What is an ‘Ex Authorised Person’ ?

by | Sep 23, 2026 | ATEX | 0 comments

The Ex Authorised Person

In the context of ISO/IEC 80079-34 (which covers the application of quality systems for the manufacture of Ex equipment, i.e. equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres), the Ex Authorised Person plays a key role in ensuring that all activities related to Ex product compliance are properly controlled and maintained.

ISO/IEC 80079-34 does not prescribe an exact job title, but it requires the manufacturer to appoint a person (or persons) with the necessary competence, authority and responsibility for ensuring that Ex products conform to their certificates and documentation, and that the product remains in conformity as the applicable regulations and requirements evolve / change.

The role and responsibilities of the Ex Authorised Person can be broken-down into the following main areas:

1. Definition and Position.

The Ex Authorised Person is an individual appointed by the manufacturer who has the authority and responsibility to ensure that all products conform to the relevant Ex certification documentation (such as UKEX, ATEX or IECEx certificates). They act as the internal ‘authority’ on Ex compliance within the organization’s quality management system (QMS).

2. Key Responsibilities.

a) Control and management of Ex documentation (e.g. Certificates and supporting compliance evidence).

  • Ensures that the correct and current Ex certificates, drawings, and schedules are used in production of the Ex product(s).
  • Verifies that any changes to design, materials, or suppliers are reviewed and approved according to Ex certification requirements.
  • Ensures that obsolete versions of controlled Ex documents are withdrawn.

b) Product conformity.

  • Ensures that each Ex product manufactured meets the Type / design certificate and approved quality plan requirements.
  • Ensures that inspection, test, and verification records are complete and traceable.

c) Change control.

  • Acts as the approval authority for any changes that may affect the compliance of Ex products (e.g. design modifications, component substitutions, supplier changes).
  • Evaluates whether changes require notification to the relevant certification Body.

d) Training and competence.

  • Ensures that personnel involved with any aspect of the Ex product manufacturing (i.e. Sales/ marketing, inspection, assembly, marking and testing) are trained and competent.
  • Maintains awareness of the latest standards, certification updates, regulatory requirements.

e) Interface with certification bodies.

  • Acts as the main point-of-contact for all communications with the relevant certification bodies i.e. Approved Body (UKEX), Notified Body (ATEX) or IECEx Certification Body / Test Laboratory (ExCB/TL).
  • Coordinates responses and actions to any non-conformities or audit findings.

f) Release of Ex products into the relevant market(s).

  • Provides final authorization for the release of Ex products to ensure compliance before dispatch.

Often signs the internal release documentation and sometimes the applicable Declaration of Conformity.

3. Authority.

The Ex Authorised Person must have sufficient authority and independence within the organization to:

  • Stop production if Ex compliance is compromised.
  • Enforce adherence to applicable Ex procedures.
  • Escalate issues directly to top management.

4. Typical Qualifications

  • Demonstrated technical competence in Ex equipment design and manufacture.
  • Experience with the applicable regulations and standards (e.g. IEC/EN 60079 series).
  • Training and knowledge of the ISO/IEC 80079-34 requirements.
  • Experience in quality management systems (ISO 9001).