Overview
Working in areas where explosive atmospheres may exist demands a thorough understanding of the risks and the regulations that underpin safe operation.
CompEx ExF Foundation is a theory‑only introduction designed to raise awareness of hazardous area principles for both technical and non‑technical personnel. The programme gives learners an in‑depth understanding of the laws, directives and standards that govern explosive atmospheres and explains how to recognise hazards and adopt safe working practices.
Whether you’re responsible for procurement, project management or maintenance, this two‑day course will help you identify risk areas, understand explosion protection concepts and lay a solid foundation for more advanced CompEx units.
Who Should Attend
CompEx ExF Foundation is suited to anyone who needs a baseline understanding of hazardous areas, including:
- Technical personnel –
- recently qualified electrical technicians,
- engineers or maintenance teams who will work in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- Non‑technical roles –
- project managers,
- supervisors,
- procurement teams, surveyors,
- lab technicians,
- apprentices and external contractors who need to recognise hazards.
- Support staff –
- safety representatives,
- operations teams,
- demolition crews,
- scaffolders,
No prior knowledge of hazardous areas is required, however or electrical experience is benficial.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify relevant regulations, directives and standards. Understand national and international requirements such as ATEX, DSEAR and IEC 60079 and how they apply to your site.
- Recognise hazardous atmospheres. Describe how gases, vapours and dusts form explosive atmospheres and classify them using ATEX/IECEx zone descriptors.
- Explain protection concepts and equipment categories. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of protection concepts, categories and equipment protection levels (EPLs) for electrical and non‑electrical equipment.
- Identify ignition sources and safe practices. Recognise ignition sources such as static electricity, mechanical friction and hot surfaces, and apply safe systems of work and permits to work to minimise risk.
- Identify signage and marking. Interpret equipment marking, ingress protection (IP) ratings and hazardous area signage.
- Know when to seek specialist support. Appreciate personal responsibilities and recognise when to consult a competent person or specialist.
Assessment & Certification
Assessment is through a multiple‑choice examination delivered online. Candidates answer 30 questions in 45 minutes, and a pass mark of 70 % (21 correct answers) is required. The exam may be undertaken at our training centre or, by prior arrangement, remotely. Successful candidates receive an internationally recognised CompEx Certificate for Foundation in Hazardous Awareness, valid for five years.
Key Info
Duration & Delivery
The CompEx ExF Foundation course runs over two days and is a purely theoretical programme. Guided learning time ranges between 6 and 10 hours depending on class size and delivery method. You can choose from three delivery options:
- In person at our training centre near Heathrow (Sunbury‑On‑Thames).
- Live online training via a secure virtual platform with real‑time interaction and Q&A.
- On‑site delivery at your own facility, customised to your operations and schedule.
Scheduled public sessions run on the following dates:
- 19–20 November 2025
- 19–20 February 2026
- 21–22 May 2026
On‑site courses can be arranged on request – please contact us to discuss availability.
Pricing & Booking
The course fee is £450 + VAT per person. This price includes the online examination and CompEx certification. For on‑site or group bookings, pricing is provided on application (P.O.A.) and may vary depending on travel and customisation requirements.
Please call 01932 963463 or email support@ecfio.co.uk to check availability or to arrange training at your site.
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
The CompEx Foundation course benefits both participants and the organisations that support their training:
- Improved hazard awareness: Employees gain the knowledge to identify hazardous areas and prevent ignition incidents, reducing the risk of accidents and downtime.
- Compliance with legislation: The course covers key directives and standards, helping employers demonstrate compliance with ATEX and DSEAR.
- Enhanced competence matrix: Completion of ExF supports an organisation’s competence management system and can be used as evidence during audits and inspections.
- Customised training: Managers can opt for on‑site delivery tailored to their facility, ensuring training is relevant and cost‑effective. On‑site sessions minimise travel time and allow more staff to attend.
- Gateway to advanced certifications: ExF provides a foundation for more technical CompEx qualifications such as Ex01–Ex04 (Gas & Vapours), Ex05–Ex06 (Dust) and Ex14 (Responsible Persons).
Course Content
The curriculum is aligned with the CompEx Foundation syllabus and covers the following topics:
- Hazardous locations, areas and classifications – an overview of flammable atmospheres, area classification and DSEAR.
- Legal framework and standards – directives and regulations governing hazardous areas, including ATEX, DSEAR and IEC 60079.
- Ignition sources of gas and dust – typical sources of ignition, static electricity, mechanical friction and hot surfaces.
- Signage, categories and EPLs – understanding hazardous area signs, equipment categories and protection levels.
- Equipment for use in hazardous areas – selection of electrical and non‑electrical equipment, types of explosion protection and the concept of intrinsically safe circuits.
- Ingress protection (IP ratings) and marking – interpreting equipment marking and IP codes.
- Maintenance, repairs and modification – best practices for maintenance and repair activities in explosive atmospheres.
- Portable equipment and miscellaneous topics – safe use of portable equipment and other considerations.
Course Content
FAQs
Course Outcomes
- Understand relevant regulations, directives and standards (ATEX, DSEAR, IEC 60079).
- Recognise hazardous atmospheres and zone classifications.
- Explain protection concepts, categories and EPLs for equipment.
- Identify ignition sources and apply safe systems of work.
- Interpret equipment marking and IP ratings.
- Understand personal responsibilities and when to seek specialist advice.
Who Should Attend
- Technicians, engineers and maintenance staff entering hazardous areas.
- Project managers, procurement teams and supervisors involved in hazardous area projects.
- Lab technicians, apprentices, scaffolders, cleaners and contractors.
- Safety representatives and operational support staff.
- Open to technical and non‑technical personnel – no prerequisites.
Delivery & Pricing
- Duration: Two‑day, theory‑only course (6–10 hours guided learning).
- Formats: Live online, in person at our Sunbury‑on‑Thames centre or on‑site delivery tailored to your facility.
- Cost: £450 + VAT per person including exam and certificate.
- On‑site pricing: P.O.A. for group bookings and bespoke delivery.
- Upcoming dates: 19–20 Nov 2025, 19–20 Feb 2026, 21–22 May 2026.
Certification & Recognition
- Receive the CompEx Certificate for Foundation in Hazardous Awareness (valid for five years) upon passing the exam.
- Assessment via 30‑question online multiple‑choice exam (45 minutes, 70 % pass mark).
- Internationally recognised qualification supporting your personal competence matrix and demonstrating compliance with ATEX and DSEAR.
FAQs
It is a theory‑only course designed to give candidates a solid grounding in hazardous area principles. It covers regulations, classification, protection concepts and safe working practices, forming a stepping‑stone to more advanced CompEx units.
Anyone who may encounter potentially explosive atmospheres, including technicians, engineers, project managers, supervisors, procurement teams and contractors. No prior technical or electrical knowledge is required.
The course is delivered over two days and is purely theoretical. Guided learning time ranges from 6 to 10 hours and can be completed in person at our centre, live online or on‑site.
Yes. Candidates complete an online multiple‑choice exam consisting of 30 questions to be answered in 45 minutes. A pass mark is required to achieve certification.
No. The ExF Foundation course has no formal entry requirements. It is suitable for technical and non‑technical personnel.
No. ExF is an awareness course that provides a theoretical foundation. Additional practical units (e.g., Ex01–Ex04, Ex05–Ex06) are required to perform installations or inspections in hazardous areas.
Yes. We offer on‑site delivery tailored to your facility’s processes and hazards. Please contact us to discuss content customisation and scheduling.
For more information or to book your place, contact the ECFIO team on 01932 963463 or email support@ecfio.co.uk.