CompEx Foundation (ExF) Qualification
More than a basic awareness level, the course is a theory-only introduction for anyone working in or around hazardous areas, regardless of whether they perform electrical tasks. It’s designed to build essential understanding of explosive atmospheres and the standards that govern them.
The goal
Upon successful completion, learners will be able to describe the components of a hazardous atmosphere and associated precautions, understand classification criteria for gas, vapour, and dust zones, identify relevant regulations, IEC standards, and directives, demonstrate awareness of key protection concepts, categories, and equipment types, and understand roles, responsibilities, and safety procedures in hazardous area management.
The target group
This course is suitable for anyone entering or supporting operations in hazardous areas, technical staff seeking foundational knowledge, non-technical personnel needing a greater safety awareness before entering a site, and learners preparing for more advanced CompEx modules
The topics covered
- Basic Ex philosophy
- The fire triangle and explosion pentagon
- Ignition sources
- Area classification
- What do you need to know before entering a hazardous area?
- Marking on Ex equipment - how to read it?
- Types of protection - how is equipment made safe to use?
- Risk Assessment (RA), Method Statement (MS), Permit to Work (PTW)
- Inspection and maintenance
- Final Assessment
References
Excerpts from the ATEX user directive: "Directive 1999/92/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1999 ANNEX II 1.1. Training of workers The employer must provide those working in places where explosive atmospheres may occur with sufficient and appropriate training with regard to explosion protection."
Internationally and on ships, the standards IEC 60079-14 require documentation of competence for those who are responsible for Ex areas, those who select and install Ex equipment and those who design Ex facilities. The standard IEC 60079-17 requires documented competence for responsible persons and technical personnel with a leading function, as well as operational technicians and technicians who carry out inspections and maintenance.
Before attending the course
Final Assessment
To receive the CompEx certificate, you will be required to pass the assessment in the course with a score of 70% or higher. Instructions will be given to you in the course on where to register on the CompEx website to receive your CompEx ULN. Once you have your ULN, you should send this to Trainor, who will then send the CompEx certificate to you. The CompEx certificate will be valid for 5 years.
Technical information
System requirements
This course can be completed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone – whenever and wherever it suits you. To ensure the best possible experience, we recommend using an up-to-date web browser (such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Firefox) and a stable internet connection with a minimum speed of 5 Mbps. If you are using a mobile network, a 4G connection or higher is recommended.
Course manual
No, a course manual is not included for this course.
Talk to us about this and other courses
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