2008-06-18 - ABB is the first motor manufacturer in the world to receive certification for its own qualification program for Ex service facilities. The certificate has been granted by BV-LCIE, which is based in France and is a leading certification body for the electrical and electronics sectors.
This recognition allows ABB to issue certificates of authorization to Ex workshops or repair facilities that comply with ABB qualification program which also includes the strict requirements of IEC/EN 60079-19 and ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. An ABB certificate of authorization confirms that the workshop in question has been audited by ABB and it guarantees that ABB Ex motors repaired or overhauled there are safe and their original ABB declaration of conformity remains valid. Therefore the certified workshop is qualified to operate under ABB responsibility.
An Internal Lead Auditor certificate from BV-LCIE has been received by Mika Pentilä, Manager of ABB Motors’ Ex workshop certification unit.
“We have put a lot of effort into this project,” Pentilä explains. “We have developed an effective qualification program for workshops, ensuring that when ABB Ex motors are maintained or repaired they remain in conformity with the requirements. Under this system, ABB and its authorized workshops enter into a partnership agreement to ensure that the necessary detailed repair instructions are available to the employees who perform the work.”
ABB’s Ex repair shop qualification program gives end-users added confidence that their ABB Ex motors will continue to comply with Directive 94/9/EC or relevant Ex IEC standard requirements after repair by one of the ABB certified facilities.
ABB is the first motor manufacturer to obtain this type of certification. The certificate reflects ABB’s commitment to continued improvement, and will help to promote a best practice culture as it will reinforce cooperation between ABB and its certified Ex repair shops. It represents a significant step forward which will further strengthen ABB’s position in markets like the chemical, oil, and gas sectors where Ex equipment is used.