve invested heavily in fantastic world-class facilities and an exceptional course portfolio to create a unique training village of 11 bespoke centres over 130,000 square feet, which truly is a one-stop-shop’ for training and competency testing in the offshore sector. From emergency fire training to rigging and lifting, rope access and blaster painter qualifications we provide realistic and world-class instruction in any skill needed offshore.”
Source and Image Credit: AISGROUP