The Strategic Management Board (SMB) responsible for the maintenance of the competence standards for registration with Gas Safe Register has published an updated ACS Guidance Note 8 (Version 7.1) which sets out the training and assessment pre-requisite requirements for new and experienced operatives undertaking ACS assessments.
Introduction
The Strategic Management Board (SMB) responsible for the maintenance of the competence standards for registration with Gas Safe Register has published the updated ACS Guidance Note 8 (Version 7.1) which sets out the training and assessment pre-requisite requirements for new and experienced operatives undertaking ACS assessments. This TB supersedes LCL/MIX/016 which is withdrawn.
Detail
Summary of changes
Where engineers are seeking to extend their scope/range of work the elapsed time betweenundertaking their initial core and the additional assessments has been increased from 6 to 12 months. Should an engineer wish to extend their scope/range within this 12 month period they would need to register for and undertake an “MLP-Bridge” MLP which includes mandatory on-site evidence and experience requirements. The engineer must also be registered with Gas Safe Register. The only exception to these requirements is where an engineer holds CCN1 and wishes to add MET1, in this instance the requirements of TB MLP005 remain valid and should be followed.
Note: All “MLP-Bridge” training is subject to the requirements of IGEM/IG/1 and can only be undertaken by Training Centres that are approved by LCL Awards (or another Recogniser of Training) to deliver MLP programmes in accordance with IGEM/IG/1. Appropriate codes have been allocated to Parnassus to enable the registration and certification of this training, these willall follow a common format of “MLP-Bridge” e.g. “MLP-Bridge – CENWAT”, “MLP-Bridge –CKR1” etc. Work place MLP-Bridge evidence should be recorded using the supplementary on the job records provided as a PDF template to all MLP approved centres, a hard copy or e-portfolio will not be required for theses registrations. Details of the off the job training and work-place evidence shall be recorded and retained in the candidates file for a period of two years from certification and must be made available on requestfor moderation and EQA purposes.
A fee will be applied to each MLP-Bridge MLP registration in accordance with our published
schedule of charges.
The following are two examples of the requirements for candidates extending their range of
certification
Example 1:
A candidate previously undertakes DNGA3 and ACS assessments CCN1 & CENWAT and wishes to undertake work on Cookers, their CCN1 certificate was issued 7 months previously. The candidate would be required to undertake the relevant learning inputs from DNGA4 (Module11), and the appropriate number of competent service/maintenance and installation activities in accordance with DNGA4. The candidate should be registered on Parnassus for “MLP-Bridge –CKR1”. On completion of the MLP-Bridge training the candidate should be graded and the MLP certificate details obtained prior to undertaking the CKR1 ACS Assessment.
Example 2:
A candidate undertakes DNGA2 and ACS assessments CCN1, CKR1 & CENWAT and wishes to undertake work on Gas Fires, their CCN1 certificate was issued 14 months previously. The candidate would be required to undertaken suitable training, which includes practical experience on Gas Fires, this experience could be from on-site or RWE. As this is outside of the 12 month period as specified within GN 8 this training is not within the scope of IGEM/IG/1. Therefore no registration on Parnassus is required and training may be carried out by centres who are not approved to deliver LCL Awards approved MLP’s. On completion of the training the candidate may undertake HTR1.
Application to Extend Scope or Range of Certification
Where a candidate applies to extend their scope or range of ACS certification the centre must ensure the pre-requisite requirements of GN8 are met. This will require the centre to verify and confirm the following;
1. The candidate has held a relevant core ACS assessment for a minimum of 12 months
Or
2. Holds a relevant core ACS assessment for less than 12 months and has completed and holds a valid MLP-Bridge MLP training certificate issued by an IGEM approved Recogniser of Training.
In both cases above the centre must also verify that the candidate is Gas Safe Registered. The candidate will be required to produce their Original ACS (or qualification) certificate and where appropriate an MLP-Bridge certificate with evidence of their Gas Safe Registration (ID card).
The centre will retain an authenticated copy of the candidates ACS, MLP-Bridge certificate(s) and Gas Safe ID card which will be attached to the candidates application form for transmittal to LCL Awards.
Implementation
The requirements of Guidance Note 8 is to be implemented no later than 1st September 2022. Should you require any further guidance or you have any query regarding the above please contact CCTS.
