If you work around flammable gases, vapours or combustible dusts, you’ve probably heard the term EEHA thrown around. It stands for Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas, and an EEHA course is designed to teach you how to work safely with electrical systems where the risk of explosion is very real.
Think of it as the difference between wiring a house and wiring a fuel terminal. The principles of electricity are the same, but the risk – and the rules – are on another level. An EEHA course gives you the knowledge, skills and mindset to deal with that higher level of risk.
Why Hazardous Areas Need Specialist Electrical Training
In a normal environment, a loose gland or a damaged cable might be annoying or unsafe, but in a hazardous area it can be catastrophic. A small spark that would usually go unnoticed could ignite a gas cloud, dust layer or vapour and trigger an explosion.
Because of that, hazardous areas are heavily regulated and controlled through standards, classifications, and an entire ecosystem of certified equipment and procedures. EEHA training is what links all of that together so that the people doing the work understand:
- Why the rules exist
- How to apply them in real life
- What good and bad practice looks like on the tools
Who Typically Attends an EEHA Course?
You’ll usually find a mix of people in an EEHA classroom, including:
- Electricians and instrument technicians
- Electrical engineers and designers
- Maintenance supervisors and inspectors
Technicians working in oil & gas, petrochemical, mining, grain, food, water and wastewater, or manufacturing plants - Project and commissioning engineers
Some courses are aimed at installers and inspectors, others at designers and engineers, and some cover all of the above at different depth levels.
Core Concepts – What “Hazardous Area” Really Means
Before you dive into cable glands and Ex nameplates, an EEHA course starts with the basics: what actually makes an area “hazardous”?
Types of Hazardous Areas (Gas, Vapour, Dust)
You’ll learn that hazardous areas are locations where flammable substances may be present in the air in such quantities that they can form an explosive atmosphere. These substances can be:
- Gases (e.g. methane, propane, hydrogen)
- Vapours (e.g. solvents, fuels)
- Dusts (e.g. grain dust, coal dust, sugar, flour, metal dust)
The course explains how these different substances behave, why dust can be just as dangerous as gas, and how ignition sources – like electrical arcs, hot surfaces or static – can set them off.
Zones and Categories Explained in Simple Terms
You’ll be introduced to the concept of zones, which basically describe how often and for how long an explosive atmosphere is present. Put simply:
- Some areas are hazardous all the time or very frequently
- Some are hazardous only occasionally
- Some are hazardous only under abnormal conditions
The EEHA course breaks down the zone system into plain language, so you understand which areas around process equipment, tanks, conveyors or vents need special electrical protection.
Standards and Regulations You’ll Learn About
EEHA work doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s tightly controlled by standards and regulations.
Key International and Local Standards
A typical EEHA course will walk you through the relevant standards used in your region (for example, standards related to explosive atmospheres, equipment, installation and inspection). You don’t need to memorise every clause, but you’ll be shown:
- How the standards are structured
- Where to find the information you need
- Which parts apply to your work (installation, maintenance, inspection, design, etc.)
Legal and Compliance Responsibilities for Duty Holders
You’ll also learn about duty of care, employer responsibilities and your own obligations as a competent person. The course often highlights:
- Consequences of non-compliance (legal, financial and safety)
- The importance of documentation and traceability
- Why “we’ve always done it this way” doesn’t stand up in court
Hazardous Area Classification in an EEHA Course
Hazardous area classification is like the map for everything that follows in EEHA.
How Hazardous Areas Are Classified
You’ll cover the process of classification at a high level:
- Identifying sources of release (valves, flanges, hatches, filling points, etc.)
- Considering ventilation and confinement
- Determining the type of flammable substance present
- Allocating zones around equipment
While most courses won’t turn you into a full-time classifier overnight, they give you enough understanding to read and use classification documents correctly.
Reading and Interpreting Hazardous Area Drawings
You’ll learn to interpret:
- Hazardous area layout drawings
- Zone plans
- Legends and symbols used for gas and dust zones
- The relationship between process equipment and zone boundariestical Examples of Hazardous Area Layouts
In good EEHA courses, you’ll see real-world examples from:
- Fuel depots and terminals
- Grain silos and conveyors
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Chemical and food processing sites
This helps you connect the theory to what you’ll actually see on site.
Explosion Protection Techniques (Ex Protection Concepts)
This is one of the meatier parts of the course – the famous “Ex” concepts.
Ex d – Flameproof
You’ll learn that Ex d (flameproof) equipment is designed to withstand an internal explosion and prevent it from spreading to the surrounding atmosphere. The course explains:
- How flamepaths work
- Why maintenance of covers, threads and gaskets is critical
- Typical equipment that uses Ex d (motors, junction boxes, control gear)
Ex e – Increased Safety
Ex e (increased safety) aims to prevent arcs, sparks and excessive temperatures from occurring in the first place. You’ll cover:
- Terminations, clearances and creepage distances
- Restrictions on the use of certain components
- Common uses like terminal boxes and control panels
Ex i – Intrinsic Safety
Ex i (intrinsic safety) is all about limiting energy so that ignition can’t occur. In the course, you’ll look at:
- The principle of limiting voltage and current
- Barriers and isolators
- Field devices like transmitters and switches in hazardous areas
Other Common Protection Methods (Ex n, Ex t, Ex p, etc.)
Depending on the course depth, you may also cover:
- Ex n (non-sparking) for certain low-risk gas zones
- Ex t (protection by enclosure) for dust
- Ex p (pressurisation) for enclosures and rooms
The key is understanding which concept suits which application, not just memorising letters.
Equipment Selection for Hazardous Areas
Choosing the wrong piece of equipment in a hazardous area can undo all of your risk control.
How to Read Ex Nameplates and Certification Labels
In an EEHA course, you’ll spend time on Ex nameplates, decoding things like:
- Equipment group (e.g. Gas or Dust categories)
- Temperature class or maximum surface temperature
- Protection concept (Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, etc.)
- Equipment protection level (EPL)
- Certificate numbers and issuing bodies
By the end, a plate that once looked like alphabet soup should start to make sense.
Matching Equipment to Area Classification and Gas Group
You’ll be shown how to ensure:
- The zone matches the equipment’s rating
- The gas group or dust group is compatible
- The temperature rating is safe for the substance present
Typical Equipment Used in Hazardous Areas
Examples might include:
- Junction boxes and terminal enclosures
- Motors, lighting, switches and control stations
- Instrumentation devices – transmitters, level switches, temperature probes
- Cable glands and accessories certified for Ex use
Installation Requirements Covered in an EEHA Course
Once you know what equipment to use, you need to install it correctly.
Cabling Methods and Glanding in Hazardous Areas
You’ll go through:
- Approved cabling methods for various protection concepts
- Requirements for cable glands, seals and stopping plugs
- Avoiding gas migration through cables and conduits
Earthing, Bonding and Mechanical Protection
The course will usually cover:
- Why earthing and bonding are so important in hazardous areas
- Protection against mechanical damage (trays, covers, segregation)
- Avoiding sharp bends, strain and damage that can compromise Ex integrity
Common Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Expect plenty of photos of real-world mistakes, such as:
- Incorrect glands or missing seals
- Unused entries not properly plugged
- Damaged threads on flameproof joints
- Unapproved modifications
These examples are great for building your “eye” for non-compliance.
Inspection and Maintenance of EEHA Equipment
Installing Ex equipment correctly is only half the battle – you also need to keep it compliant.
Types of Inspections – Initial, Periodic and Sample
You’ll learn about:
- Initial inspections (before energisation or use)
- Periodic inspections at planned intervals
- Sample inspections where only a portion of the equipment is checked
The course explains what to look for in each inspection type and how thorough they should be.
Checklists, Reporting and Defect Grading
You’ll see how to:
- Use inspection checklists and forms
- Grade defects (e.g. critical vs non-critical)
- Prioritise remedial actions and follow-up work
Maintaining Compliance Over the Life of the Plant
EEHA isn’t “set and forget”. The course emphasises:
- Routine inspections and maintenance
- Managing plant changes (MOC)
- Updating drawings, dossiers and records when modifications occur
Documentation and Hazardous Area Verification Dossiers
If the installation is the body, the dossier is the memory.
What Goes into a Hazardous Area Dossier
You’ll cover what documentation is normally required, such as:
- Classification reports and zone plans
- Equipment schedules and certificates of conformity
- Inspection and test records
- Installation details and cable schedules
As-Built Drawings, Certificates and Inspection Records
The course explains the difference between design intent and as-built reality, and why:
- Drawings must reflect what actually exists on site
- Certificates must be traceable to each piece of equipment
- Inspection records must be maintained and auditable
Safe Work Practices in Hazardous Areas
Technical competence is only one part of working safely.
Permits to Work and Isolation Procedures
You’ll discuss:
- Permits for hot work, electrical work and confined space
- Isolation and lockout/tagout requirements
- Gas testing and continuous monitoring where needed
Static, Earthing and Ignition Source Control
The course typically covers:
- Controlling static build-up on equipment and people
- Avoiding non-certified portable tools and devices
- Managing hot surfaces, friction and impact as ignition sources
PPE and Housekeeping Expectations
You’ll be reminded that good housekeeping is a control measure too:
- Cleaning dust layers and spill residues
- Keeping enclosures clean and closed
- Wearing suitable PPE (and understanding its limitations)
Practical Components – Hands-On Learning in EEHA Courses
A good EEHA course doesn’t live only in the classroom.
Typical Practical Tasks and Assessments
Hands-on activities may include:
- Identifying non-compliances on training rigs
- Selecting suitable equipment for different zones
- Terminating cables and fitting Ex glands
- Completing inspection forms from a mock site
Using Real Equipment and Simulated Hazardous Areas
You’ll often work with real Ex equipment rather than just pictures. This helps you:
- Recognise protection concepts in the field
- Handle glands, enclosures and accessories
- Understand the practical challenges of installation and inspection
Assessment, Competency and Outcomes
EEHA training usually includes both theory and practical assessment.
Theory Assessments and Written Exams
You can expect:
- Multiple-choice or short-answer questions
- Scenario-based questions about equipment selection and zoning
- Questions on standards, markings and protection methods
Practical Competency Sign-Off
For practicals, assessors will typically check your ability to:
- Correctly interpret documentation and nameplates
- Identify hazards and non-compliances
- Install or inspect equipment to the required standard
What You Can Do After Completing the Course
Depending on the specific course and your trade background, you may be able to:
- Install electrical equipment in hazardous areas
- Inspect and maintain existing EEHA installations
- Contribute to compliance and verification of hazardous area systems
It’s a strong addition to your CV and can open doors to higher-risk, higher-responsibility roles.
How Long an EEHA Course Takes and Study Options
Typical Course Duration and Modes of Delivery
Most EEHA courses run over several days, often with:
- Pre-reading or online learning components
- A mix of classroom theory and workshop practicals
- Final assessments on the last day or spread across the course
Some providers also offer blended learning, where theory is done online and practical/assessment days are face-to-face.
Refresher Training and Keeping Skills Current
Because standards, technology and regulations can change, refresher training is important. Many companies require:
- Formal refreshers every few years
- Ongoing on-the-job experience to maintain competency
- Evidence of continued learning and awareness of updates
Choosing the Right EEHA Course Provider
Not all EEHA courses are equal.
What to Look For in a Good EEHA Training Provider
When comparing options, consider:
- Trainers with real industry experience in hazardous areas
- Up-to-date training rigs and equipment
- Clear information about course outcomes and units of competency (if applicable)
- Good reviews and reputation in your sector
Questions to Ask Before You Enrol
Before you sign up, it’s worth asking:
- Is this course aimed at electricians, designers, inspectors – or all three?
- Will I receive a statement of attainment, certificate, or internal company training record?
- How much of the course is hands-on vs lecture-based?
- What pre-requisites do I need (licence, experience, qualifications)?
Conclusion – Why EEHA Training Is Worth It
An EEHA course isn’t just another badge to put on your CV. It’s about understanding the real risks of working with electricity in explosive atmospheres – and having the skills to manage those risks properly.
From hazardous area classification and Ex protection concepts, through to equipment selection, installation, inspection and documentation, the course covers the full lifecycle of electrical equipment in hazardous areas. You’ll walk away knowing:
- What makes an area hazardous
- How to choose and interpret Ex equipment
- How to install, inspect and maintain it correctly
- How to read and contribute to the documentation that underpins compliance
If you work, or plan to work, in industries like oil and gas, mining, grain handling, water treatment, food production or chemical processing, EEHA training can make you safer, more employable and far more confident when you step into a zoned area.
FAQs – EEHA Courses
1. Do I need to be an electrician to do an EEHA course?
Not always, but many EEHA courses are designed for licensed electricians or instrumentation technicians, especially those involving installation work. Some courses aimed at engineers, supervisors or managers may not require a trade licence but will still expect a basic understanding of electrical principles. It’s best to check the prerequisites with the provider.
2. Is EEHA training mandatory?
In many industries, having competent personnel for hazardous area installation and inspection is a legal requirement. While the law may not name a specific course, employers usually rely on recognised EEHA training to demonstrate that their workers are competent. In practice, if you’re doing EEHA work, training is strongly expected and often mandatory under company policies.
3. How often should I refresh my EEHA competency?
There is no universal rule, but many organisations require EEHA refresher training every 3-5 years, or sooner if there are major changes in standards, equipment or job role. Even if your employer doesn’t strictly require it, a refresher helps you stay current and confident in what is a high-risk area of work.
4. Does an EEHA course involve a lot of maths?
Most EEHA courses are practical and standards-based rather than heavy on maths. You’ll need to understand basic electrical concepts, but you’re unlikely to be doing complex calculations. The focus is more on the interpretation of standards, equipment markings, drawings and real-world installations.
5. Will this help my career in the electrical industry?
Absolutely. EEHA skills are in demand across oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, food, water, and more. Being trained and competent in hazardous areas can open up better job opportunities, higher-responsibility roles and more specialised project work. It’s a strong differentiator on your CV compared with general electricians who don’t have EEHA experience.
