For many businesses, the idea of an explosive atmosphere might sound extreme – but in sectors like manufacturing, chemical processing, or food production, hazardous areas are an everyday reality. Keeping people safe in these environments requires not just specialist equipment, but also properly trained and competent people. This is where CompEx comes in.
A hazardous area is any place where flammable gases, vapours, mists or dusts might mix with air and ignite if exposed to a spark, hot surface or other ignition source. These risks are found in a surprising number of industries, including oil and gas sites, chemical plants, distilleries, grain mills, paint spray booths, and fuel storage facilities. In simple terms, an explosion needs three things: a flammable substance, oxygen (which is always present in the air), and an ignition source, such as electrical sparks or heat. While it’s often impossible to eliminate oxygen or flammable materials completely, it is possible to remove ignition sources – especially from electrical equipment.
Electrical installations in hazardous areas must be specially designed and installed so they don’t generate sparks or excessive heat. Various protection methods are used to achieve this, such as flameproof enclosures that contain any explosion within equipment, intrinsically safe circuits that operate at low energy levels, or equipment designed to stay cool enough not to ignite surrounding substances. These safety features only work if they’re properly installed and maintained. That’s why hazardous areas are governed by strict regulations and standards, including the ATEX Directives and BS EN 60079 series in the UK.
Even the best equipment is only as safe as the people working with it. CompEx is an internationally recognised certification scheme that ensures workers are competent to operate in hazardous areas. CompEx courses cover key topics, including understanding hazardous zones and their classifications, different methods of protecting electrical equipment, safe installation and maintenance practices, and proper documentation and inspection routines. There are different levels of CompEx qualifications to suit various roles, from general awareness for non-technical staff to in-depth technical training for electricians, maintenance engineers, and designers.
Getting hazardous area installations wrong can have serious consequences, including fires, explosions, injuries, fatalities, legal consequences and significant financial losses. Employers have a legal duty under regulations like DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) to ensure anyone working in hazardous areas is competent. CompEx certification helps businesses keep workers and the public safe, prove compliance to regulators, insurers and clients, avoid costly downtime and damage from incidents, and maintain a strong reputation as a responsible operator. In industries where safety is critical, CompEx is widely seen as the benchmark for demonstrating that personnel have the skills and knowledge needed to work safely.
Hazardous areas can’t always be avoided – but their risks can be managed. CompEx provides a trusted way to ensure that electrical work in these environments is carried out safely, legally and to the highest standards. Investing in competent people is just as important as investing in the right equipment – and that’s why CompEx matters.
At Arrow Electrical, we carry out installation and maintenance work in areas where potentially explosive atmospheres may be present, including environments with gases, vapours, or combustible dusts. In addition to our ATEX approved status, we hold the appropriate CompEx qualifications, giving you the confidence that your business will stay safe and compliant. We’re committed to delivering high-quality work with minimal disruption, helping you protect people, property and reputation in even the most demanding environments.