Renaming the CompEx Refresher to RPP: Key Changes and Benefits for Hazardous Area Certification

Learn about the renaming of the CompEx Refresher Course to the Recognised Practitioners Programme (RPP) and its impact on hazardous area certification. This update ensures technicians maintain the highest standards of competence and safety.

The landscape of hazardous area certification has seen a significant transformation with the renaming of the CompEx Refresher Ex01-04 course to the Recognised Practitioners Programme (RPP). This evolution marks a commitment to maintaining high standards in the industry, ensuring that electrical and instrument technicians working in hazardous environments are proficient and up-to-date with current practices.

Introduction to the Recognised Practitioners Programme (RPP)

Effectively replacing the previous CompEx Refresher Ex01-04 course, the Recognised Practitioners Programme (RPP) serves as a tailored recertification course specifically developed for experienced electrical and instrument technicians. This programme aims to recertify professionals who regularly operate in hazardous areas and seek to maintain their competence under the CompEx Scheme.

Key Features of the RPP

The RPP is structured to ensure comprehensive recertification for practitioners:

1. Recertification Frequency: CompEx certified practitioners must recertify every five years.
2. Course Units: the RPP includes the course units Ex01RPP – Ex04RPP, focusing on Gas and Vapours hazards.
3. Course Duration: the RPP is a shorter, more concise course compared to the full five-day Gas and Vapours course, catering specifically to those who have already completed the core practitioner course.
4. Target Audience: it is designed for experienced practitioners who regularly work in hazardous areas.

For practitioners who do not regularly work in such environments it may be more appropriate to attend the full five-day course again for recertification.  This would provide learners with more training time ahead of practical assessments and theory examinations.

Significant Changes in the Transition

The transition from the CompEx Refresher Course to the RPP brought several substantial changes aimed at enhancing the recertification process:

1. Updated Course Content: the curriculum has been updated to align with current industry standards and practices, ensuring relevance and comprehensiveness.
2. Enhanced Assessment Methods:
   • Cable Gland Installation Assessment: this is a practical assessment where candidates must correctly, select and install two cable glands into Ex equipment, including cable core crimping and terminating.
   • Equipment Inspection: the inspection assessments are hands on practical assessments utilising Ex equipment with selected faults applied.
   • Ex Equipment Selection: candidates must complete an online assessment that involves selecting the correct Ex equipment, cable glands, and cable gland accessories for specific hazardous area locations and installations.
   • Theory Exam: the online theory is 20 multiple-choice questions, providing a thorough evaluation of the candidates’ knowledge.

The practical and online assessments aim to provide a realistic and thorough assessment of the candidates’ skills and knowledge in working with hazardous area equipment.

Preparation and Training for the RPP

Delegates attending the “CompEx Refresher” at EPIT in Aberdeen will receive a full day of training that covers the course content, and guidance on the assessments they will undertake on the second day. In preparation for the course training and assessments, delegates are encouraged to take advantage of EPIT’s E-learning modules: Explosion Protection Awareness (Electrical) and Ex Equipment Selection

The E-learning modules offer a comprehensive and interactive approach to the course content, covering basic concepts and principles of explosion protection and Ex equipment selection. This ensures that all delegates begin with a solid foundation. The modular structure and accessibility on various devices allow delegates to learn at their own pace and convenience, utilising multimedia elements such as videos, quizzes, and simulations to enhance learning. Each module is just a few hours long, making them manageable and easy to fit into busy schedules. Moreover,  90-100% of delegates who used the E-Learning modules before attending the in-person courses successfully passed the assessments, highlighting the effectiveness of the E-Learning solution in bridging the knowledge gap and enhancing overall course performance. 

Key Topics for Preparing for the CompEx Refresher Exam

Key topics for preparation include:

• Properties of flammable gases and liquids and zonal classification.
• Principles of protection for various types of apparatus, including Ex’d, ‘e, ‘n, ‘p, ‘l, ‘q, ‘m, ‘o, and ‘s.
• Selection, installation, inspection, and maintenance of Ex apparatus and systems.
• Certification and marking of apparatus.
• Updates on European directives and Ex standards.
• Wiring systems, enclosure entries, cable glanding, and earthing.
• Inspection and maintenance according to BS EN / IEC 60079-17.
• Sources of ignition.
• Equipment selection.
• Fault finding exercises.
• Combined (hybrid) methods of protection.

Recertification and Consequences of Missing the Deadline

CompEx certification remains valid for five years, after which candidates must undertake the RPP for recertification. If the five-year deadline is missed, the candidate must complete the full Ex01-Ex04 course again, rather than the refresher course, involving more time and cost.

Conclusion

The renaming of the CompEx Refresher Course to the Recognised Practitioners Programme represents a pivotal step towards ensuring that practitioners in hazardous areas maintain high levels of competence and safety. The updates and enhancements in the RPP reflect a proactive approach to addressing current industry needs and standards, making it a vital programme for professionals committed to excellence in their field.