Which certificates do you need for ATEX work?

Anyone working in an environment with explosion risk, such as a refinery or chemical installation, must be able to show that they are trained for it. For ATEX work we ask for these certificates: VCA-VOL, NEN 3140 VP and CompEx 1 to 4 or IECEx Ex 001/004/007/008. Below you can read what they mean.

VCA-VOL

VCA-VOL is the safety certificate for operational supervisors. In industry it is a standard requirement, even for work that has nothing to do with ATEX.

NEN 3140 VP

NEN 3140 is about safely operating electrical installations up to and including 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC. VP stands for skilled person (vakbekwaam persoon). Above that voltage a separate standard applies, NEN 3840.

CompEx 1 to 4

CompEx shows that you are authorised to work with electrical equipment in an explosive atmosphere. Each module covers its own part:

IECEx Ex 001, 004, 007 and 008

IECEx is the international personal certification for people who work in or around explosive areas. You take the units that fit your work:

IECEx certification is reassessed every five years.

Which do you need?

That depends on the role. An inspector needs different units than a technician. At WorkForce-NL we make a skills table together with you, so we can see exactly what you already have and what an assignment asks for.

Do you see a certificate you are missing? Through the WorkForce-NL Academy we can help you get the right certificate.