Level 2 Certificate in ATEX Awareness

1. Introduction to ATEX and Explosive Atmospheres Defines explosive atmospheres, ignition sources, and the importance of ATEX compliance.

2. ATEX Directives and Legal Framework Reviews ATEX 2014/34/EU (equipment) and ATEX 1999/92/EC (workplace) directives.

3. Hazardous Area Classification Explains zoning (Zone 0, 1, 2 for gases; Zone 20, 21, 22 for dusts) and risk assessment.

4. Equipment Categories and Marking Introduces ATEX equipment categories, labeling, and certification requirements.

5. Sources of Ignition and Control Measures Identifies potential ignition sources and methods to eliminate or control them.

6. Responsibilities of Employers and Employees Outlines duties under ATEX regulations, including training and safe systems of work.

7. Safe Work Practices in Hazardous Areas Provides guidance on permits to work, maintenance, and inspection procedures.

8. Emergency Procedures in Explosive Atmospheres Explains response actions, evacuation, and coordination with emergency services.

9. Integration with Other Safety Standards Links ATEX compliance with IECEx, ISO, and occupational safety frameworks.

10. Continuous Improvement in ATEX Safety Encourages ongoing training, monitoring, and updating of hazardous area safety programs.

• Builds foundational knowledge of ATEX directives and explosive atmosphere safety

• Enhances compliance with European and international safety regulations

• Reduces risks of explosions and workplace incidents

• Provides practical skills for safe work in hazardous areas

• Offers recognized certification to support career development in safety and compliance

• Workers and technicians operating in hazardous areas

• Supervisors and foremen in oil & gas, chemical, and manufacturing industries

• Safety officers and compliance managers

• Contractors and subcontractors working in explosive atmospheres

• Professionals preparing for ATEX audits and certifications

• Assessment Type: Written exam + practical evaluation

• Format: MCQs, short answers, and hazardous area case study

• Total Questions: 50 theory + 1 practical assignment

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 90 minutes (written) + 1 hour (practical)

• Certification: Level 2 Certificate in ATEX 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 who achieve the Level 2 Certificate in ATEX Awareness may progress to:

Level 3 qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety, Process Safety Management, Industrial Safety, Hazardous Area Classification, or Electrical Safety.

Specialist training in Hazardous Area Awareness, Explosion Protection, Gas Testing, Chemical Safety, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Permit to Work Systems, or Risk Assessment.

Professional development in explosive atmosphere risk control, equipment selection, inspection practices, ignition source management, and workplace compliance.

Employment or career advancement in roles including HSE Assistant, Safety Technician, Maintenance Technician, Electrical Technician, Process Operator, Plant Technician, or Compliance Assistant.

Continuing professional development leading to specialist responsibilities in hazardous area management, process safety, engineering safety, and occupational health and safety leadership.