This entry-level qualification is designed to raise awareness of the key risks, hazards, behaviours, and safety practices essential when working in environments where explosive atmospheres may be present.
Unlike the CompEx Foundation course, Ex A does not cover practical electrical installation or inspection, but focuses instead on safety-critical awareness for those who enter, manage, or support operations in hazardous areas. The course promotes legal compliance, safety-first behaviours, and informed decision-making by covering key industry standards, signage, area classification, ignition sources, and required documentation.
The Ex A course aligns with industry best practice and includes updates relevant to modern operations in explosive atmospheres. This includes reference to UK DSEAR, ATEX Directives, and relevant international standards such as IEC 60079.
Who should attend the Foundation Course?
This 1-day awareness course is ideal for anyone who works in or around hazardous locations but does not directly install, inspect or maintain electrical equipment. Suitable attendees include:
- General personnel who enter or visit hazardous areas
- Operatives such as scaffolders, welders, mechanics, and cleaners
- Staff who deliver goods, tools, or materials to Ex sites
- Personnel who design, specify, or procure equipment for hazardous locations
- Supervisors, managers or contractors responsible for site access or safety
- Administrative or procurement staff needing awareness of Ex regulations and documentation
No prior knowledge of hazardous areas is required, making this the ideal introductory qualification for building foundational knowledge and awareness.
Why CompEx at ExVeritas?
The only training ExVeritas do is Hazardous Area Training – We are accredited experts in this field, and as such have the leading instructors and facilities to ensure you will receive the very best instruction and assessment available anywhere.
As an ATEX Notified Body and IECEx Certification Body, we ensure your training is fully aligned with the most current legislation and safety practices. ExVeritas also participates in CompEx best practice working groups, contributing to the development and evolution of CompEx qualifications.
To further support learning, we provide access to our digital learning platform LearnEx, with electronic course materials and regular updates. Visit LearnEx Online to find out more.
Ex Awareness (Ex A) Course Content
- What is a hazardous area?
- Introduction to explosive atmospheres: gases, vapours, and dusts
- Fire triangle and ignition sources (including 13 recognised sources)
- Area classification (zones 0, 1, 2, 20, 21, 22)
- Hazardous area signage and warning labels
- Safety behaviours and incident prevention
- PPE and personal conduct in Ex areas
- Key documentation: PTW, RA, MS, POWRA, Toolbox Talks
- Safe site entry procedures and compliance obligations
- Reporting of safety issues and non-conformances
Course Presenter
The CompEx Ex A Course is presented by one of our in-house CompEx approved lecturers (we have four qualified lecturers to choose from, each with over 20 years experience!). All of our lecturers are working practitioners in the field, we don’t just teach it, we actively work on certification and inspection every day!
Ex Awareness Course Format and Examination
- Duration: 1 Day (approx. 4–6 hours)
- Assessment: 25-minute multiple choice exam (14 questions)
- Pass Mark: 70%
- Certificate: Digital certificate issued by CompEx (valid for 5 years)
- Level: Introductory – Level 1 Award (awareness only; not a competence certificate)
Bespoke: This course can be delivered at your location (worldwide)
Course Cost & Booking
- Course Fee: £125.00 + VAT
- Delivery: At our training centre or at your location (UK or worldwide)
- Refreshments: Complimentary drinks, snacks and lunch included for in-person courses
- Booking: Credit card or company purchase order accepted