Wirral-Based Experts in Carbon Monoxide Training

Based in Wirral, Merseyside, Brocks Training Centre Ltd provides a great range of training courses and assessments to local clients. From carbon monoxide training to LPG assessments, we’ve got something for everyone. Call us today to learn more about what we do.

ACS – New Entrant Training

The BPEC Gas Foundation comprises of a series of gas safety training courses. The courses have been designed to provide a route into the gas industry for individuals who do not currently hold the pre-requisite qualifications necessary to qualify to undertake assessments under the Accredited Certification Scheme for Individual Gas Fitting Operatives (ACS).

The programme can be completed either one day per week, in weekly blocks, evenings-only, or any combination of these methods. Training centres will be given access to the BPEC website safe login detailing the training syllabus and individual session plans for each part of the training programme.

The duration of the training programme is flexible and is dependent upon the candidate gaining sufficient on-the-job and off-the-job experience. A typical off-the-job (classroom-based) training programme will take the average candidate approximately 40 days to complete.

The BPEC Gas Foundation will consist of 280 guided learning hours as well as the completion of the candidate portfolio of work experience and must provide evidence of a range or work experience representative of a minimum of 420 hours (12 weeks).

While it is difficult to predict what will be encountered on the job, the work experience must be suitably varied to ensure that the person did not do exactly the same thing day after day. The portfolio should provide evidence of real world work experience gained by the candidate.

Successful completion of both the centre-based assessments and portfolio will enable candidates, once certified and in receipt of their certificate, to undertake the assessment of competence (ACS).

The following elements form the basis of the BPEC Managed Learning Programme:

Gas Pipework and Fittings (Identification, Installation Methods, and Techniques)
Non-Gas-Related Risks Hazardous Situations and Electrical Safe Isolation
Elements/ Components Relevant to Central Heating Boilers, Systems, and Controls (Optional)
Gas Safety Legislation (Law, Codes of Practice, Industry Standards, and Guidance)
Characteristics of Combustion and Natural Gas
Carbon Monoxide in Dwellings and Combustion Performance of Gas-Fired Appliances
Standing, Operating Pressures, Burner Pressures, Gas Rates, and Checking/ Setting Meter Regulators
Positioning of Emergency Control Valves, Appliance Isolation Valves, and Emergency Procedures
Tightness Testing and Purging, Actions, and Procedures
Ventilation Requirements
Flues and Chimneys
Gas Safety Devices and Controls
Re-Establishing Gas Supplies, Re-Lighting Appliances, and Gas Rating
Unsafe Situations/ Use of Emergency Notices and Warning Labels
Installation of Appliances (Central Heating Boilers - 14 Hours)
Course Assessments

- Additional Appliances (Cookers, Fires, Water Heaters - 7 Hours Each)

1.2

Servicing, Repair, and Gas Safety Faults (Central Heating Boilers - 14 Hours)

- Additional Appliances (Cookers, Fires, Water Heaters - 7 Hours Each)

Initial Training for New Entrants

Training for those wishing to enter the gas industry (and those already operating in it) has been nationally agreed under the document ‘IGEM/IG/1 Communication 1767 Standards of Training in Gas Work’ published by IGEM. This forms the basis of ALL gas training to be delivered.
Brief History to Publication

This gas industry document ‘Standards of training in gas work’, referenced in L56 paragraph 87 has been prepared by a Working Group which included representatives from the Strategic Management Board (SMB) and Standards Consultation Forum facilitated by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) and Energy & Utility Skills with industry stakeholder support.

The document has been approved by the SMB and IGEM’s Technical Coordinating Committee and published after consultation with industry, Gas Safe Register and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

This gas industry document provides criteria and guidance to training providers, trainee gas engineers and employers on the scope, standards and quality of training required to enable a gas engineer to achieve competence. The training provider is required to design and develop training programmes to meet the needs of the trainee, taking account of their level of skill, knowledge and experience of gas work.

The objective of the document is to provide the gas industry with an agreed structure for those entering and continuing to work in the industry, along with those providing training, a clear, robust route to achieve well trained and knowledgeable persons able to undertake safe gas work.

This document provides for the application of standards of training for the gas industry under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Regulation 3(1)-(2) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GS(I&U)R), as detailed in the supporting Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances; Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L56.
IGEM/IG/1 Section 4 – STANDARDS OF TRAINING

4.1
This section details the requirements for training providers who deliver training programmes for the following categories detailed in the Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances L56 Approved Code of Practice 3 (1) paragraphs 80 and 81.

a) new entrants into the gas industry wishing to become a ‘class of persons’ (paragraph 80(a)) b) persons currently or previously registered as a ‘class of persons’ (or have a relevant gas qualification) (paragraph 80(b)) c) persons working outside the scope of GS(I&U)R (paragraph 80(c)).

4.2
Training programmes are to include sufficient theoretical and practical training and where appropriate be supplemented by relevant on-the-job supervised practice under the direct supervision of a competent and/or registered gas engineer. The training needs to be relevant to the scope of the work to be undertaken.

This allows for an aspirant gas engineer to undertake training at a recognised Training Centre and to carry out ‘gas work’ under the direct supervision of a suitably qualified / competent person registered with Gas Safe.

“work” in relation to a gas fitting includes any of the following activities carried out by any person, whether an employee or not, that is to say –
(a) installing or re-connecting the fitting;
(b) maintaining, servicing, permanently adjusting, disconnecting, repairing, altering or renewing the fitting or purging it of air or gas;
(c) where the fitting is not readily movable, changing its position; and
(d) removing the fitting.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

This Carbon Monoxide (CO) awareness course contains information which will raise the awareness of the dangers associated with carbon monoxide. This course is ideal for delivery to organisations that have responsibility for maintaining gas safety in their properties such as local authorities, hospitals, and landlords.

The assessment involves a small number of questions to answer at the end of the awareness training.

Stephanie Trotter OBE, President and Director of the charity CO-Gas Safety, was inspired to create the course after the death of a registered gas installer Matthew Nixon aged 22 in 2010. Matthew had died from CO from using a petrol generator indoors to power his tools. He had been in the gas industry from the age of 16. Therefore in the opinion of the charity registered gas installers could also undertake this course.

Please note that the deaths of Kelly Webster (36) and Lauren Thornton (10) in 2013 were caused in 2013 by another registered gas installer (petrol generator in a boat on Lake Windermere).

Candidates are required to provide 2 (two) recent passport photographs

Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this course as it is a non-installer course.

Training / Assessment

Training and Assessment is carried out in centre which usually lasts one day.

The assessments are Open Book which means that the candidates can attempt to answer the questions by referring to their notes or text books. The assessment consists of 20 multiple choice questions.
Training Materials
The training course covers:
- Are you at risk from carbon monoxide?
- Carbon monoxide facts, products of combustion and what is carbon monoxide
- Combustion/flues and chimneys (not gas training)
- Why is carbon monoxide so toxic?
- How quickly CO can kill.
- What fuels and appliances can produce CO and what causes CO to be produced
- How to prevent CO being produced
- How can you tell if CO is present?
- The effects of CO on the body
- The symptoms of CO poisoning and diagnosing CO poisoning
- Landlords’ Responsibilities
- Carbon monoxide alarms, the need to use alarms to EN 50291 and emergency procedures
- How to prove which appliance emitted CO and how many parts per million by finding a registered gas installer qualified under CMDDA1.
Expiry Dates

As this is awareness training the certificate will not lead to anything but will act as proof of attendance and understanding of the dangers of CO. The course could also save your life, those of your loved ones and clients. There is no expiry for this awareness training but we recommend you consider retaking it after five years. The course is reviewed annually.

Non-Domestic Gas Training and Assessment

Training is not a prerequisite for candidates undertaking re-assessment.

Prerequisites

ICPN1, ICPN1LS, COCNPI 1LS, TPCP1A, TPCP1

Typical Learning Durations for Extending Scope of Certification	Hours	Days
Limited Scope non-domestic NG and LPG pipework and fittings > 35mm (ICPN1LS)	6.5	1
Non-domestic NG and LPG pipework and fittings > 35mm (ICPN1)	6.5	1
Non-domestic NG testing and purging (TPCP1A)	6.5	1
Non-domestic natural gas, LPG & other gases testing and purging (TPCP1)	6.5	1
Core Non-Domestic pipe installer (COCNPI 1LS)	19.5	3

Candidates wishing to extend the scope of their work (see definitions) will have to carry out realistic work environment (RWE) extended training in relevant competencies AND be on the Gas Safe Register (GSR) for a minimum period of 6 months.

The period of training is determined by which competencies will be required (see above).

Properly recorded on-site experience covering relevant competencies may be used (this relates to witnessed Testimony from a GSR Engineer. A signed declaration made by the GSR engineer with whom the experience was gained must detail the exact work experience covered and be supported by evidence e.g. Portfolio)

ACS Refresher Training (Natural Gas)

Training is not a prerequisite for candidates undertaking re-assessment.

However, candidates wishing to extend the range or scope of their work (see definitions) will have to carry out realistic work environment (RWE) extended training in relevant competence(s) AND be on the Gas Safe Register (GSR) for a minimum period of 6 months.

The period of training is determined by which competences will be required.

Properly recorded on-site experience covering relevant competences may be used. This relates to witnessed Testimony from a GSR Engineer. A signed declaration made by the GSR engineer with whom the experience was gained must detail the exact work experience covered and be supported by evidence e.g. Portfolio.

We offer training and assessment for Nationally Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) in the following competences:

Refresher Training
*CPA1 has been included as part of CCN1 assessment since April 2012

**DAH1 not currently on offer – to be confirmed

Candidates presenting a previous ACS Certificate of Competence may attend a two-day refresher course. Designed to remind you what is involved in matters of gas safety it provides a refresher overview of the following:
- Combustion
- Ventilation
- Installation of Gas Pipework
- Tightness Testing
- Checking Pressures (including Meter)
- Purging
- Gas Rating
- Gas Controls
- Chimney/ Flue Systems (Open And Room-Sealed)
- Flue Inspection and Testing
- Unsafe Situations
- Flue Gas Analysers/ Analysis
- CO Detectors
Natural Gas Assessments Offered

CCN1, CENWAT, CKR1, HTR1, MET1, CPA1, WAT1, CoCDN1

Title	Scope	Appliance Range
CCN1	Core domestic gas safety assessment (includes CPA1)	All domestic gas fittings
CENWAT	Domestic gas fired central heating/hot water boilers and circulators, combination boilers, storage water heaters and instantaneous water heaters of heat input ≤ 70 kW net.	Open flue and balanced flue (natural draught and fan assisted) for all appliance types and flue-less instantaneous water heaters including: Stirling engine micro-generation appliances Appliances designed to be installed to BS 6798 that are providing heating to swimming pools by means of an indirect heat exchanger.
CKR1	Domestic gas cooking appliances.	Free Standing and ‘Slide-in’ cookers, ‘built-in’ hotplates, ‘built-in / built-under’ ovens and grill units
HTR1	Domestic open, balanced fan assisted flue gas fires, wall heaters, convector heaters, stoves and flue-less gas fires with and without catalytic converters.	Open flue gas fire (radiant/convector), open flue ILFE fires, open flue DFE fires, convector heaters and stoves, balanced flue gas fires and balanced fan assisted wall heater and flueless gas fires with and without catalytic converters.
MET1	Gas meters.	NG Domestic Gas Meters (Primary or Secondary) with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6 m3/h.
*CPA1	Combustion performance analysis	Gas fired appliances as listed in BS 7967
WAT1	Instantaneous Water Heaters	Flueless instantaneous water heaters (input not exceeding 12kW) and open-flue, balanced- and fanned-flue instantaneous water heaters (input exceeding 12kW).
**DAH1	Domestic gas fired ducted air heaters ≤ 70kW net.	Open flue natural convection, open flue fan assisted, up flow, down flow and horizontal flow models.
CoCDN1	Changeover from non-domestic to domestic.	All domestic gas fittings.

*CPA1 has been included as part of CCN1 assessment since April 2012

**DAH1 not currently on offer – to be confirmed

Candidates holding a Certificate of Competence with an expiry date within 12 months will be eligible for Reassessment.

Candidates holding a Certificate of Competence with an expiry date of more than 12 months will have to undertake Initial Assessment.

Dates

Call our office to confirm course date availability

Water Regulations

Assessment Information

This course covers the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (England and Wales).

Who Should Attend This Course?

The course is for anyone requiring an understanding of water regulations/water bylaws. In particular, it’s best for those wishing to become approved plumbers/contractors. Successful candidates are encouraged to join an approved plumbers/ contractor’s scheme, such as those managed by SNIPEF, APHC, CIPHE, WIAPS, and the regional water utility companies. This enables them to issue a certificate of completion to both the householder and the water company.

Please note that other industry-related qualifications may be required to join these schemes. Candidates are required to provide 2 (two) recent passport photographs together with any prerequisite competency certificates required. 10% reduction on course fee when booked with Unvented

Prerequisites

Trainees will need to have some knowledge of plumbing and the water industry.

Training/ Assessment

Training and Assessment is carried out in centre which usually lasts one day. However some independent studying prior to attending will be required.

Certification of this course will go towards some of the entry requirements of meeting the criteria to join a competent person scheme where a recognised plumbing qualification may be needed.
Training Manual

The training manual consists of twelve modules, an introduction and a glossary. The course starts with quite intensive training in the 12 modules, followed by the completion of the assessments. There are no practical elements – all training is theoretical. Candidates must successfully pass all the assessments to gain the WRAS/BPEC Water Regulations/Byelaws certificate.

The cost of the training manual includes the certification fee.
Expiry Dates

Water Regulations certificates have no expiry date applied.

Dates

Call our office to confirm course date availability

Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (Unvented)

Assessment Information

This course is for plumbing and heating engineers who want to install Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems to comply with the appropriate Building Regulations and Standards. It will demonstrate their competence so they can either join a Competent Persons’ Scheme allowing the self-certification of installations, or to notify the local Building Control department prior to commencing work.

Candidates are required to provide 2 (two) recent passport photographs together with any pre-requisite competency certificates required.

10% reduction on course fee when booked with Water Regulations

Prerequisites

Trainees must hold a recognised trade qualification e.g. NVQ/SNVQ Level 3 in Plumbing and Heating, or Domestic Heating, which will include Water Regulations, OR be working towards one OR have evidence of a number of Years’ experience in the plumbing or heating industry and hold a Water Regulations certificate.

BPEC have set a Water Regulations Certificate as a minimum prerequisite.

Training/ Assessment

Training and Assessment is carried out in centre which usually lasts one day. However some independent studying prior to attending will be required. Assessments normally consist of a combination of practical and theory examinations.

The very comprehensive (one-day) course starts with intensive training in the four modules, followed by the completion of three assessments including one practical. Candidates must successfully pass all three assessments to gain the BPEC Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems certificate and competency card.

Individuals/ businesses may register with a competent person scheme allowing the self-certifying of unvented hot water storage systems installations.

If you choose not to join a Competent Persons scheme you will need to notify the local Building Control.
Training Manual
The training manual consists of four modules:
- Vented and Unvented Systems and Their Operating Principles
- Design and Installation
- Maintenance
- Compliance with Other Building Regulations
The manual for England/Wales covers Approved Document G3, Part L1 and Part P of the Building Regulations.

The cost of the training manual includes the certification fee.
Expiry Dates

Certificates are normally valid for 5 years. Candidates are eligible for reassessment within 12 months of expiry. Previous certificates must be presented to the assessment centre as evidence of holding the initial qualification.

Dates

Call our office to confirm course date availability

LPG Systems

CoNGLP 1 - Generic Fuel Changeover Core Domestic Gas Safety Assessment

This course covers domestic and commercial aspects of cross training from natural gas to LPG. It is usually linked with other assessments – PD, RPH, LAV – but could be a standalone.

This Gas Safety Assessment covers the following aspects of LPG:

Cylinder Location
Safety Requirements
Sizing for Single Controls
LPG Supply Pressure
Operation and Positioning of Emergency Isolation
Flow Controls and Valves
Gas Emergency Actions and Procedures
Installation of Pipework and Fittings Relating to LPG
Test for Tightness
Checking System Pressures
Regulators
Under Pressure and over Pressure Valves
Ventilation Relating to LPG

Prerequisites for This Assessment

Before this assessment may be undertaken, the operative must hold only one of the following:

Prerequisites for This Assessment

CCN 1
COCN 1
CCCN 1
COCNPI1 LS
CESP 1

Timings for Assessment

There is an element of both theory and practical assessment which would entail 1 day of attendance.

Work on Appliances

Operatives already holding a Domestic Core & Appliances with one fuel who successfully complete a fuel changeover will be competent to work on those appliances in both fuels with certificates issued accordingly.

Candidates wishing to extend the range or scope of their work (see Definitions) will have to carry out realistic work environment (RWE) extended training in relevant competence(s) AND be on the Gas Safe Register (GSR) for a minimum period of 6 months.

Candidates are required to provide 2 (two) recent passport photographs together with any pre-requisite competency certificates required.

Energy Efficiency (Part L)

Assessment Information

The Part L qualification is designed for central heating installers that need to self-certificate their work via one of the Competent Persons Schemes (CPS).

This course covers the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations and has been updated to cover the Domestic Heating Compliance Guide 2013 and 2018 requirements, energy-related Products (ErP), and the Boiler Plus legislation.