A course being newly offered by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) can help with all aspects of fire safety, including the detailed understanding of explosion risks, which can be mitigated through the correct use of Zone 1 and Zone 2 equipment.

Where flammable materials have the potential to come into contact with oxygen or air, Zone 1 equipment allows essential tasks to be carried out safely in the area immediately surrounding the flammable materials, while Zone 2 equipment is for positions in the wider vicinity.

The precise definition of each zone depends on the specific setup and surroundings, making it more of an art than a science to safely work in some hazardous areas – and this is where professional qualifications can help.

RoSPA are now offering the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management, a three-unit course covering Management of Health and Safety, Fire Safety and Risk Management, and Practical Fire Risk Assessment.

Under the Fire Safety and Risk Management unit, candidates are taught to understand the science behind explosive combustion, as well as to outline control measures to reduce fire risks in hazardous areas – such as the use of suitable Zone 1 and Zone 2 equipment for the job.