AEMT awarded as finalists for Contribution to Skills and Training

The association has a respected and well reputed training course aimed at training service centre personnel in the requirements for the repair of equipment designed for operation in explosive atmospheres. Should such equipment create an ignition point for the surrounding flammable gas or dust, then the consequences can be devastating. Lives can be lost, buildings destroyed, companies destroyed through expensive legal battles, and eco-systems can be badly damaged or ruined. The course is held in many locations all around the globe including England, Middle East, and South East Asia.

The course looks in particular at clearly explaining the requirements of the international Ex repair standard, 60079-19. After the training, delegates are assessed on their ability to understand: 

• Explosion Protection, theory, concepts and design features
• Reading and interpreting Ex machine labels.
• Paperwork and documentation requirements
• How to handle and test the machine before and after repair, overhaul or reclamation.
• How to take accurate measurements, required before repairing the machine.
• How to complete repair sheets for the various different designs of equipment.

Alongside the intensive 4-day course, delegates receive a comprehensive course note book, a reference book for interpreting labels, and access to the association’s latest repair sheets. Delegates also get hands on experience with the various different types of equipment they can expect to repair, so they can touch, feel, and see the differences in design to a normal machine, as well as practise taking the measurements required to repair the equipment. Delegates also receive on-going support after the course, helping them to become competent.

The first "Code of Practice for the Repair and Overhaul of Ex Electrical Apparatus" was written jointly between the AEMT and BEAMA. The document had input from major users of Hazardous Area Ex Equipment, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It was subsequently adopted as the International Standard IEC 60079-19, which is now used as the basis to audit companies to IECEx Certified Service Facilities.

The association sits on the steering groups and committees which drives the continued improvement of these standards. Our lead lecturer, Dr. Martin Killeen has passed both Units IECEx 001 and IECEx 005, which proves his competency in the fields for which he teaches. The course is also one a few courses in the world to be officially recognised by the IEC as a competent provider of training in the field. To date we have trained over 86% of all service centres in the UK, Middle East and South.

Thomas Marks, Secretary to the association adds, “To be nominated as a finalist at the MCI Awards is a testament to all the hard work that has gone into developing this important course. To be recognised for this award and be by the IEC within the same year demonstrates how the course has matured to become the leading training course for anyone preparing to handle Ex equipment in their service centres. We can now confidently say that it is now the best course available for anyone looking to train their staff.”