BP'S STEVE SEALEY
BP electrical technician, Steve Sealey, recently attended the CompEx training programme at Aberdeen Skills and Enterprise Training (ASET) in order to ensure he carries out his role with the appropriate due diligence and care.
Accidents are preventable and prevention is enhanced by the right training. Companies have a responsibility to staff to ensure their safety and to encourage health and safety best practice in the workplace. For those who work in these potentially hazardous environments – such as onshore and offshore petrochemical plants– there are specialist courses available that will ensure the appropriate training is received.
Steve commented:
"...BP states that instrument and electrical technicians working on electrical equipment on the platform must have the necessary training and competence assurance in place.
My role involves overseeing electrical services, plant and equipment on the platform and includes everything from lighting to main power, looking after specialist contractors and securing electrical isolations on the platform for people to work on. With such serious safety issues, the appropriate training is imperative..."
The CompEx training, which is a certificated assessment scheme, is fully comprehensive and establishes the principles associated with the selection and use of electrical apparatus in potentially explosive atmospheres. After two to four days of intensive training, candidates are required to demonstrate competence via a series of practical tests, and complete a written multi-choice test paper.
For those who carry out work in hazardous areas without appropriate training, the repercussions could be immense – health and safety should always be the number one priority, but the relevant knowledge is a necessity to safeguard this. Furthermore, new legislation introduced (ATEX Directives) has made it mandatory for all personnel working in potentially hazardous areas to receive relevant training and to be deemed competent to do so.
As Steve continues:
"...attending the CompEx course means I am also better equipped to look for problems and carry out a high level of general maintenance on motors and light fittings. The main benefit, however, is that my enhanced knowledge means enhanced safety for me and my colleagues – undoubtedly the most important thing of all."