Responsible Persons (Ex14)

Management of Ex equipment and personnel in Hazardous Areas (Ex14)

This qualification is designed for individuals in supervisory, managerial, or duty holder roles who are responsible for overseeing staff, processes, and procedures involving electrical and mechanical equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres.

This course ensures that persons designated as being “responsible”, possess the required knowledge and competence to meet international standards, national regulations, and industry best practice. The focus is on the management of installation, inspection, and maintenance activities, rather than hands-on execution.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the legal and regulatory framework surrounding explosive atmospheres
• Apply the responsibilities and expectations of the “Responsible Person” or “Duty Holder” role
• Interpret and evaluate hazardous area documentation and certification
• Assess inspection records and determine the appropriate remedial actions and priorities
• Engage in guided discussions to explore real-world scenarios and best practice

Who Should Attend?

This qualification is suitable for:

• Managers, supervisors, and duty holders responsible for work in or around hazardous areas
• Individuals managing electrical and mechanical operatives, including subcontractors
• Anyone overseeing compliance, installation, or maintenance processes in Ex environments

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should ideally meet the following prerequisites:

• HNC (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline
• A general understanding of electrical engineering principles
• Ability to read and assess technical drawings and documentation
• Basic knowledge of quality assurance, auditing, and documentation control

While these criteria are recommended, final eligibility is at the discretion of the employer based on the candidate’s role and experience.

Course Details

Duration:

• Duration: Approximately 4 days
• Some centres may offer a 5-day course for enhanced support

Learning Time:

• 3 days of guided learning (22–24 hours)
• 0.5 day of assessment

Learning Format:

• Theory only – no practical components
• Delivered via instructor-led sessions with interactive discussions
• Strong emphasis on applied knowledge, documentation use, and decision-making scenarios

Learning Outcomes

Candidates that successfully complete the Ex14 Responsible Persons qualification will be able to:

• Know and understand the applicable national regulations, directives and IEC standards which are applicable to hazardous locations e.g. ATEX, DSEAR, EPS Regulations, HSW Act, COMAH.
• Identify and understand the characteristics and terminologies associated with common hazardous gases, vapours and dusts.
• Understand the principles of hazardous area classification, how it is applied, and the documentation required to manage the process.
• Understand the various types of ignition source and their effects within hazardous locations.
• Know and understand the protection concepts, how certified Ex electrical and non-electrical maintains its protection concept and how it is to be selected, installed, inspected and maintained.
• Know and understand the importance of competency management within an organisation, including a risk-based methodology for personnel involved with the inspection of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres.
• Know and understand the principles of Ex asset management, including examples of how to create and analyse inspection plans and prioritise remedial repairs.
• Understand the key principles and key aspects of equipment repair, including management responsibilities and documentation.

Assessment Process

Assessment is conducted online and includes two components:

Section 1: Knowledge Requirements

• Covers standards, regulations, and key concepts
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Section 2: Inspection Analysis and Remedial Action Prioritisation

• Applied knowledge exam using real documentation and scenarios
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Certification

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

This CompEx qualification is UKAS accredited.