(from R to L): Gordon Andrew, the first CompEx SBT Inspection training instructor at RelyOn Nutec UK, and John Harris, technical development manager at CompEx

CompEx, the international scheme for competency validation and certification of personnel who work in explosive atmospheres, has added a Small-Bore Tubing (SBT) Inspection course to its suite of qualifications.

Developed in consultation with industry and updated defined competency requirements, the three-day practical and theory course certifies SBT installation, inspection and maintenance technicians’ ability to perform safe SBT inspections across all industries.

Prior to the launch of this course, there have been no formal competence pathways specific to in-service inspection of SBT assemblies, making it an industry-first in globally standardising SBT testing.

The course will provide assurance to asset owners that SBT inspection will be carried out to a high safety standard with no risk to operations, the environment and most importantly, their people.  

The course is currently available at Approved Training Provider, RelyOn Nutec in Aberdeen, and will be offered by other training providers later this year.

John Harris, technical development manager at CompEx, said: 
“Research indicates that failure to adequately inspect SBT assemblies, and identify and prioritise integrity threats, will result in a potential loss of containment leading to health, safety and environmental issues. The significant value of ensuring competency validation of staff, compared to the potential consequences of poorly maintained systems, is recognised and understood by the key industry stakeholders we support. 

“CompEx has listened and responded to this industry demand and introduced the Small-Bore Tubing Inspection qualification. Until now, industry has lacked standardisation in SBT inspection methodology. We have created this course to give asset owners and specialist inspection companies the confidence that SBT inspection will be delivered to a high standard, across the global network of CompEx Approved Training Providers.”

Gordon Andrew, the first CompEx SBT Inspection training instructor at RelyOn Nutec said:
“As a global safety training provider, with significant experience delivering training on Small-Bore Tubing assemblies, we recognised the importance of introducing a competency qualification to ensure the integrity of SBT systems and the workforce who install them. As such, we’ve been pleased to support CompEx as they proceed with the development of this new industry standard.

“Already available in Aberdeen, we’ll soon be rolling the qualification out across our other UK facilities, in Teesside and Liverpool, as we strive to bring this safety critical training to the wider UK market.”

Further course specification information can be found here

KeyFacts Energy news: Training