This edition of our Centre Spotlight series looks at Global Ex Solutions (GExS), a training and competency provider specialising in Ex inspections and CompEx training. Operating in over 12 industries including pharmaceuticals, space, nuclear, and the food industry.
Can you tell us about your offering and the team that delivers your training?
Here in Houston, Texas, we offer CompEx Gas and Vapours (Ex01 – Ex04). We also deliver the CompEx Foundation (ExF) qualification that is aligned with The US National Electric Codes, which define hazardous locations; NEC 500 (Class and Division) and NEC 505 (Class and Zone). Although they are both relevant to the US Code, we find both qualifications are also popular internationally. Our team of trainers and assessors conduct the training, and practitioners can book courses through our Administration Manager or online via our website.
When did you first begin to offer the CompEx Gas and Vapours (Ex01 – 04) course, and what was the motivation for doing so?
Tony Scott, the owner of GExS, has been involved with CompEx Gas and Vapours (Ex01 – Ex04) since 1999 and was one of the first trainers and assessors to be registered. Tony launched the first US CompEx approved training centre in 2009 for the OCS Group, which was then acquired by GExS in 2023. 14 years on, it’s still great to see how at the end of every course, practitioners are still so grateful for the knowledge that they have gained — it’s a real buzz for our trainers and assessors team.
You recently launched a new CompEx dedicated training centre, can you tell us more about what practitioners can expect from the new facility?
We use the impressive facility at the Eaton Experience Center, also now known as PSEC, in Houston for CompEx Gas and Vapours (Ex01 – Ex04) training. Here, practitioners complete their CompEx training in a multi-million dollar facility which is truly an excellent training environment that showcases the Eaton equipment that is currently on the market.
Global Ex Solutions offers training to those working in several different sectors, what are the most common sectors that candidates opting for your CompEx course operate in?
As we are based in Houston the oil and gas capital of the world, we cater to the oil and gas industry nationally and internationally, from the oil and gas products to the companies building specialist equipment that have Ex products installed on them. We also work with the US government, as well as the food and space industries.
Following the launch of your new training facility, do you have any other goals for the company during the next twelve months?
We are hoping to open another CompEx training facility outside of the US in 2024, as part of our increasing focus on the international market. Here we aim to continue to build our national customer offering, as well as attend national industry events. GExS will be exhibiting at the OTC (Offshore Technology Conference) 2024 event in Houston, where we will be providing further information on CompEx qualifications.
What challenges do you think your industry faces presently, and how can they be overcome?
In the US, we see numerous incidents where the risks could be mitigated with CompEx training. The NEC code provides an installation guide with limited culpability for ensuring equipment is maintained. By offering CompEx training, we are able to focus on maintenance and inspections, which are critical to the long-term integrity of Ex equipment — specially designed and tested for applications within hazardous environments.
To read more about Global Ex Solutions, visit https://gexs.live/.