IEC TS 60079-44:2023
(Main)Explosive atmospheres - Part 44: Personal competence
Explosive atmospheres - Part 44: Personal competence
IEC TS 60079-44:2023, which is a Technical Specification, is to provide guidance to establish recommended minimum criteria to determine roles, establish expectations of the necessary skills and evidence of competence to assess and manage the competence of personnel conducting work in or associated with hazardous areas. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to establish:
• recommended minimum criteria to determine roles,
• expectations of the necessary skills, and
• evidence of competence
in order to assess and manage the competence of personnel who are conducting work in or associated with hazardous areas.
This document provides examples and recommendations of minimum levels of competence for typical roles associated with hazardous areas by addressing the knowledge, skills, or abilities that is expected of personnel. Additionally, examples of the evidence of competence expected for each role are provided.
The aim of tThis document is to assist in defining, assessing, and managing unique requirements for the competence of individuals working in or associated with installations where an explosive atmosphere could be present. Such a programme could be specific to a facility or used in conjunction with other regulatory requirements where they exist. The competencies for conducting work in a hazardous area are in addition to any competencies which may apply for the general type of work being undertaken (for example, professional credentials, electrical, non-electrical, operations, design).
This document applies to both electrical and non-electrical applications.
This document identifies the minimum level of knowledge and skills required to work in hazardous areas and the specific competence required for work associated with equipment for explosive atmospheres (commonly termed ‘Ex Equipment’) and the standards to which competence is to be assessed and attributed.
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to establish:
• recommended minimum criteria to determine roles,
• expectations of the necessary skills, and
• evidence of competence
The principal application of this specification document is for personnel dealing with explosion-protected and associated equipment for use in explosive atmospheres, including the following work functions:
• Classification of areas;
• Producing, processing or servicing functions in a hazardous area and not directly involved in installing, maintaining or repairing explosion-protected equipment and systems;
• Designing, commissioning and maintaining explosion-protection strategies and equipment;
• Selecting, installing, testing and maintaining explosion-protected equipment and systems in hazardous areas;
• Inspecting hazardous area equipment, systems and installations;
• Overhauling, repairing and modifying explosion-protected equipment;
• Management of the Ex aspects of the facility.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
IEC TS 60079-44 ®
Edition 1.0 2023-11
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Explosive atmospheres –
Part 44: Personal competence
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IEC TS 60079-44 ®
Edition 1.0 2023-11
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Explosive atmospheres –
Part 44: Personal competence
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.260.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-7894-9
– 2 – IEC TS 60079-44:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 General . 10
5 Typical evidence of competence . 11
5.1 General . 11
5.2 Prerequisite qualifications . 11
5.3 Recommendations for the verification of Ex competence . 11
6 Task competency expectations . 12
7 Party legally responsible for a facility . 12
7.1 General . 12
7.2 Internal quality audit of competency management system associated with
hazardous areas . 12
7.2.1 General . 12
7.2.2 Examples of typical auditing tasks . 12
7.2.3 Examples of evidence of competence . 13
8 Roles associated with hazardous areas where competence should be verified . 13
8.1 General . 13
8.2 Area classification . 13
8.2.1 General . 13
8.2.2 Examples of area classification tasks. 14
8.2.3 Examples of evidence of area classification competence . 14
8.3 Design of systems or installations for hazardous areas . 14
8.3.1 General . 14
8.3.2 Examples of typical design tasks . 15
8.3.3 Examples of evidence of design competence . 15
8.4 Installation . 15
8.4.1 General . 15
8.4.2 Examples of typical installation tasks . 15
8.4.3 Examples of evidence of installation competence . 16
8.5 Maintenance . 16
8.5.1 General . 16
8.5.2 Examples of typical maintenance tasks . 16
8.5.3 Examples of evidence of maintenance competence . 17
8.6 Overhaul and repair activities by service facilities . 18
8.6.1 General . 18
8.6.2 Examples of typical overhaul and repair tasks –Responsible Person for
overhaul and repair . 18
8.6.3 Examples of evidence of overhaul and repair competence –
Responsible person for overhaul and repair . 18
8.6.4 Examples of typical overhaul and repair tasks – Repair operator . 19
8.6.5 Examples of evidence of competence – Repair Operator . 19
8.7 Inspection . 19
8.7.1 General . 19
8.7.2 Examples of typical inspection tasks . 19
8.7.3 Examples of evidence of inspection competence . 19
8.8 Commissioning . 20
8.8.1 General . 20
8.8.2 Examples of typical commissioning tasks . 20
8.8.3 Examples of evidence of commissioning competence . 21
8.9 Facility operation . 21
8.9.1 General . 21
8.9.2 Examples of typical facility operation tasks . 21
8.9.3 Examples of evidence of facility operation competence. 21
8.10 Testing of installed Ex Equipment . 22
8.10.1 General . 22
8.10.2 Examples of typical testing of installed Ex Equipment tasks . 23
8.10.3 Example of evidence of typical testing of installed equipment
competence . 23
8.11 Responsibility for specific Ex compliance functions . 23
8.11.1 General . 23
8.11.2 Examples of typical compliance functions . 23
8.11.3 Examples of evidence of compliance function competence . 23
8.12 Management (accountable administration) . 24
8.12.1 General . 24
8.12.2 Examples of typical management tasks . 24
8.12.3 Examples of evidence of management (accountable administration)
competence . 25
8.13 Procurement . 25
8.13.1 General . 25
8.13.2 Examples of typical procurement tasks . 25
8.13.3 Examples of evidence of procurement competence . 26
8.14 Training instructors . 26
8.14.1 General . 26
8.14.2 Examples of typical training tasks . 26
8.14.3 Examples of evidence of training competence . 26
8.15 Assessors of competence . 26
8.15.1 General . 26
8.15.2 Examples of typical assessor tasks . 26
8.15.3 Examples of evidence of assessor competence . 27
8.16 Other tasks . 27
8.16.1 General . 27
8.16.2 Example of evidence of other competence . 27
9 Evaluation assessment criteria . 27
9.1 General . 27
9.2 Pass-fail criteria . 27
10 Reassessment of competency evaluation . 28
Bibliography . 29
– 4 – IEC TS 60079-44:2023 © IEC 2023
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES –
Part 44: Personal competence
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
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www.iso.org/patents. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC TS 60079-44 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 31: Equipment for explosive
atmospheres. It is a Technical Specification.
The text of this Technical Specification is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
31/1716/DTS 31/1747/RVDTS
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this Technical Specification is English.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60079 series, published under the general title Explosive
atmospheres, can be found on the IEC website.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 6 – IEC TS 60079-44:2023 © IEC 2023
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this document is to minimize the impact on safety and integrity of facilities
where hazardous areas could be present, due to human error that may result in an individual’s
lack of knowledge, skills, or abilities during the performance of certain activities. This document
explains how the minimum requirements for the competence and management of competencies
of personnel with tasks related to hazardous areas. Assurance that individuals who perform
such tasks and those individuals responsible for ensuring a qualified workforce are competent
according to this document will also support the achievement of the stated objective.
Competence depends on knowledge, skill, experience, and training. Verification of competence
is a difficult task and requires specific assessment methods based on clear criteria. In
establishing these criteria, it is acknowledged that:
• The competencies for conducting work in facilities where explosive atmospheres may be
present are in addition to any competencies which may apply for the specific type of work
being undertaken, for example, electrical, mechanical, operations.
• Competencies for working in hazardous areas vary by the individual roles and tasks
performed (see Clause 8), and the protection techniques used.
• As explosion protection measures adopt quite different and individual design and installation
requirements it is common for personnel to be trained and competent either in some or all
these measures.
Regarding the assurance of competence, it is recognised that competence evolves with years
but can also deteriorate if not applied, and so continued training or education and assessment
to verify competence is necessary. Where training or assessment of competence is required, it
is expected that those conducting these activities should have at least the same level of
competence as those being trained or assessed. These and other specific processes and
requirements might also be defined in other publications that are employed in competence
certification systems.
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES –
Part 44: Personal competence
1 Scope
The purpose of this part of IEC 60079, which is a Technical Specification, is to provide guidance
to establish recommended minimum criteria to determine roles, establish expectations of the
necessary skills and evidence of competence to assess and manage the competence of
personnel conducting work in or associated with hazardous areas. The purpose of this
document is to provide guidance to establish:
• recommended minimum criteria to determine roles,
• expectations of the necessary skills, and
• evidence of competence
in order to assess and manage the competence of personnel who are conducting work in or
associated with hazardous areas.
NOTE While many of the roles and tasks identified in this document are common multiple facilities, this document
identifies some of the additional considerations that should be considered when they are being performed in facilities
with hazardous areas.
This document provides examples and recommendations of minimum levels of competence for
typical roles associated with hazardous areas by addressing the knowledge, skills, or abilities
that is expected of personnel. Additionally, examples of the evidence of competence expected
for each role are provided.
The aim of this document is to assist in defining, assessing, and managing unique requirements
for the competence of individuals working in or associated with installations where an explosive
atmosphere could be present. Such a programme could be specific to a facility or used in
conjunction with other regulatory requirements where they exist. The competencies for
conducting work in a hazardous area are in addition to any competencies which may apply for
the general type of work being undertaken (for example, professional credentials, electrical,
non-electrical, operations, design).
NOTE ISO 10015 provides information on competency management systems.
This document applies to both electrical and non-electrical applications.
This document identifies the minimum level of knowledge and skills required to work in
hazardous areas and the specific competence required for work associated with equipment for
explosive atmospheres (commonly termed ‘Ex Equipment’) and the standards to which
competence is to be assessed and attributed.
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to establish:
• recommended minimum criteria to determine roles,
• expectations of the necessary skills, and
• evidence of competence
The principal application of this document is for personnel dealing with explosion-protected and
associated equipment for use in explosive atmospheres, including the following work functions:
• Classification of areas;
– 8 – IEC TS 60079-44:2023 © IEC 2023
• Producing, processing or servicing functions in a hazardous area and not directly involved
in installing, maintaining or repairing explosion-protected equipment and systems;
• Designing, commissioning and maintaining explosion-protection strategies and equipment;
• Selecting, installing, testing and maintaining explosion-protected equipment and systems in
hazardous areas;
• Inspecting hazardous area equipment, systems and installations;
• Overhauling, repairing and modifying explosion-protected equipment;
• Management of the Ex aspects of the facility.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some, or all, of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited
applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-426, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 426: Explosive
atmospheres
IEC 60079-0, Explosive atmospheres – Part 0: Equipment – General requirements
IEC 60079-10-1, Explosive atmospheres – Part 10-1: Classification of areas – Explosive gas
atmospheres
IEC 60079-10-2, Explosive atmospheres – Part 10-2: Classification of areas – Explosive dust
atmospheres
IEC 60079-14, Explosive atmospheres – Part 14: Electrical installations design, selection and
erection
IEC 60079-17, Explosive atmospheres – Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and
maintenance
IEC 60079-19, Explosive atmospheres – Part 19: Equipment repair, overhaul and reclamation
IEC TS 60079-32-1, Explosive atmospheres – Part 32-1: Electrostatic hazards, guidance
ISO 19011, Guidelines for auditing management systems
ISO 80079-36, Explosive atmospheres – Part 36: Non-electrical equipment for explosive
atmospheres – Basic method and requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60079-0 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
first-party verification
process where an individual self-declares their credentials and competency
Note 1 to entry: Permitting first-party verification for individuals working in hazardous areas could result in liability
issues for the employer.
3.2
second-party verification
process where the employer, a person or organization appointed by the employer assesses an
individual to a defined set of competency requirements
3.3
third-party verification
process where an organization independent of the employer, or its contractors, assesses
individuals against a defined set of competency requirements
Note 1 to entry: Third-party verification organizations typically satisfy ISO/IEC17024 or national requirements and
often are assessed by a National Accreditation Body.
3.4
prerequisite qualifications
knowledge, skills, and capabilities required to perform an assigned role or task in non-
hazardous areas
Note 1 to entry: Some work roles may require registration or licencing by a local or national authority to verify,
approve or endorse specific base knowledge. For example, professional engineer or tradespersons professional
registration or licencing.
3.5
competence
ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.6]
3.6
competency
ability to perform necessary action in given context to achieve specific outcome
Note 1 to entry: Results are defined with respect to tasks, functions or responsibilities which in turn are related to
a job/role/title.
Note 2 to entry: The word competency and competencies can be used as synonyms of competence and
competences. Competence can be used to refer to general ability (e.g., overall competence), while competency can
be used to refer to a specific ability (e.g., competency in design of user interfaces).
3.7
hazardous area
area in which an explosive atmosphere is present, or can be expected to be present, in
quantities such that special precautions for the construction, installation and use of equipment
are required
Note 1 to entry: IEC 60079-10-1, Explosive atmospheres – Part 10-1: Classification of areas – Explosive gas
atmospheres, gives a classification of hazardous areas containing explosive gas atmospheres (see IEV 426-03-03,
IEV 426-03-04 and IEV 426-03-05).
Note 2 to entry: IEC 60079-10-2, Explosive atmospheres – Part 10-2: Classification of areas – Explosive dust
atmospheres, gives a classification of hazardous areas containing explosive dust atmospheres (see IEV 426-03-23,
IEV 426-03-24, and IEV 426-03-25).
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-426:2020, 426-03-01]
– 10 – IEC TS 60079-44:2023 © IEC 2023
3.8
non-hazardous area
area in which an explosive atmosphere is not expected to be present in quantities such that
special precautions for the construction, installation and use of equipment are required
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-426:2020, 426-03-02]
3.9
equipment
apparatus, fittings, devices, components, and the like used as a part of, or in connection with,
an installation
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-426:2020, 426-01-01]
3.10
Ex Equipment
equipment with explosion protection
Note 1 to entry: Such equipment often includes Ex Components, but additional evaluation is always required as
part of their incorporation into equipment.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-426:2020, 426-01-14]
3.11
role
tasks or responsibilities within the context of an organization that identifies the responsibility
and authority assigned to specific persons
3.12
verification
confirmation of truthfulness, through the provision of objective evidence that specified
requirements have been fulfilled
Note 1 to entry: Verification can be applied to claims to confirm the information declared with the claim regarding
events that have already occurred or results that have already been obtained.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17000:2020, 6.6]
3.13
competency management system
set of interrelated or interacting elements of an organization to establish policies and objectives
and processes to achieve competency of personnel
Note 1 to entry: It is not the intent of this document to specify a specific management system or require the creation
of a separate competency management system.
4 General
Competence depends on specific knowledge, skill, experience and behaviour. Measurement of
competence is a difficult task and requires assessment methods specific to the role being
performed. Competence can develop with experience but can also deteriorate over time,
therefore continued training, or reassessment of competence can be required.
Assessors of competence should have at least the level of competence for:
• the activity being assessed; and
• the assessment methodologies to be used.
5 Typical evidence of competence
5.1 General
Individuals should demonstrate they have the knowledge and skills relevant to the Type(s) of
Protection, Types of Ex Equipment, or safety related requirements necessary to perform their
assigned tasks.
Individuals should demonstrate they have the knowledge and skills relevant for the Ex
protection measures applied, for example Type(s) of Protection, Types of Ex Equipment, or
safety related requirements necessary to perform their assigned tasks.
Evidence to verify an individual’s competence and ability to perform their assigned task can
include, but is not limited to:
• review and confirmation of validity of applicable documentation such as educational records
and professional credentials;
• documentation of experience;
• evaluation of practical skills;
• theoretical assessment such as exams; and
• second-party verification or third-party verification of knowledge and skills in accordance
with Clause 8.
NOTE In many jurisdictions it is the legal responsibility of the owner or operator of a facility to ensure that individuals
conducting work have received appropriate training and are competent to complete the tasks assigned to them.
5.2 Prerequisite qualifications
The competence assessment in this document is to assist employers to define requirements in
addition to any prerequisite qualifications expected of an individual to perform a specific role.
These prerequisites may be due to national requirements.
Some of the roles identified in this document recommend prerequisite qualifications, which are
likely to be necessary to meet the objectives.
NOTE 1 Prerequisite qualifications include items such as educational or professional credentials and licences to
work required by applicable regulations.
NOTE 2 For example, a prerequisite qualification for an installer could require electrical/non-electrical qualifications
in addition to being competent to perform other roles identified in this document such as maintenance.
5.3 Recommendations for the verification of Ex competence
Ex competence may be verified through written or verbal tests, by witnessing of work in-process,
or assessment of competency verification systems. The results of the verification should be
documented, including the verification methodology used and the level of results attained. The
verification should be traceable and auditable.
NOTE 1 Documents such as ISO/IEC 17024 or national requirements can provide guidance for assessment and
certification of competence.
NOTE 2 Third-party verification organizations typically satisfy ISO/IEC17024 or national requirements and often are
assessed by a National Accreditation Body.
NOTE 3 Employers normally consider including a second-party verification or third-party verification systems only
in their employment, contract, or procurement processes.
NOTE 4 First-party verification (the person attesting to their own competence) is typically not acceptable.
– 12 – IEC TS 60079-44:2023 © IEC 2023
6 Task competency expectations
The level of competence required for specific operations should be determined. This could
include assigning a competence level required for certain tasks rather than defining a specific
role.
Competence expectations should be identified according to the complexity and risk associated
with the task and can vary by employer, role, operator, or facility.
NOTE For example, the minimum competency expectation for personnel that only install Cable Glands can require
different competencies to that of personnel who are expected to install more complex equipment.
The skill level of a manufacturer’s technician working on their equipment is not expected to be
the same as the person carrying out the installation of that equipment.
A programme to assess the competence of individuals for specific roles should be established,
including pass-fail criteria (see Clause 9).
7 Party legally responsible for a facility
7.1 General
The party legally responsible for a facility where explosive atmospheres could exist should
ensure the organizational structure and competency of the personnel are appropriate to this
document. The party legally responsible for a facility where explosive atmospheres could exist
should understand the additional risks in such facilities that are different from other industries.
The responsibilities and authorities should be clearly defined and communicated within the
organization and should:
• be appropriate to the purpose of the organization;
• be appropriate to the management structure of the organization;
• include a commitment to comply with regulatory requirements.
• be communicated and understood within the organization;
• be periodically reviewed for continuing suitability; and
• identify or delegate the responsibility to ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of the
equipment and facility (see 8.11).
7.2 Internal quality audit of competency management system associated with
hazardous areas
7.2.1 General
Competence of workers should be managed in such a way to ensure compliance and maintain
integrity of the equipment and installation.
NOTE Guidance on management of competence can be found in ISO 10015
7.2.2 Examples of typical auditing tasks
Audits may have a specific focus based on the auditor's prior experience or knowledge of
typically weak areas, event history at the facility, management priorities and regulatory
requirements.
Examples of typical auditing tasks include, but are not limited to, to confirm that:
• Ex and relevant management processes are appropriate, up to date and available to those
who need them;
• roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and assigned to the appropriate personnel to
allow the management processes to be implemented;
• people clearly understand their duties and are competent to carry them out;
• Ex Equipment integrity is well managed and documented, and appropriate records are kept
of equipment installed, work carried out, inspections performed and findings;
• records and documentation are kept accurate and current; and
• management of change procedures relating to hazardous areas and Ex Equipment is in
place, and correctly implemented.
7.2.3 Examples of evidence of competence
The auditor should have competence in the audit process and knowledge of the activities to be
audited. Examples of evidence of competence can include, but are not limited to:
• having prior experience in the audit process including; plan, conduct, prepare an opening
meeting and conduct close out presentations and reports. (ref. ISO 19011); and
• being experienced in the range of measures required to manage Ex Equipment in hazardous
areas including:
a) understanding the requirements of the applicable national or international legislation;
b) being familiar with the legislation governing the management of Ex Equipment;
c) being able to demonstrate a practical understanding of the requirements for Ex areas,
explosion protection principles and installation, maintenance, and repair requirements;
and,
d) having prior working experience in various aspects of Ex tasks related to hazardous
areas.
8 Roles associated with hazardous areas where competence should be verified
8.1 General
This section provides examples of roles of individuals working in, or associated with, hazardous
areas. Each role is based on the typical tasks performed with examples for the evidence of
competence for those tasks.
The appropriate level of competence for each task associated with a role shall be maintained.
Continuing education or training are methods to achieve this.
NOTE 1 Assessment of competence is addressed in Clause 9.
NOTE 2 Reassessment of competence is addressed in Clause 10.
NOTE 3 Certain tasks can include the use of a Permits to Work (PTW) management system to ensure that work
conducted in a facility is performed safely and efficiently.
8.2 Area classification
8.2.1 General
The area classification should be carried out by personnel who understand the relevance and
significance of the properties of the flammable substances, sources of release, principles of
dispersion, and the potential for an explosive atmosphere to develop. Personnel should be
familiar with the activities, process, and the equipment.
Area classification typically requires inputs from other disciplines such as electrical, non-
electrical, process engineers, plant operations personnel and others as applicable. Personnel
involved in area classification should have a broad range of experience and appropriate
analytical skills.
– 14 – IEC TS 60079-44:2023 © IEC 2023
Competence should be relevant to the nature of the facility and methodology used for carrying
out the area classification.
8.2.2 Examples of area classification tasks
Typical area classification tasks include, but are not limited to:
• area classification involving gathering and analysing of data relative to explosion hazards;
• identification of the relevant characteristics of the flammable materials;
• identification of the type and extent of the hazardous area in accordance with the
appropriate codes or regulations for the jurisdiction of the facility and material(s) involved;
• determination of the types and availability of ventilation for gases / vapours and the impact
it has on the hazardous area (such as in IEC 60079-10-1);
• determination of the type dusts involved and the potential for explosive dust atmospheres
or dust layering forming (such as in IEC 60079-10-2);
• Consideration of any influence due to other workplace conditions such as environmental
and material toxicity; and
• preparation of drawings and documentation to identify the hazardous areas within a facility,
and the associated risks that occur in those areas;
8.2.3 Examples of evidence of area classification competence
Typical evidence of area classification competence includes, but is not limited to:
• understanding of the relevant standards and guidance documents applicable to the
jurisdiction of work and the legal expectations of the local jurisdiction;
• ability to interpret the input from others as appropriate to understand the processes within
a facility and the necessary documents required to enable area classification;
• ability to identify and grade all potential release sources and the impact of ventilation;
• ability to determine the extent of the zone using appropriate look-up tables, reference
materials or calculations taking into account their limits of use; and
• ability to understand the relationship between equipment, processes, and area classification
where changes or modifications in one area can affect other area(s).
NOTE Multiple standards and guidance documents are available and specific to the application and jurisdiction.
This document does not attempt to list them (for example IEC 60079-10-1 and IEC 60079-10-2).
8.3 Design of systems or installations for hazardous areas
8.3.1 General
The design of installations in hazardous areas should be carried out by those who understand
the various Types of Protection, installation practices, relevant rules and regulations and the
general principles of area classification.
A designer needs the ability to design electrical or non-electrical systems, or software, that
relate to the operation of a facility in a hazardous area as applicable. There can be multiple
requirements based on the complexity of a facility. This requires that the design start with the
objectives and consider the appropriate Ex Equipment that will be able to achieve the process
and safety goals.
NOTE A designer may be part of a team in which individuals have different competencies necessary to complete
the design of a system or installation.
8.3.2 Examples of typical design tasks
Examples of typical design tasks include, but are not limited to:
• evaluation of local regulatory, legal and facility requirements for an installation in hazardous
areas;
• selection of Ex Equipment and interconnecting systems based on the area classification
using documents such as IEC 60079-14;
• selection and application of standards, owner specifications and legal requirements relevant
to the systems being designed and the location;
• ensure any parameters identified during the preliminary area classification are included in
the design and installation documents;
• preparation of construction or installation drawings with supporting detail where required;
• preparation of, or participation in, installation and commissioning plans
• preparation of specifications for procurement; and
• preparation of, or participation in, the verification dossier to support future maintenance,
inspection, and repair.
8.3.3 Examples of evidence of design competence
Examples of design competence include, but are not limited to:
• interpretation and application of requirements from source documents such as functional
specifications, area classification drawings;
• understanding of the area classification and environmental conditions on which to base the
design of systems and selection equipment that are appropriate;
• demonstrating the practical skills necessary for the preparation and compilation of relevant
design, procurement, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance information and
documentation for
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