Overview
The safe management of potentially explosive atmospheres demands more than personal awareness – it requires leadership.
CompEx Ex14 Responsible Persons is a comprehensive four‑day programme designed for duty holders and senior supervisors who manage staff, processes and procedures in hazardous areas. The course provides an in‑depth understanding of legislation, standards and best practice for managing explosive atmospheres and equips participants with the competence to schedule inspections, review findings and take appropriate action.
Delivered by industry experts, the programme combines guided learning with applied knowledge assessments to ensure responsible persons meet the requirements of IEC 60079‑14/17 and national regulations.
Who Should Attend
This qualification is tailored to individuals with managerial or supervisory responsibilities, including:
- Duty holders and responsible persons – those who oversee teams working in potentially explosive atmospheres and are accountable for safe systems of work.
- Supervisors and senior engineers – personnel tasked with managing staff, processes and procedures relating to hazardous locations, both electrical and mechanical.
- Inspection coordinators and asset managers – individuals responsible for scheduling inspections, determining inspection frequencies and reviewing inspection results.
- Technical Persons with Executive Function (TPEF) – the individual responsible for the technical management and control of inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment in hazardous areas as defined in IEC60079
Candidates should ideally hold a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or equivalent, possess a general understanding of electrical engineering (including reading and assessing engineering drawings), have basic knowledge of quality assurance and auditing principles and provide an employer letter of endorsement confirming they are in, or progressing toward, a responsible person role. Employers may, at their discretion, nominate candidates who meet the competency requirements through experience.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Apply relevant legislation and standards. Know and understand national regulations, directives and IEC standards applicable to hazardous locations (e.g., ATEX, DSEAR, EPS Regulations, Health and Safety at Work Act and COMAH).
- Characterise hazardous substances. Identify the properties and terminologies associated with common hazardous gases, vapours and dusts.
- Interpret hazardous area classification. Understand how classification is performed, how zones are documented and how this informs safe systems of work.
- Identify and manage ignition sources. Understand the various types of ignition source and their effects within hazardous locations.
- Explain protection concepts and equipment selection. Know how certified Ex electrical and non‑electrical equipment maintains its protection concept and how to select, install, inspect and maintain such equipment.
- Manage competence and inspection regimes. Recognise the importance of competence management and apply a risk‑based methodology to schedule inspections and analyse inspection plans.
- Plan DSEAR management. Describe key principles of DSEAR management and documentation requirements for ensuring ongoing compliance.
Assessment & Certification
Assessment for Ex14 consists of two online examinations:
- Theory examination: A 41‑question multiple‑choice test lasting 1 hour 15
- Applied knowledge examination: A 19‑question test lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, where candidates use documentation and supplied information to determine correct answers.
Candidates must successfully complete both sections to achieve the qualification. Upon passing, delegates receive a CompEx Certificate of Core Competence – Responsible Persons (Ex14), demonstrating they have met the competence requirements for managing hazardous area operations. The certification is internationally recognised and supports employer compliance with IEC 60079‑14/17 and national legislation.
Key Info
Duration & Delivery
The Ex14 course is delivered over four days, comprising three days of guided learning (22–24 hours) and half a day of assessment.
Daily sessions typically run from 09:00 to 16:00 at our training centre.
Training can be arranged via:
- In person at our Summit House centre in Sunbury‑on‑
- On‑site delivery customised to your facility, allowing the course to be integrated into your management systems.
- Live online sessions may be available by arrangement for remote cohorts.
Scheduled public sessions run on the following dates:
- 26–29 January 2026
- 20–23 April 2026
If the published dates do not suit your schedule, please contact us to discuss bespoke or on‑site training.
Pricing & Booking
The course fee is £1 650 + VAT per person. This price includes all training materials, online examinations and the CompEx certificate.
For on‑site or group bookings, pricing is available on application (P.O.A.) and may be tailored to your organisation’s requirements.
To register your interest, call 01932 963463 or email support@ecfio.co.uk. Early booking is recommended due to limited places on each course.
Water - Area Manager
“The E-learning is a great alternative to travelling to a classroom. We were able to sit the training while we waited for the weather to clear up. The team are very helpful, it was nice to be able to pick up the phone and speak to a real person – Thanks for your help Clio!”
Course Content
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Benefits for Learners and Managers
Completing the Ex14 Responsible Persons qualification offers tangible benefits for both delegates and their organisations:
- Leadership competence: Participants acquire the knowledge and skills to manage hazardous area processes, equipment and personnel effectively.
- Regulatory compliance: The course aligns with ATEX, DSEAR, IEC 60079 and other legislation, helping employers meet statutory obligations.
- Robust inspection regimes: Learners can schedule inspections, determine inspection grades and frequencies, and interpret inspection results to drive corrective actions.
- Improved risk management: Understanding protection concepts, asset management and DSEAR planning reduces the likelihood of incidents and downtime.
- Enhanced organisational competence: Certification supports competence management systems, demonstrating that responsible persons are suitably qualified.
Can the training be customised for our organisation?
Yes. We offer on‑site delivery tailored to your processes and hazards if you have a group of 5 or more. Contact us to discuss bespoke content and scheduling.
Course Content
The Ex14 syllabus integrates theory and applied knowledge to develop the competence of responsible persons. Subjects covered include:
- Legislation, directives and standards – detailed review of ATEX, DSEAR, EPS Regulations, the Health and Safety at Work Act and COMAH.
- Hazardous substance characteristics – properties and terminology for gases, vapours and dusts.
- Hazardous area classification – zone definitions, classification methods and documentation requirements.
- Ignition sources – identification and mitigation of mechanical, electrical and human‑initiated ignition sources.
- Protection concepts and equipment – selecting appropriate certified equipment, protection methods (e.g., explosion proof, intrinsically safe) and inspection/maintenance requirements.
- Competence management – implementing risk‑based inspection regimes, determining inspection frequencies and grades, and ensuring inspector competence.
- Asset management and DSEAR planning – developing and analysing inspection plans, prioritising remedial work and understanding documentation requirements under DSEAR.
Course Content
FAQs
Course Outcomes
- Understand national regulations, directives and standards (ATEX, DSEAR, EPS, HASAWA, COMAH).
- Identify characteristics of hazardous gases, vapours and dusts.
- Interpret hazardous area classification and documentation requirements.
- Recognise ignition sources and apply mitigation measures.
- Explain protection concepts and select certified equipment.
- Implement competence management and inspection regimes.
- Develop asset management plans and DSEAR documentation.
Who Should Attend
- Duty holders and responsible persons managing hazardous area operations.
- Supervisors, senior engineers and inspection coordinators.
- Asset managers and those scheduling inspections and reviewing results.
- Candidates with a HNC (or equivalent) and basic electrical/QA knowledge, or employer‑endorsed experience.
Delivery & Pricing
- Duration: Four‑day course (three days guided learning + half‑day assessment).
- Formats: In person at Sunbury‑on‑Thames, on‑site delivery customised to your facility and live online sessions by arrangement.
- Cost: £1 650 + VAT per person including exams and certification.
- On‑site pricing:O.A. for group bookings and bespoke delivery.
- Upcoming dates: 20–23 Oct 2025, 26–29 Jan 2026, 20–23 Apr 2026.
Certification & Recognition
- Awarded the CompEx Certificate of Core Competence – Responsible Persons (Ex14) upon successful completion.
- Assessment comprises a theory exam (41 questions, 1 h 15 m) and an applied knowledge exam (19 questions, 1 h 30 m).
- Certification confirms competence to manage hazardous area operations and is recognised internationally.
FAQs
It is a four‑day course designed for duty holders and senior supervisors responsible for managing hazardous areas. The programme covers legislation, hazardous area classification, ignition sources, protection concepts, competence management and DSEAR planning.
Managers, supervisors, duty holders, inspection coordinators and asset managers who oversee work in potentially explosive atmospheres. Candidates should meet the entry requirements or be endorsed by their employer.
A HNC or equivalent, basic electrical engineering knowledge, understanding of quality assurance and an employer letter confirming the candidate’s responsible person role【. Employers may nominate experienced candidates who meet the competence requirements.
The course runs over four days (three days of guided learning plus half a day of assessment) and is usually delivered at our training centre. On‑site and live online options are available.
Candidates complete two online exams: a 41‑question theory exam (1 hour 15 minutes) and a 19‑question applied knowledge exam (1 hour 30 minutes). Both sections must be passed to gain certification.
No previous CompEx units are mandatory; however, candidates should meet the entry requirements and have relevant design experience.
For more information or to book your place, contact the ECFIO team on 01932 963463 or email support@ecfio.co.uk.