Competency of operators

The competency of employees, contingent workers and contractors is vital to the safe and effective operation of industrial plant.  Training and education play a vital role in ensuring the competency of workers in all areas of the plant.

Achievements to date

Competency of electrical technicians operating in hazardous (‘Ex’-rated) areas has been a particular concern for EEMUA members, who developed guidance on this subject in the early 1990s.  The guidance has since been maintained up-to-date by the Association.  Today it forms the basis of the successful Comp’Ex’ training scheme that is supported by the electrical industry and the British Health & Safety Executive.  Comp’Ex’ courses are run at twelve centres throughout the UK.

Competency of those involved in the maintenance of industrial storage tanks has been another area of focus for EEMUA members in the past.  The Association’s Storage Tanks Technical Committee (STC) has developed training materials, and maintenance courses are now held in the UK, Netherlands and other worldwide locations.

The role of competency and human factors in the design and operation of alarm systems has been highlighted by an EEMUA guide that has become a de-facto worldwide reference document and the basis for training courses on alarm systems in Europe and America.

EEMUA’s current agenda on Competency

The successful Comp’Ex’ scheme is being extended into the water industry.  The scheme is also being extended to cover the training of people involved in offsite maintenance of electrical equipment used in hazardous areas.  A course on the mechanical engineering aspects of working in hazardous areas is being considered.

Join us

To become involved in EEMUA’s current agenda on Competency, or to help extend this agenda into new areas, write to .