Job Overview

Perform inspection of electrical and instrumentation equipment installed in potentially explosive atmospheres (hazardous areas) at Ras Laffan Industrial City. Verify compliance with IEC 60079 series, ATEX / IECEx standards, and site area classification. Act as the competent person for Ex equipment inspection.

KEY DUTIES

Ex Equipment Inspection

• Inspect Ex-rated electrical and instrumentation equipment in classified zones (Zone 1, Zone 2, and Gas Groups IIA, IIB, IIC), including:
• Motors – flameproof (Ex d), increased safety (Ex e), and non-sparking (Ex nA)
• Junction boxes – Ex e, Ex d, Ex tb
• Instruments – pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, flow meters, analyzers, and gas detectors
• Switchgear – Ex de, Ex e enclosures
• Cable glands, conduit systems, and sealing fittings
• Lighting fixtures, alarms, and beacons

Installation Compliance Verification

• Verify installation compliance with:
• IEC 60079-14 – Design, selection, and installation of Ex equipment
• IEC 60079-17 – Inspection and maintenance of Ex installations
• Check:
• Correct equipment grouping and temperature class (T1–T6)
• Proper ingress protection (IP rating as per area classification)
• Appropriate cable gland type (Ex d barrier glands for flameproof, Ex e compression glands for increased safety)
• Earthing and bonding continuity
• Armor terminating and drain/stop boxes where required

Inspection Types (Per IEC 60079-17)

• Conduct initial inspections (new installations before energization)
• Conduct periodic inspections (scheduled based on area zoning and risk assessment)
• Conduct sample inspections (spot checks for ongoing compliance)
• Inspection grades to include:
• Visual – identification of visible defects
• Close – detailed examination with covers opened (if safe)
• Detailed – full inspection with equipment partially dismantled (where permitted)

Area Classification & Documentation Review

• Review area classification drawings and verify:
• Zone boundaries (Zone 0, 1, 2 for gas; Zone 20, 21, 22 for dust)
• Equipment selection matches classification
• Gas grouping (IIA, IIB, IIC) and temperature class requirements
• Review equipment schedules, loop drawings, and instrument index

Deficiency Identification & Reporting

• Identify and document deficiencies including:
• Missing or illegible Ex labeling / rating plates
• Incorrect cable glands (plastic vs. metal, wrong type for Ex d)
• Damaged or corroded equipment entries
• Missing blanking plugs or stopping boxes
• Improper sealing or cable installation
• Failed earthing or jumpers disconnected
• Raise Inspection Findings and Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) with photographic evidence and code references
• Follow up on corrective actions and close-out verification

I&E Instrumentation Activities

• Review:
• Loop testing records (4–20 mA, analog and discrete)
• Calibration records for instruments in hazardous areas
• HART communication and configuration files
• FOUNDATION Fieldbus (FF) segment documentation, wiring, and terminators
• Verify smart instruments are properly addressed and configured per loop drawings
• Witness loop testing or calibration if requested by client

Coordination & Reporting

• Liaise with client (QatarEnergy / operator), EPC contractor, and subcontractor E&I teams
• Attend pre-commissioning, inspection walkdowns, and punch list meetings
• Prepare and submit daily inspection reports, punch lists, and final Ex inspection dossiers

HSE & Permitting

• Follow Ras Laffan Hot Work and Electrical Work permit requirements
• Ensure gas testing is performed before opening Ex d enclosures (hot permit required)
• Participate in JSA / TBT before starting any inspection activity

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Valid CompEx Certificate (Ex01–Ex04 units as absolute minimum)
• Ex01 – Application of standards (IEC 60079-14 and 60079-17)
• Ex02 – Preparation and installation of Ex equipment
• Ex03 – Visual, close, and detailed inspection of Ex installations
• Ex04 – Maintenance, repair, and overhaul of Ex equipment
• CompEx Ex11 (Gas and dust) or Ex05–Ex06 (Ex tD dust) are advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on E&I inspection experience in oil & gas industry
• At least 2 years of dedicated Ex / hazardous area inspection experience
• Experience with greenfield (new installation) and brownfield (operating plant) inspections
• LNG, refinery, or petrochemical background preferred

Technical Knowledge

• IEC 60079 series – all relevant parts (0, 7, 11, 14, 17, 19, 31)
• ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) and IECEx Scheme fundamentals
• Area classification principles (IEC 60079-10-1 for gas, 60079-10-2 for dust)