Leading training provider and hazardous area operations expert EUTEX International has been chosen by CompEx to develop and pilot a new global hydrogen safety training programme. It aims to help safeguard the lives of those working with the clean energy, which is gaining momentum as industries such as energy, transport and maritime progress decarbonization strategies.

Houston-headquartered EUTEX is the one of the world’s largest training providers of CompEx accredited courses. The international certification body’s training standards have been widely recognised by major organisations over the past three decades as the benchmark to qualify the skills and competency of people working in potentially hazardous and explosive atmosphere environments.

Based on the ISO/TR 15916:2015(EN) basic considerations for the safety of hydrogen systems guidance1, the new CompEx Hydrogen suite will look to cover the principles, properties, and characteristics of the gas versus conventional hydrocarbons, allowing hazards and risks to be quickly identified, and appropriate mitigation and control measures to be deployed.

EUTEX currently trains personnel in existing CompEx certifications from its centres in the USA, UAE, India, Thailand, Singapore, and Myanmar. This includes installation and inspection of electrical equipment; working in hazardous locations where gases, vapours and dust which can form explosive atmospheres; and design engineering for hazardous areas.

EUTEX chief technical officer Fraser Heggie said: “As hydrogen’s role in the drive for net-zero accelerates, it is vital that those working with the new technologies associated with this gas understand how it can behave and how to handle it safely. Only then can they react quickly and appropriately to mitigate any potentially hazardous incidents from occurring, protecting themselves, those around them, and the integrity of the asset or plant they are operating on.

“We have been at the forefront of delivering CompEx’s approved courses for more than a decade. We have a diverse experience across the energy mix and in-depth knowledge of how to develop and deliver training that is engaging and impactful. We look forward to building and rolling out the CompEx Hydrogen suite of online training to help upskill new and existing workforces with these core competencies.”

The business is aiming to have the training packages completed, approved and exclusively available to its clients from this summer.

Huw Bement, director at CompEx, said: “So many countries are starting to realise the potential for hydrogen as a displacement solution to hydrocarbons, especially in areas such as transportation and the heavy industries. However, as well as being incredibly versatile, it is a gas to be approached with extreme caution.

“The CompEx Hydrogen certification will play a key role in ensuring future competence within the industry, and this strategic link with EUTEX will help us to deliver appropriate skills for this future renewable energy for a more sustainable future.”