Electrotechnology NETAG portal

1. Introduction

In the context of electrical equipment in hazardous areas, 'hazardous areas' are areas in which an explosive atmosphere may be present at the same time as a potential ignition source posing the risk of explosion and fire. Unless electrical equipment situated in such areas is constructed, installed, and maintained in a special way, it may provide the energy and temperature necessary to ignite the atmosphere, usually with devastating results. Such areas are known as 'hazardous areas' and the special design features of electrical equipment and systems used for these areas are known as 'explosion-protection'. This forms part of the risk-management strategies to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.


2. Reference to Competencies

Although various Australian and New Zealand Standards and statutory/regulatory requirements, lay down standard criteria for the manufacture, installation, use and maintenance of explosion-protected electrical equipment in hazardous areas, no such reference exists for the competencies needed to undertake this work.


3. Certification

Increasingly, organisations and enterprises are seeking conformance certification for their products (Product may be either a tangible item or service, as defined in ISO/IEC Guide 65, General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems). Certifying bodies are using Standards developed by internationally recognised bodies, such as Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, as the basis for this product certification. Requirements for 'competent persons' have been introduced in Australian/New Zealand Standards dealing with electrical equipment for hazardous areas; this led to certifying bodies expressing the need for formal Standards against which conformance of competencies can be measured. To fulfil such need the Joint Committee P-012 prepared the new Series of Standards based on the previous Interim Series issued on 8th June 2000.

This Standard forms part of a series covering the competencies for working with electrical equipment for hazardous areas, and the training materials/components supporting such competencies.


The series is as follows:

AS/NZS 4761 - Competencies for working with electrical equipment for hazardous areas (EEHA)
AS/NZS 4761.1 - Part 1: Competency Standards
AS/NZS 4761.2 - Part 2: Guide for training and assessment (inc. training/learning structure)


The Units of Competency:

UTE NES010 B/(17054 = New Zealand Unit Standard number and equivalent)
Report on the integrity of explosion-protected equipment in hazardous areas

UTE NES012 B/(17059)
Attend to breakdowns in hazardous areas

UTE NES020 A
Use and maintain the integrity of portable gas detection equipment

UTE NES107 B/(17056)
Install explosion-protected equipment and wiring systems

UTE NES116 B
Install and maintain integrity of fixed gas detection equipment

UTE NES214 B/(17058)
Maintain equipment in hazardous areas

UTE NES215 B/(17060-66)
Overhaul and repair explosion-protected equipment

UTE NES407 B/(17068)
Assess explosion-protected equipment for compliance with Standards

UTE NES408 B/(17073)
Test installations in hazardous areas

UTE NES409 B/17074
Conduct close inspection of existing hazardous area installations

UTE NES410 B/(17075)
Conduct detailed inspections of hazardous areas installations

UTE NES609 B/(17070)
Develop and manage maintenance programs for hazardous area electrical equipment

UTE NES610 B/(17055)
Ensure the safety of hazardous areas

UTE NES705 B/(17067)
Design and develop modifications to explosion-protected equipment

UTE NES706 B/(17069)
Classify hazardous areas

UTE NES707 B/(17071)
Design electrical installations in hazardous areas

UTE NES708 B/(17072)
Design explosion-protected electrical systems

UTE NES711 A
Design gas detection systems


Training and Learning Structure

The Industry preferred Modular Training Model has also been adopted for the EEHA suite of Competencies. This model is educationally sound, provides a high degree of success for learners, and is cost-effective. This approach also helps ensure consistency and portability of training and assessment outcomes.

There are two type of modules that combined, are used in the learning and training/assessment structure to support the unit(s) of competency outcomes:

1. Modules providing knowledge and skills essential to competency development, and
2. Modules specifying the method and criteria for gathering evidence of work performance relevant to a unit.

In arranging training and assessment learning activities for each unit of competency, a Training and Learning Structure Module Map for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) is included below as a PDF.


Looking for a specialist Training Provider then follow the link to our Network - Training Organisation contacts: EEHA Specialist Training Providers