Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding the new scheme

 

 

Issuing Certificates of Competence under the Approved Code of Practice "Standards of Training in Safe Gas Installation" (ACoPS) stopped on 31st July 1998.

ACoPS certificates are usually valid for 5 years from the date of issue. When they expire, you'll need certification under the new scheme.

After 31st July 1998, if you don't already have an ACoPs certificate you could only achieve certification under the new scheme. Without it, you can't continue working.

 

 

In 1995 the Health & Safety Executive commissioned an independent review of safety in the gas industry. One of their recommendations was a nationally accredited certification scheme for gas fitting operatives. The scheme aims to promote consistency of assessments of competency of gas fittings operatives.

 

 

Under the old ACoPs scheme, organizations carried out assessments and training together and their standards varied widely. Under the new scheme, because training can't influence assessments, they're kept entirely separate.

A single national standard applies to the new scheme. All assessments for competence taken in the UK must meet the same criteria. UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) assess and accredit all certification bodies which ensures that everyone works to the same standard. A panel of experts, from all corners of the industry, set the assessment standard.

 

 

Many of the establishments running training courses before 1998 continue to do so. However, training is not essential under the new scheme - you can take assessments without taking refresher courses.

You can be assessed at any of the Blueflame Certification Ltd. assessment centres found throughout the country.

 

 

UKAS approved certification bodies will issue the certificates following successful assessment at a centre they own, run or contract to.

We offer certification nationally and were the first certification body to achieve accreditation for the full suite of domestic natural gas core competency and appliance gas safety assessments. We were also the first certification body to achieve accreditation using an independent assessment centre.

 

 

A written examination and a practical assessment, under controlled conditions. To avoid distractions, you will work in bays. There might also be verbal questions. The examinations allow you to demonstrate your competency in working with gas safety.

 

 

The new scheme is modular. First there is a core competency gas safety assessment which all operatives must complete. Then, you can choose from other gas appliance safety assessments relating to particular activities that you carry out in your everyday work. The choice is yours, but Blueflame Certification Ltd. offer both the core competency and all domestic natural gas appliance assessments. You only need to pay for the individual assessments which apply to your needs.

 

 

On completion of the assessments, an independent verifier will confirm the results and refer to Blueflame Certification Ltd, who will issue certificates promptly and update the CORGI database.

As already stated, each certification is valid for five years, then you need a reassessment.

 

 

CORGI business registration will continue as before. However, CORGI are introducing new identification cards for all registered gas fitting operatives. The cards will clearly show the specific jobs they hold certification for, and will include their business name, details and photograph. The public can also check through the national CORGI database that a gas operative is CORGI registered.

 

 

Everyone will be assessed to the same level as you. Certification can contribute to your S/NVQ. As an employer, you can be confident that all your gas fitting operatives can undertake gas work safely and competently.