Non-Electrical vs Electrical Workers – What Type of Hazardous Area Training Do I Need?

The type of Hazardous Area (HA) training you need depends on whether you are an electrical, non-electrical, or engineering professional and the specific nature of your role within hazardous zones.

1. Electrical Workers

Who: Licensed electricians and electrical/instrumentation technicians
Purpose: Competency to safely install, inspect, maintain, and test Ex-rated equipment in compliance with AS/NZS 60079.14 and AS/NZS 60079.17

Key Units:

• UEEHA0004 – Enter a classified hazardous area
• UEEHA0022 – Determine explosion-protection requirements
• UEEHA0025 – Install explosion-protected equipment
• UEEHA0026 – Maintain equipment in hazardous areas
• UEEHA0038 – Visual and close inspection
• UEEHA0020 – Detailed inspection
• UEEHA0029 – Plan installations for hazardous area

Training Focus:

• HA classification (zones, gas/dust groups, T-classes)
• Ex protection techniques (Ex d, e, i, n, t)
• Installation & maintenance (AS/NZS 60079.14)
• Visual/close/detailed inspections (AS/NZS 60079.17)
• Permit systems, safe work practices, dossier management
• Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000) and WHS compliance

2. Non-Electrical Workers

Who: Mechanical fitters, welders, process operators, engineers
Purpose: Awareness and safety training for working in or accessing hazardous areas

Common Unit:

• UEEHA0004 – Enter a classified hazardous area

Training Focus:

• HA classifications and Ex technique overview
• Ignition risks: friction, static, tool safety
• Real-world incident awareness and compliance gaps
• Safe work practices, permit systems, and signage
• Human factors and operational influence on HA integrity

Note: Additional tailored awareness training may be required based on site or role.

3. Electrical Engineers Working in Hazardous Areas

Who: Engineers involved in HA classification, design, or compliance
Purpose: Design, classification, and verification of explosion-protected systems

Key Units:

• UEEHA0004 – Enter a classified hazardous area
• UEEHA0022 – Determine explosion-protection requirements
• UEEHA0038 – Visual and close inspection
• UEEHA0017 – Classify areas (combustible dust)
• UEEHA0018 – Classify areas (gas/vapour)
• UEEHA0021 – Design Ex-protected electrical systems

Training Focus:

• AS/NZS 60079 series compliance
• Design of Ex systems: equipment selection, wiring, IP, temps
• HAC development: SoR, HAC Schedules, zoning diagrams
• Detailed understanding of Ex techniques for system design
• Verification dossiers and documentation for compliance

Unit-Specific Focus for Engineers:

• UEEHA0017 (Dust Classification):
  Classify Zones 20/21/22 per AS/NZS 60079.10.2; prepare HAC reports for dust industries (grain, timber, food).

• UEEHA0018 (Gas/Vapour Classification):
  Classify Zones 0/1/2 per AS/NZS 60079.10.1; develop SoR and HAC Schedules for oil, gas, and chemical sectors.

• UEEHA0021 (Design Ex Systems):
  Design compliant systems per AS/NZS 60079.14; select Ex-rated equipment, document installation specs, and compile verification dossiers.