Overview
Understanding functional safety is critical for the safe design and operation of process control systems in industries ranging from oil and gas to manufacturing.
The CompEx Functional Safety Foundation (FSF) course is a theory‑only programme that introduces the concepts and terminology of functional safety and explains how they relate to safe operations. Based on IEC 61511, the course provides grounding knowledge of functional safety standards, lifecycle considerations and risk reduction strategies. It is relevant to anyone responsible for specifying, operating or maintaining safety instrumented systems (SIS) and other control systems in potentially hazardous environments.
Who Should Attend
The FSF course is suitable for both technical and non‑technical personnel who require a basic understanding of functional safety:
- Operators and maintenance technicians – those involved in day‑to‑day operation and upkeep of process equipment.
- Supervisors and process engineers – personnel responsible for managing process safety, analysing risks and implementing control measures.
- Asset engineers and plant managers – individuals overseeing the lifecycle of safety systems and seeking to improve safety culture.
- HSE advisors and project managers – staff involved in the specification, procurement or integration of safety instrumented systems.
There are no formal entry requirements for the FSF course, making it ideal as an introductory module for those new to functional safety or as a refresher for experienced personnel.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the Functional Safety Foundation course, delegates will be able to:
- Understand international functional safety standards. Explain the purpose of IEC 61511 and related standards such as IEC 61508 and how they apply to process industries.
- Describe the functional safety lifecycle. Outline the stages of hazard analysis, design, installation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning for safety instrumented systems.
- Recognise operation and maintenance requirements. Identify responsibilities for operating, maintaining, proof testing and modifying safety instrumented functions (SIFs).
- Understand assessments and audits. Appreciate the importance of assessments, audits and documentation in demonstrating compliance.
- Identify and mitigate risks. Apply basic risk reduction strategies and recognise the role of SIS in reducing process risk.
Assessment & Certification
Assessment is carried out via an online multiple‑choice examination comprising 30 questions to be completed in 45 minutes. The assessment takes place at the end of the course and is invigilated either in person or remotely.
Upon successful completion, delegates receive a CompEx Functional Safety Foundation Certificate, demonstrating their understanding of functional safety principles and standards.
Key Info
Duration & Delivery
The Functional Safety Foundation course is delivered over two days, with 8–10 hours of guided learning.
Delivery options include:
- In person at our Summit House training centre in Sunbury‑on‑Thames.
- Virtual classroom – live online sessions enabling real‑time interaction and Q&A.
- On‑site delivery – tailor the course to your facility and schedule for groups of five or more.
Upcoming dates are scheduled throughout the year; please contact us for the next available course. We can also arrange bespoke sessions to suit your organisation.
Pricing & Booking
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
- Improved safety culture: Personnel gain an appreciation of the role of functional safety in preventing accidents and reducing risk.
- Regulatory compliance: Understanding IEC 61511 and related standards helps organisations meet legislative requirements and industry best practice.
- Enhanced competence: The course forms part of the CompEx competency pathway, supporting future progression to more advanced modules.
- Cross‑functional awareness: Both technical and non‑technical staff develop a shared language and understanding, improving collaboration across departments.
- Cost‑effective training: With no prerequisites and flexible delivery options, FSF is an accessible introduction to functional safety for a broad audience.
Course Content
- Functional safety principles – introduction to functional safety, safety integrity levels (SIL) and the role of SIS.
- Standards and regulation – overview of IEC 61511 and IEC 61508, differences between sector‑specific standards and how they integrate with ATEX/DSEAR requirements.
- Lifecycle phases – hazard and risk analysis, specification of SIFs, design and engineering, installation, validation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
- Testing and proof concepts – types of proof testing, coverage and interpretation of test results.
- Overrides, inhibits and management of change – safe management of overrides and inhibits, and the importance of robust procedures.
- Assessments and audits – conducting functional safety assessments and audits to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
Course Content
FAQs
Benefits for Learners and Managers
Completing the Functional Safety Foundation course delivers the following benefits:
- Improved safety culture: Personnel gain an appreciation of the role of functional safety in preventing accidents and reducing risk.
- Regulatory compliance: Understanding IEC 61511 and related standards helps organisations meet legislative requirements and industry best practice.
- Enhanced competence: The course forms part of the CompEx competency pathway, supporting future progression to more advanced modules.
- Cross‑functional awareness: Both technical and non‑technical staff develop a shared language and understanding, improving collaboration across departments.
- Cost‑effective training: With no prerequisites and flexible delivery options, FSF is an accessible introduction to functional safety for a broad audience.
Course Content
- Functional safety principles – introduction to functional safety, safety integrity levels (SIL) and the role of SIS.
- Standards and regulation – overview of IEC 61511 and IEC 61508, differences between sector‑specific standards and how they integrate with ATEX/DSEAR requirements.
- Lifecycle phases – hazard and risk analysis, specification of SIFs, design and engineering, installation, validation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
- Testing and proof concepts – types of proof testing, coverage and interpretation of test results.
- Overrides, inhibits and management of change – safe management of overrides and inhibits, and the importance of robust procedures.
- Assessments and audits – conducting functional safety assessments and audits to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
Course Outcomes
- Understand IEC 61511 and related functional safety standards.
- Describe functional safety lifecycle phases.
- Recognise operation, maintenance, testing and audit requirements for safety instrumented functions.
- Apply basic risk reduction strategies and appreciate the role of safety systems in hazardous industries.
Who Should Attend
- Operators, maintenance technicians and supervisors
- Process engineers, asset engineers and plant managers.
- HSE advisors, project managers and other personnel requiring functional safety awareness.
- Open to technical and non‑technical staff – no prerequisites.
Delivery & Pricing
- Duration: Two‑day theory‑only course (8–10 hours guided learning).
- Formats: In person at our Sunbury‑on‑Thames centre, live virtual classroom or on‑site delivery for groups.
- Cost: Price on application; discounts available for group bookings.
- Upcoming dates: Please contact us for the next available session.
Certification & Recognition
- Awarded the CompEx Functional Safety Foundation Certificate on passing the exam.
- Assessment via online multiple‑choice exam (30 questions, 45 minutes).
- Certification demonstrates understanding of functional safety principles and supports progression within the CompEx competency pathway.
FAQs
It is a two‑day, theory‑only course introducing the principles of functional safety and their application in hazardous industries. The programme is based on IEC 61511 and provides a foundation in terminology, lifecycle considerations, testing and audits.
Operators, maintenance technicians, supervisors, process engineers, asset engineers, plant managers, HSE advisors and project managers who require a baseline understanding of functional safety.
No. The FSF course has no formal entry requirements, making it suitable for beginners or as a refresher for experienced personnel.
Assessment is via an online multiple‑choice exam (30 questions, 45 minutes). A pass result is required to obtain the CompEx Functional Safety Foundation Certificate.
TÜV certificates (such as TÜV Rheinland or TÜV SÜD FS Engineer qualifications) are typically focused on functional safety design and engineering under standards like IEC 61508/61511. They often require candidates to have prior industry experience and may culminate in a “Functional Safety Engineer” credential.
The CompEx FSF course is a foundation‑level introduction designed to provide awareness and understanding of functional safety concepts within the CompEx competency pathway. It does not confer engineering status but offers an accessible entry point for those new to functional safety or working in hazardous industries. Both certifications are recognised within industry; the choice depends on the depth of knowledge required and your professional role.
Yes. We offer on‑site delivery and can tailor examples and discussion to your specific processes, hazards and safety systems.
For more information or to book your place, contact the ECFIO team on 01932 963463 or email support@ecfio.co.uk.