Foundation Plus (ExF+)
Foundation in theoretical and practical use of Ex equipment
Working in explosive atmospheres carries serious risks to people, equipment, and operations. Even basic tasks like material handling or tool use can become hazardous without appropriate awareness and skills.
The course provides both theoretical knowledge and practical training, offering an ideal starting point for electrical and instrumentation technicians, as well as non-technical staff, to develop competence in hazardous area safety.
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for:
- Electrical or instrumentation technicians new to hazardous areas
- Recently qualified technicians or trainees
- Technical and non-technical personnel looking to expand their practical understanding before progressing to advanced CompEx qualifications
Why Take This Course?
ExF+ bridges the gap between awareness and hands-on experience. It’s a strong preparatory course for those planning to progress to more technical, practitioner-level CompEx modules.
- Build practical confidence
- Learn safe installation practices
- Understand key standards and protection concepts
Course Details
Duration
Approx. 2 days (varies by training provider)
Guided Learning Hours:
8–14 hours
Total Qualification Time (TQT):
Up to 16 hours (includes optional e-learning and practical components)
Format
Mixed — Theory + Practical
Learning Outcomes
By completing this course, candidates will be able to:
Theoretical Understanding:
- Describe components of hazardous atmospheres and required precautions
- Identify classification descriptors for gases, vapours, and dust
- Understand relevant national and IEC regulations and directives
- Explain key equipment protection concepts and certification levels
- Demonstrate awareness of roles, responsibilities, and safety procedures
Practical Competence:
- Select appropriate Ex cable glands
- Correctly install certified Ex glands for armoured and non-armoured low voltage cables
- Terminate cable conductors into an enclosure using correct tools and techniques
Assessment Process
Theory:
- Type: Online Multiple Choice (MCQ)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Questions: 30
- Delivery: Remote or at approved training centres
- Languages: Available in multiple languages based on location
Practical:
- Task: Installation assessment (1 hour 30 minutes)
Includes:
Glanding and terminating one Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) and one Steel Wire Braid (SWB) cable. This includes both low voltage electrical and instrumentation (IS) cable.
Certification
Successful candidates will receive the internationally recognised CompEx Certificate in Core Competence, valid for 5 years.
Note: While this qualification includes practical tasks, it is not a demonstration of full occupational competence.