Level 2 Award in IECEx and Hazardous Area Awareness

1. Explosive Atmospheres Fundamentals : Introduces explosive atmospheres, flammable gases, vapours, mists and combustible dusts, ignition sources, explosion risks and the basic conditions that can allow an explosive atmosphere to form.

2. Hazardous Area Zones and Identification : Explains the purpose of hazardous area classification, the basic distinction between gas and dust zones, area signage, safety markings, access restrictions and the importance of following site-specific hazardous area information.

3. IECEx Awareness and Ex Equipment : Introduces the IECEx framework, explosion-protection concepts, Ex equipment markings, certification labels, equipment suitability and the importance of using approved equipment without unauthorized modification.

4. Safe Working Practices and Emergency Response : Covers personal safety responsibilities, ignition prevention, permit-to-work awareness, reporting unsafe conditions, restricted activities, emergency alarms, evacuation procedures and compliance with site instructions.

• Develops foundational awareness of explosive atmosphere hazards.

• Improves recognition of hazardous area signage and zones.

• Introduces the purpose of IECEx and explosion-protected equipment.

• Strengthens understanding of ignition prevention and site precautions.

• Reinforces compliance with permit-to-work and access-control procedures.

• Improves awareness of emergency reporting and evacuation responsibilities.

• Supports progression to more specialized hazardous area training.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Personnel entering or working near hazardous areas.

• Oil and gas and petrochemical support staff.

• Offshore and industrial operations personnel.

• Maintenance assistants and technical support workers.

• Contractors working at sites where explosive atmospheres may occur.

• Supervisors and HSE personnel seeking foundational hazardous area awareness.

• Learners preparing for further Ex-related training or competency assessment.

Assessment Format: Written multiple-choice knowledge assessment covering explosive atmospheres, hazardous area identification, IECEx awareness, Ex equipment and safe working practices.

Total Questions: 30 Questions

Passing Score: 60%

Duration: 45 Minutes

Certification: Learners who meet the assessment and qualification requirements receive the HiQual UK Level 2 Award in IECEx and Hazardous Area Awareness.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners may progress to:

• Further HiQual UK qualifications in occupational safety, industrial operations, oil and gas or electrical safety.

• Specialist hazardous area training covering explosion-protection principles and equipment.

• Training related to electrical or mechanical work in explosive atmospheres, subject to relevant entry and competency requirements.

• Relevant industry-specific Ex training and assessment through appropriately approved providers.

• Occupational development in industrial maintenance, offshore operations, petrochemical facilities, utilities or HSE support.

Note: Progression to specialist hazardous area work requires additional training and demonstrated competence appropriate to the task. This award alone does not qualify a learner to install, inspect, maintain or repair Ex equipment.