Mechanical (Ex11)

Installation and inspection of Ex mechanical (non-electrical) equipment (Ex11)

This qualification has been developed in collaboration with industry to address the competency requirements of mechanical operatives working in environments where gases, vapours, or dusts can form explosive atmospheres.

This course includes essential elements from the CompEx Foundation (ExF), providing a solid grounding in hazardous area awareness and Ex principles.

Upon successful completion, candidates will be able to:

• Understand the classification of hazardous areas and associated risks
• Interpret hazardous area documentation, certification and labelling
• Recognise key protection concepts and certification standards for mechanical (non-electrical) Ex equipment
• Install, inspect, and maintain Ex mechanical equipment safely
• Demonstrate working knowledge of IEC 60079 and ISO 80079 series standards, and relevant national directives

Who Should Attend?

This qualification is ideal for those involved in mechanical installation and maintenance in hazardous locations, such as:

• Mechanical operatives
• Multi-skilled tradespeople
• Mechanical engineers
• Electro-mechanical engineers

Eligibility Criteria

Participants should be:

• Practicing competent mechanical or electro-mechanical operatives
• Individuals with prior relevant experience
• Candidates with prior CompEx certification, supported by a sponsor/employer letter

Course Details

Duration:

• Standard Duration: Approximately 3 days
• Some international providers may offer extended versions for ESL support

Learning Format:
The course includes:

• 2 days of guided learning (theory: 8–12 hours; practical: 2–4 hours)
• 1 day of assessments

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, candidates will be able to:

• Identify relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation, standards, directives, national regulations, and industry guidance relating to hazardous areas involving explosive gas and dust atmospheres and non-electrical (mechanical) equipment.
• Identify how explosive atmospheres are classified, including how the properties of gases, vapours and combustible dust influences the zones and their extent.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Ex certification, equipment marking, and types of protection suitable for explosive gas and dust atmospheres. (e.g. Ex h – non-electrical equipment).
• Identify the requirements for the preparation and installation of non-electrical (mechanical) equipment in hazardous areas, demonstrate knowledge of installation techniques to ensure mechanical equipment is suitable and safe for use in explosive atmospheres.
• Perform selection, inspection, and maintenance of non-electrical (mechanical) equipment in accordance with IEC standards and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Accurately interpret documentation for non-electrical (mechanical) equipment, ensuring compliance with safety requirements throughout installation, inspection, maintenance activities, including fault reporting.

Assessment Process

Online Theory Exam:

• 60 multiple-choice questions
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Practical Assessments:

Candidates must complete both assessments under supervision:

• Flange Integrity Installation and Leak Test – 60 minutes
• Pumpset inspections (Visual, Close and Detailed) – 90 minutes

Certification

Successful candidates will receive the internationally recognised CompEx Certificate in Core Competence, valid for 5 years.

This CompEx qualification is UKAS accredited.