Dust (Ex05 – Ex06)
Dust (Ex05 – Ex06)
Attendees
Entry requirements
- Practicing competent electrical operatives
- Practicing competent instrument operatives
- Electrical/instrument engineers with previous practical experience
Prior CompEx certification - supported by employer sponsored letter
Duration
Delivery
- 1.5 days of guided learning (theoretical 6-8 hours, practical 2-4 hours)
- 1.5 days assessment
The Ex05 and Ex06 units confirm the core competence of electrotechnical workers using electrical and instrumentation equipment in locations where potentially hazardous dust atmospheres may exist.
The qualification consists of two units that cover the minimum requirements for the safe working practices that should be followed when working in hazardous dust locations.
Candidates will learn what considerations must be given to areas that contain potentially explosive or flammable atmospheres and the factors used to classify their location. The course includes instruction on how to read hazardous area certification, labelling and documentation relating to dust factors that need to be considered when managing dust clouds and layers. It also covers the main protection concepts, categories and levels that are applied to certified Ex electrical equipment.
Successful candidates will demonstrate the required knowledge and skills as laid out in the IEC 60079 series of standards and the relevant national standards and directives. The Dust qualification identifies with several IEC 60079 Explosive Atmosphere Standards and is mainly focused on the minimum specifications laid out in IEC60079:0, IEC60079:10.2, IEC60079:14 and IEC60079:17.
This qualification can be used to supplement the CompEx Ex01-Ex04 Gas and Vapour qualification or undertaken as a stand-alone course. Ex05 and Ex06 can also be completed in combination with other CompEx qualifications as part of a continuing professional development plan.
Key learning objectives
Candidates that successfully complete the Ex05-Ex05 qualification will be able to:
- Identify the correct national regulations, directives and IEC standards which are applicable to hazardous dust locations.
- Identify the correct criteria and descriptors used to classify a hazardous dust location.
- Recognize the correct characteristics of common hazardous dust, fibres and flyings – i.e. combustible, conductive and non-conductive.
- Demonstrate an underpinning knowledge of how Ex electrical equipment is certified, including Ex i ,iD, ‘m’, ‘p’, ‘pD’, ‘t’, ‘tD’, ‘d’, ‘e’, ‘m’, ‘o’, ‘q’, ‘s’, how it maintains its protection concept and how it is to be selected, installed, inspected and maintained.
- Identify the correct test value readings for IS and non-IS installations and equipment.
- Use IEC inspection table 1 and inspect pre-installed Ex’d’, ‘e’ and ‘n’, ‘t’, ‘tD’ electrical equipment.
- Interpret Intrinsically Safe (IS) documentation.
- Use IEC inspection table 2 and inspect pre-installed certified, non-certified, simple and associated apparatus on a pre-installed intrinsically safe installation.
- Identify and record faults at the correct grade of inspection.
- Recommend the correct remedial action and IEC inspection code for each fault identified.
- Recognize the need to prove an isolation on electrical equipment prior to carrying out a detailed inspection.
- Use the correct documentation.
Qualification details
Assessment:
Online exam
Practical assessment:
Candidates are required to undertake four practical assessments:
- Ex05a assessment non-IS installation – 2 hours
- Ex05b assessment IS installation – 1 hour 45 minutes
- Ex06a assessment – Inspection and maintenance of non-IS electrical equipment – 1 hour 20 minutes
- Ex06b assessment – Inspection and maintenance of IS equipment – 65 minutes
Faqs
What is CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 certification?
CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 is a specialized certification program focused on managing electrical equipment in environments with combustible dust hazards. This course trains professionals to understand dust explosion risks, select appropriate electrical equipment for dust atmospheres, perform safe installations, conduct inspections, and maintain equipment in industries handling powders, grains, metals, chemicals, and other combustible particulate materials that can create explosive dust clouds.
Which industries require CompEx Dust certification?
Industries requiring CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 certification include grain storage and milling facilities, flour and food processing plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, sugar refineries, woodworking and furniture industries, textile manufacturing, coal handling operations, metal powder production, chemical processing with dry materials, plastics manufacturing, and agricultural product storage. Any facility handling combustible dust materials where electrical equipment is present needs certified professionals to ensure safety compliance.
What is the difference between Ex05 and Ex06 modules?
Ex05 focuses on core competencies for working with electrical apparatus in dust atmospheres, covering dust explosion fundamentals, equipment selection, zone classification, protection methods (IP rated enclosures, tD ratings), and basic installation principles. Ex06 advances into detailed installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment in dust hazardous areas, including practical skills for equipment certification verification, ongoing inspection procedures, and maintenance requirements specific to dust protection systems.
How long does CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 training take?
CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 training typically requires 2-3 days of comprehensive instruction combining theoretical concepts with practical hands-on sessions. The course covers dust explosion science, hazardous area classification for dust environments, equipment selection standards, installation techniques, inspection procedures, and maintenance protocols. Duration may vary slightly depending on training provider, participant experience levels, and whether both modules are taken together or separately.
What topics are covered in CompEx Dust training?
CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 training covers dust explosion mechanisms and ignition sources, combustible dust characteristics and minimum ignition energy, zone classification systems (Zone 20, 21, 22), equipment protection by enclosure (IP6X, tD ratings), temperature classification for dust atmospheres, equipment selection and certification requirements, installation standards and practices, visual inspection techniques, maintenance procedures, cleaning protocols, and documentation requirements for compliance with ATEX and IECEx standards for dust environments.
Do I need Gas & Vapors certification before taking Dust certification?
No, CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 certification can be taken independently without prior Gas & Vapors (Ex01-Ex04) certification. While CompEx Foundation (ExF) provides helpful background knowledge, it’s not mandatory for dust modules. The dust course is self-contained and specifically designed for professionals working exclusively in dust hazardous environments. However, many facilities have both gas and dust hazards, so obtaining both certifications provides comprehensive competency coverage.
How is the CompEx Dust examination structured?
The CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 examination consists of both theoretical and practical assessment components. The theory exam tests knowledge of dust explosion principles, zone classification, equipment standards, and safety requirements through multiple-choice and written questions. The practical assessment evaluates hands-on skills in equipment inspection, certification verification, installation techniques specific to dust atmospheres, and proper use of documentation. Both components must be passed to achieve full certification.
What are the common dust explosion hazards covered in the course?
CompEx Dust training covers major combustible dust hazards including grain dust explosions in silos and elevators, flour dust in milling operations, sugar dust in refineries, pharmaceutical powder handling, coal dust in power plants and mining, metal dusts (aluminum, magnesium) in manufacturing, wood dust in sawmills and furniture production, textile fiber dust, plastic and rubber dust, and chemical powder processing. The course emphasizes how dust clouds, ignition sources, and confined spaces create explosion risks.
How long is CompEx Dust certification valid?
CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 certification remains valid for five years from the date of issue. To maintain certification, professionals must complete a refresher course or resit examination before expiration. This renewal requirement ensures certified individuals stay current with evolving dust explosion prevention standards, updated equipment technologies, and latest safety practices. Many employers require valid certification as a condition of continued employment in dust hazardous areas.
Where can I take CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 training?
CompEx Dust Ex05-Ex06 training is available through authorized CompEx training providers globally. Extrainings offers comprehensive dust certification courses across multiple locations in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, India, and other regions. Training facilities feature specialized equipment for dust atmosphere simulations, IP-rated enclosures for practical training, and experienced instructors with food processing, pharmaceutical, and grain handling industry expertise. Contact authorized centers for course schedules, enrollment procedures, and corporate training options.
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