Responsible person (Ex14)
Who is responsible in your business?
The CompEx Ex14 Responsible Persons qualification has been developed for persons in senior supervisory roles, such as those responsible for managing staff, processes and procedures relating to potentially explosive atmospheres, electrical and non-electrical (mechanical) equipment, protective systems and installations.
Attendees
This qualification is suitable for persons in managerial or supervisory roles who are directly responsible for the management of staff (including sub-contractors), processes and procedures relating to explosive atmospheres, such as, equipment, protective systems and installations.
Entry requirements:
- HNC or equivalent
- General understanding of relevant electrical engineering, including the ability to read and assess relevant engineering drawings
- Basic knowledge of quality assurance, including the principles of auditing, documentation control and traceability
- Employer letter of endorsement stating that the candidate is, or is working towards the role of a Responsible Person/Duty Holder
Candidates should ideally possess the entry requirements listed. However, the decision is also based on the discretion of the candidate’s employer, who will already be aware of the candidate’s knowledge and experience.
Duration
Approximately 4 days, however; some international centres may offer a 5-day course to further support candidates where English is not their first language.
Delivery
The 4-day course includes:
- Theory only, no practical elements
- 3 days of guided learning (22-24 hours)
- 1/2 day of assessment
The CompEx Ex14 Responsible Persons qualification has been developed in consultation with industry to ensure the core competence of the responsible person. This refers to those in senior supervisory roles, i.e. persons directly responsible for the management of staff, processes and procedures relating to potentially explosive atmospheres, electrical and non-electrical (mechanical) equipment, protective systems and installations.
The course aims to ensure that ‘Responsible Persons’ as defined in IEC60079-14 and/or IEC60079-17 have the knowledge, skills and competencies to enable them to meet the requirements of these IEC standards, relevant directives and national laws.
The qualification will assess the level of competency of the individual with regards to these standards to enable them to manage operatives who are involved in selection, erection, inspection and maintenance duties of equipment remains in explosive atmospheres. The content includes theoretical application for the various aspects of the role. Experience and feedback received has shown that candidates gain a great deal from the guided discussions, so participation is actively encouraged.
Key learning objectives
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.
Qualification details
Candidates who are successful in the assessments will receive a CompEx Certificate in Core Competence.
Assessment
Assessment is undertaken using a multiple-choice and an applied knowledge exam that covers the full Ex14 unit. For part of the assessment, candidates are expected to demonstrate their understanding by using documentation and information available to determine the correct answer.
Exam
The exam is split into two sections with a short break in-between:
- Section 1 – Theory based exam (41 questions, 1.5 hours)
- Section 2 – Applied knowledge exam (19 questions, 1 hour)
Find a centre
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Retain certification
Achieving CompEx core competency is essential for practitioners who work in potentially explosive environments, but competency must be maintained following certification.
Resources
The CompEx resource centre provides all the essential forms, documentation and downloads that you may need for CompEx training and registration