Introducing the Explosion Protection Engineering Program at The University of Miskolc

In this episode of the Dust Safety Science Podcast, Dr. Chris Cloney speaks again with Arpad Veress of ExProfessional, an explosion safety expert and honorary associate professor at the University of Miskolc, to discuss the Explosion Protection Engineering program at the university, a unique educational offering designed to train professionals in the fundamentals of explosion safety.

This program is similar to the one at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), which was featured in Episode 287 of the podcast.

Why Was the Explosion Protection Program Created?

Arpad explains that the University of Miskolc, located in Northern Hungary, has historical roots in mining and engineering. Over time, they recognized a growing need for more advanced education in explosion protection, as standard training courses—often one or two weeks long—only scratched the surface of what professionals needed to know.

In response, the university developed a one-year accredited program focused on explosion protection engineering, officially launching in 2019. The program quickly became popular, consistently enrolling 35 students per year, initially the approved number allowed under its accreditation.

What Does the Program Cover?

The curriculum focuses on primary, secondary, and tertiary explosion protection strategies:

Primary protection: Preventing the presence of explosive atmospheres through material substitution, ventilation, and dust control.
Secondary protection: Preventing ignition sources, such as electrostatic discharge or hot surfaces.
Tertiary protection: Containing or mitigating explosions using venting, suppression, or isolation systems.

The program includes lectures from university professors with expertise in mechanical engineering and safety, as well as practical training led by industry professionals. This mix of academic and field experience ensures students develop both theoretical knowledge and real-world problem-solving skills.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to industry professionals with backgrounds in:

Health & safety
Fire safety
Process safety
Legal and regulatory compliance
Explosion risk assessment and mitigation

Most students already work in industries handling combustible dust and enroll to deepen their expertise rather than to switch careers. Many are safety professionals, consultants, or inspectors looking to expand their understanding of explosion hazards.

Why Is This Program Important?

The explosion protection field is highly technical and requires specialized knowledge. Many professionals working in dust safety and explosion prevention come from different backgrounds, such as engineering, compliance, or fire safety. Programs like this one bring together different points of view, help create a standardized knowledge base and ensure that best practices are applied consistently across industries.

Additionally, the global regulatory landscape is evolving. Standards such as ATEX, IECEx, and NFPA guidelines are becoming increasingly stringent, making proper training and certification essential for industry professionals.

The Importance of Global Collaboration in Explosion Protection Education

Arpad emphasizes the importance of international collaboration between universities, industry experts, and regulatory bodies. The University of Miskolc is open to student exchanges, joint research projects, and knowledge sharing with institutions worldwide.

The Explosion Protection Museum

Arpad also shares details about an Explosion Protection Museum in Hungary. This museum features historical explosion protection equipment, including industrial safety devices, explosion-proof enclosures, and protective barriers. The collection showcases the evolution of explosion safety technologies over time.

Visitors can explore the exhibits in person or via Google Street View, making it accessible to a global audience. The museum is open to contributions from companies and professionals who want to donate historical explosion protection equipment.

Conclusion

The Explosion Protection Engineering program at The University of Miskolc is a valuable resource for industry professionals looking to expand their expertise in explosion risk mitigation. By combining academic knowledge with practical training, it equips students with the skills needed to safeguard industrial facilities against combustible dust hazards.

For more information about the program or the Explosion Protection Museum, visit the University of Miskolc website (link provided in the show notes).

If you would like to discuss further, leave your thoughts in the comments section below. You can also reach Arpad Veress directly:

Website: https://exprofessional.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/veressarpad

Email: [email protected]

If you have questions about the contents of this or any other podcast episode, you can go to our ‘Questions from the Community’ page and submit a text message or video recording. We will then bring someone on to answer these questions in a future episode.