We often get asked what the acronym ‘EEHA’ stands for. Then we’re asked what it means. It is a course that needs a good explanation, so here we go...

‘EEHA’ is the abbreviation for Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas.

A hazardous area is defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) (Article 500) as “places where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases, flammable liquid–produced vapors, combustible liquid–produced vapors, combustible dusts, or ignitable fibers/flyings present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.” Due to the significant features in these areas, the specific electrical equipment that is required should be assembled indicatively and tested according to the manufacturer’s requirements to ensure that it won’t cause an explosion.

This training is far from new. It was firstly introduced when electrical equipment such as lights and motors became commonly used in coal mines. It was soon discovered that these items could potentially cause lethal explosions. By the time electricity was introduced in coal mines, the hazards of methane collection and the danger of suspended coal dust was thoroughly understood.

In industrial plants such as refineries or chemical plants, handling large quantities of flammable liquids and gases create risks of leaks. To safely work in these situations, you must understand exactly what the hazardous risks around each area being worked in are.

Electrical equipment installed has had technical standards developed in order to identify and prevent the potential risk of explosions, protecting the equipment and workers. The equipment may have been built strong enough to endure the force of an explosion from within. It may also have been built strong enough to not allow any flammable gas or dust to enter the interior. Or, it may have been created to not be able to “produce a spark or temperature high enough to ignite a hazardous gas” through energy limitation.

The EEHA Course with NSS:

Cost: $2,400 AUD (GST FREE)

This course is standard for those required to undertake safe working practices in Explosive Environments and Hazardous Areas, examples:

• Coal mines

• Grain Handling

• Gas plants (LNG/CSG)

• Food Processing

• Petrochemical Industries

The EEHA competencies course is a 5 day face to face course conducted in classroom and workshop environment. Our courses are designed to assist Electrical trades and professionals who work in the Food Processing, Grain Handling, CSG/LNG, Coal, and petrochemical industries who encounter Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas during the course of their work. It covers the principles of hazardous area classification, explosion-protection techniques, equipment installation requirements, inspections, and procedures for breakdowns and maintenance, with theory and practical components.

The course and is intended for Electricians and Electrical Engineers to understand their requirements in hazardous area classification, explosion-protection techniques, equipment installation requirements, inspections and procedures for breakdowns and maintenance. Ex and HA theory and practical are covered with an emphasis on inspection and testing.

EEHA REFRESHER - Recognition of Prior Learning:

Course cost: $1,100 AUD (GST FREE)

If you have previously done the EEHA course and have worked in a related industry you are eligible to do the EEHA refresher course.

This written and verbal theory only and consists of an intensive 2-days of examinations in regard to the relevant units of competency.

There is an RPL (recognition of prior learning) process and requires you to prove your work history verbally during the course and in writing prior to commencement to be eligible.

EEHA REFRESHER = Recognition of Prior Learning:

• The employer/officer of the company (Manager) and or student shall provide a detailed, signed, letter of the experience the employee acquired maintained during the previous three years

• Student shall prove their work history verbally during the course.

For those interested in booking a position for the next training week or simply finding out more information, give us a call today on (02) 4960 9086.

References:

1. National Electrical Code (NEC) (Article 500), accessed 11/04/2019, https://www.mikeholt.com/instructor2/img/product/pdf/14HAZDVD-1417-sample.pdf

2. Dietz Electric Co. Inc., accessed 11/04/2019, https://www.dietzelectric.com/hazard-loc/