Staying ahead

As the sector evolves, engineers need to constantly keep up to date with the latest developments. IGEM has worked with training provider QEM Solutions for a number of years to guide gas professionals on the most recent safety standards and how to conform to today’s regulations. Clare Dignall, Freelance Writer on behalf of the training provider, highlights the key learnings from the popular IGEM Material and Equipment Certificates course and why it is important to attend.
 

In the high-risk world of the gas industry, safety is non-negotiable. But it isn’t something that just happens – it’s something we build, piece by piece, with every decision we make, right from day one of a project to delivery and beyond.

The integrity of the entire network depends on every link in the supply chain meeting the highest standards of quality.

One small misstep, one overlooked detail, can have grave results much later. Networks can face litigation, reputations can be irreparably damaged, and people can be hurt.

That’s why training in Material and Equipment Certificates is more than just a box to tick – it’s the foundation of a safety-first culture that reaches right from the boardroom to your people in the field.

The buck stops with you
It’s tempting to think safety is someone else’s responsibility, especially when you’re not making the big decisions. But as one delegate put it, attending the Material and Equipment Certificates training helped them realise the importance of “being more aware of my responsibilities further back down the train of material specifications.”

This simple reflection reveals a fundamental truth: No matter your role, the integrity of the gas network depends on your commitment to quality. Whether you’re a senior executive or a field operative, the safety of the network relies on every individual choosing to make the right decision at every step.

Certification in a changing landscape
Over the years, the gas industry has evolved significantly, particularly in the UK, where a closely regulated network has established an enviable safety record.

But this didn’t happen by accident. In the 1960s, public failures in materials and equipment hastened the creation of rigorous standards and processes, laying the foundation for modern practices.

However, today’s gas industry faces new challenges that make material and equipment certification even more vital:

• Global supply chain: With a global supply chain comes the challenge of ensuring the integrity of suppliers and the fitness for purpose of every component. It’s no longer enough to just know your immediate supplier – you need to know and understand the broader supply chain and its impact on quality.
• Training gaps: Historically, some people in responsible safety roles have found themselves making critical decisions about materials and equipment without formal training in interpreting certification. As a result, many have ‘done their best’ without really knowing how to verify material integrity.

There has been real progress made by QEM Solutions and IGEM. We partnered to create a comprehensive training programme designed to equip professionals across the energy sector with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure safety through materials and equipment certification.

Training for every professional in the energy sector
The Material and Equipment Certificates course offers a practical, hands-on approach. The training course was designed not only to deliver entry-level knowledge, but also to provide a foundation on which professionals can build specialisations as their careers progress.

The course includes presentations, practical activities, and group discussions, ensuring that all participants are engaged and learn how to handle real certificates and materials.

It also anticipates changes in regulations and industry specifications, ensuring that participants always have the most up-to-date knowledge in step with legislation.

A workforce equipped for safety
Since launching the training, QEM Solutions has delivered over 24 courses across the UK, with delegates from major gas networks such as Cadent, SGN, Gas Networks Ireland, and Northern Gas Networks, as well as independent delegates from a number of roles across the energy sector.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing relief at finally feeling equipped to properly interpret certificates. Many describe how the training has empowered them to challenge materials and procurement decisions with newfound confidence.

This training helps create a workforce that doesn’t just tick boxes but understands that quality is inseparable from safety - and that every decision counts.

Course overview
The one-day training course is designed to provide professionals in the energy sector with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex world of materials and equipment certification.

Objectives:

• Gain confidence in interpreting materials and equipment certificates
• Learn how to verify certificates and ensure assets are safely managed
• Discover the role of quality assurance in procurement
• Understand the differences between accreditation and certification
• Gain insight into the certifications required across an asset’s lifecycle

What you’ll learn
This course dives deep into the practical aspects of materials and equipment certification, helping you understand:

• Who issues certificates and the different bodies involved
• The types of certificates you’ll encounter, including ATEX and DSEAR certifications
• Why traceability is crucial for safety and compliance
• The differences between material certificates and certificates of conformity

Who should attend
This course is perfect for anyone involved in the gas industry, including:

• Design Engineers
• Project Engineers and Managers
• Site Inspectors and Supervisors
• Quality Engineers and Managers

Taking responsibility for safety
In an industry where safety lapses can have serious consequences, it’s crucial to equip your workforce with the right knowledge and tools. The Material and Equipment Certificates training is more than just theory – it provides practical, hands-on learning that leaves your team ready to make informed, safety-conscious decisions every time.

In the gas industry, the buck doesn’t just stop here - it stops with you. Equip yourself and your team with the knowledge to ensure the integrity of every material, component, and decision. Safety and quality are inseparable – every one of us must uphold both.

Book on to the next Material and Equipment Certificates course on 18 June.