Worker safety focus in WITT’s new ‘explosive’ qualification

Ensuring workplace safety in potentially hazardous environments where there is a high risk of explosions from dust, gas and chemicals is the key purpose of a specialised qualification available at WITT (Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki) from April next year.

The New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Equipment in Explosive Atmospheres (Level 4) is an updated version of an earlier qualification. It is designed for electricians, mechanical fitters and process workers who need to meet safety regulations in hazardous areas, now referred to as ‘explosive atmospheres.’

During the course, students gain theoretical knowledge and find out how to apply safety principles, procedures, and statutory requirements to safely enter and operate an explosive atmospheres site. These include the oil and gas sector, dairy industry (milk powder production), and wastewater treatment, to name a few. These sites contain flammable substances such as methane and other gases. Milk powder, for example – being fine and organic - is highly combustible when combined with air.

This qualification is only offered through WITT and is available throughout New Zealand. The first intake is being offered in New Plymouth on April 7, 2025. WITT can deliver this training in-house for a minimum of 12 students. It includes:

• Three weeks of pre-course reading
• Five days of face-to-face training
• Self-directed learning - evidence to be gathered from own work site and submitted to WITT
• Total 460 hours of learning

Course tutor Peter Lind, who has 50 years’ experience working in oil and gas, and the dairy sector, believes the qualification is extremely important to raise standards, awareness and knowledge. “Without this training, people in hazardous work sites can be a danger to themselves and others,” he says.

Peter has been teaching in this area for 15 years and is pleased to see the revised programme will be available in 2025.  New Zealand workers had to travel to Australia to gain the qualification over the past two years while it was being revised to meet more stringent government safety standards.

For more information and to enrol, click here: