As of early 2019, Royal PBNA, as the first independently operating certification agency in the Netherlands, is recognized as an IECEx05 certification agency (ExCB) for certifying individuals working in hazardous explosive environments. The Royal PBNA does not provide training but is strictly concerned with examining and certifying candidates.
In addition to IECEx05 exams, Royal PBNA can also provide customized exams.
Dutch legislation requires that adequate instruction be given to personnel working in hazardous areas. The ATEX regulations apply in the Netherlands. These regulations state that people must be competent, but unfortunately they do not mention how to comply. IECEx has taken this further. Despite the voluntary status of IECEx, the IECEx standards and guidelines are increasingly being used within ATEX.
IECEx draws up the standards and guidelines but does not itself certify people or products. It leaves that to organizations that specialize in it, such as the Royal PBNA.
Upon successful completion of a theory and/or practical exam, the participant receives an attestation from Royal PBNA. This is proof that the participant has passed the unit in question. The period of validity of an attestation is five years.
When a person wants to demonstrate skills in explosion safety internationally, the IECEx05 certificate of personal competence can be requested through Royal PBNA. Such a personal certificate can be applied for when all conditions are met.
Person Certificates or Certificate of Personal Competencies (CoPC), issued under the international IECEx 05 scheme, allow individuals to prove that they possess the knowledge and skills required to safely perform certain types of work related to explosion equipment and installations. With this CoPC, companies around the world that have accepted this certification scheme can be shown to have the required knowledge and skills. Royal PBNA provides examinations with and without an option for a personal certificate.
A CoPC is valid for 5 years and is published online on the IECEx website. Certified individuals receive a portfolio card with the scope of their competencies.
A CoPC issued by Royal PBNA demonstrates that the certificate holder is able to:
- Work safely in hazardous areas;
- Competently operate;
- Ensure that equipment operates safely and in accordance with security techniques.
Benefits of a CoPC:
- Easy demonstration of competencies;
- Same demonstrable level worldwide;
- Internationally recognized; Required for IECEx certified facilities;
- Registered in the IECEx database system.
The IECEx examination system is modular. This means that depending on the position, one or more exams can be taken. The choice of these is often prescribed by the client and/or employer. The exam of unit 001: 'Applying basic principles of safety in explosive environments' is the starting point for all other units. After that, depending on the position, a further choice is made.
For example, safety experts and those responsible for zoning also follow unit 002: 'Zoning of hazardous areas'. As maintenance technicians working in hazardous areas, in addition to unit 001, units 003 'Installation of explosion-proof equipment and cabling' and 004 'Maintenance in hazardous areas' are also followed.
A complete overview is on our website.