IGEM/IG/1 Edition 2 Supplement 1 Edition 2 - Non-domestic training specification
This technical standard sets out the requirements for training in gas work, in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (GS(I&U)R).
It applies to:
- New entrants to the gas industry in the non-domestic utilisation sector
- Those seeking re-certification (optional)
- Individuals extending their range or scope of work
- The specification covers both off-site training (knowledge, legal requirements, performance criteria) and on-site work experience under supervision, ensuring competence in non-domestic gas installations and appliances.
This Specification is designed to provide the criteria for training to be developed for a new entrant to the industry to gain an initial overall understanding of the non domestic gas industry and then proceed to a sector specialisation course, for example, metering, heating, catering, laundry and process/plant.
This Specification has been facilitated by IGEM and Energy and Utility Skills and has been approved by IGEM’s Gas Utilisation Committee, Gas Measurement Committee, Gas Transmission & Distribution Committee and IGEM’s Technical Coordinating Committee and published by the authority of the Council of IGEM. The Specification has also been approved by the Standards Consultation Forum (SCF) and the Strategic management Board (SMB). Those industry bodies who contributed include the Large Business Forum, EUA, ICOM, CEDA, Energy & Utility Skills, Liquid Gas UK (LGUK), Gas Safe Register (GSR) and organisations including Energy Assets, UK Certification, Blue Flame Associates, , Cert-ain Certification, Court Catering, JLA, Armstrong Fluid technology, ERS Certification, NICEIC, Gas Assessment and Training Centre, LCL Awards, Equans, BPEC, Bring Energy, CMS Ltd.
Amendments
The changes made to this new edition of the IGEM/IG/1 Supplement 1 are designed to provide engineers with the skills and knowledge required to deliver a safe and compliant service to their customers.
More detail has been added to the generic core competence requirements to provide the learner with a better understanding of all types of non-domestic gas installations. After completing the generic core competence requirements, learners can then proceed to sector-specific pathways of metering, heating, catering, laundry or process/plant, which contain more detailed learning requirements for each sector and/or appliance type. There is also an option for a limited scope pipework installer.
Tightness testing and purging to IGEM/UP/1A is now a requirement for all learners, with the option to include tightness testing and purging to IGE/UP/1.
The minimum guided learning hours are specified for the generic core competency and each sector-specific pathway.
On-site evidence requirements for each pathway are included within the supplement to ensure that learners gain valuable work experience before completing their training and progressing to undertake their ACS and apply for Gas Safe registration.
Introduction
1.1 ‘Standards of training in gas work’ (IGEM/IG/1) is one of the outcomes from revision in 2013 to the Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances L56 Approved Code of Practice and relates specifically to Regulation 3 (1), see paragraphs 80 and 81.
1.2 IGEM/IG/1 sets out the requirements for training in gas work for; new entrants to the gas industry working under the scope of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (GS(I&U)R); those persons currently or previously registered seeking re-registration as a ‘class of persons’ (or have a relevant gas qualification) and; those persons working at premises or on equipment outside the scope of GS(I&U)R.
1.3 This Non domestic training Specification relates to:
- new entrants into the gas industry wishing to become a ‘class of persons’ will be required to undertake an industry recognised training course before being able to take an assessment under the Nationally Accredited Certification Scheme for Individual Gas Fitting Operatives (ACS) to be become Gas Safe registered.
1.4 Industry has recognised that there has been a shortfall in training and so a two part learning programme has been structured to cater for new applicants wishing to enter the gas industry and work in the non domestic utilisation sector.
1.5 Industry formed a working group facilitated by IGEM to prepare this Specification. Those industry bodies who contributed include the Large Business Forum, EUA, ICOM, CEDA, CESA, CITB, SLEAT, UKLPG, EU Skills, Gas Safe Register and organisations including National Grid, Wales and West Utilities, National Grid Metering, Energy Assets, Calor, Carillion, British Gas Business Commercial Services, Romec, UK Certification, Northern Gas Assessment Services, Logic Certification, Blueflame Associates, GTS, CH4 Services, Global Energy Associates, Installation and Design Services, SA Gas Engineering, Cert-ain Certification, Specialist Gas Assessment Services, GATC, CentriC Technical Services.
1.6 This Specification is designed to provide the criteria for training to be developed for a new entrant to the industry to gain an initial overall understanding of the non domestic gas industry and then proceed to a sector specialisation course, for example pipework, metering, heating, catering, laundry and process/plant.
1.7 Training courses that have been designed to meet this Specification and have acquired industry recognition will enable those that successfully complete that training to apply to an ACS centre for an appropriate assessment(s) of competence. Passing such assessment(s) will enable that person to apply to Gas Safe Register to become a ‘class of persons’ to allow them to work in those premises covered by GS(I&U)R.
1.8 This training may equally be appropriate for those persons working at premises or on equipment outside the scope of GS(I&U)R.
Scope
2.1 This training Specification covers training for new entrants wishing to work in non domestic utilisation sector.
2.2 The requirements of that training will include theoretical and practical subjects and the activities that will have to be undergone in a work placement supervised by a Gas Safe registered engineer, as appropriate.
2.3 The requirements will include the minimum time spent on each subject along with the job activities that are required to be undertaken and the maximum time spent to complete the training is expected to be two years.