Lesson 1Examination of inerting systems and gas monitoring: oxygen sensors, alarm setpoints, and logsThis section covers daily checks of inerting and gas monitoring systems, including oxygen sensors, alarm setpoints, calibration status, and log review, ensuring protective atmospheres remain within safe design limits.
Reading oxygen and gas detector displaysVerification of alarm setpoints and delaysChecking calibration dates and bump testsReview of recent alarm and event logsLesson 2Verification of cleaning methods and disposal routes to avoid dust re-suspensionThis section covers verification of approved cleaning tools, methods, and waste routes, ensuring dust is removed without re-suspension, and that collected combustible dust is stored, labeled, and disposed of through controlled channels.
Approved dry, wet, and vacuum cleaning methodsVerification of ATEX-rated industrial vacuumsChecks on dust waste containers and labelingInspection of waste transfer and disposal routesLesson 3Housekeeping and dust accumulation checks: surfaces, ledges, filters and ductworkThis section explains how to assess housekeeping quality, identify hazardous dust accumulations on floors, ledges, filters, and ductwork, and prioritize clean-up actions before layers reach critical thickness or spread into hidden areas.
Visual survey of floors, beams, and ledgesInspection of filters, hoods, and duct exteriorsRecognizing hazardous dust layer thicknessEscalation and follow-up of cleaning actionsLesson 4Condition check of electrical equipment and confirmation of ATEX certification markingThis section details how to inspect electrical equipment in zoned areas, confirm ATEX markings and EPL, check enclosure integrity, and recognize visible damage or modifications that could compromise explosion protection concepts.
Locating and reading ATEX nameplatesVerifying EPL and zone compatibilityChecking glands, seals, and cable entriesIdentifying damage, corrosion, or tamperingLesson 5Inspection of mechanical equipment for wear and sparking risks: coupling guards, alignment, sealsThis section explains how to inspect mechanical equipment for wear, misalignment, and potential sparking, including couplings, guards, bearings, and seals, and how to escalate abnormal noise, vibration, or overheating findings.
Visual checks of guards and coupling coversObservation of vibration, noise, and heatInspection of belts, bearings, and sealsReporting rubbing, contact, or loose partsLesson 6Ventilation and extraction performance checks: airflow, filter condition, and backupsThis section covers daily checks of local exhaust and general ventilation, including airflow indicators, filter condition, alarms, and backup systems, to ensure effective removal of flammable vapors and combustible dust from work areas.
Checking airflow indicators and capture pointsVisual inspection of filters and pre-filtersVerification of fan status and alarm signalsReview of recent airflow or pressure readingsLesson 7Spill and spill-response readiness: containment, absorbents, and emergency eyewash/shower availabilityThis section explains how to check spill prevention and response readiness, including containment, absorbent stocks, and eyewash or shower availability, ensuring that flammable or reactive spills do not escalate into explosion hazards.
Inspection of spill kits and absorbent stocksVerification of bunds and floor containmentTesting access to eyewash and safety showersLabeling and compatibility of absorbent mediaLesson 8Inspection of grounding and bonding records and continuity checks where possibleThis section explains how to review grounding and bonding records, perform simple continuity checks where safe, and recognize defects or gaps that could allow static charge build-up in hazardous areas during daily walk-throughs.
Review of recent grounding and bonding log entriesVisual check of clamps, cables, and terminationsSafe use of handheld continuity meters on siteTypical defects and how to flag them promptlyLesson 9Verification of ATEX signage and zone labeling at entry points and equipmentThis section describes how to verify ATEX signage and zone labels at entries and equipment, confirm visibility and legibility, and ensure that changes in process or layout are reflected in updated zoning information and posted plans.
Inspection of entry zone signs and symbolsChecks on equipment-specific zone labelsConfirming language and pictogram clarityReporting missing or outdated signageLesson 10Observation of operator behavior: use of PPE, adherence to hot-work permits, no ignition-source items in zonesThis section focuses on observing operator behavior in hazardous zones, including correct PPE use, compliance with hot-work permits, control of ignition sources, and how to intervene and document unsafe practices during walk-throughs.
Verification of PPE selection and conditionChecks for lighters, phones, and metal toolsObservation of hot-work permit complianceCoaching and documenting unsafe behaviorsLesson 11Review of maintenance tags, isolation records, and work-permit documentation on siteThis section covers review of maintenance tags, isolation records, and work permits, confirming that energized work, hot work, and intrusive tasks in zoned areas follow ATEX requirements and that temporary overrides are clearly controlled.
Reading lockout and isolation tag detailsCross-checking permits with field conditionsVerification of gas testing on hot-work jobsControl of temporary bypasses and jumpersLesson 12Grounding and bonding inspections for vessels, pumps, hoses and drum filling stationsThis section details grounding and bonding checks for vessels, pumps, hoses, and drum filling stations, focusing on continuity paths, quick-release connectors, and interlocks that prevent operation without proper earthing.
Inspection of vessel and tank earthing pointsChecks on pump and skid bonding strapsVerification of hose continuity and couplingsInterlocks on drum and IBC filling stations
