Apprenticeship training course

Lightning protection operative (level 2)

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Information about Lightning protection operative (level 2)

Install and maintain lightning protection and earthing systems.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The principles of the relevant Health & Safety legislation, including Health & Safety at Work Act 1974; Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999; Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1999 (MHOR); Working at Height Regulations 2005/2007, LOLER Regs 1998,PPE Regulations, PUWER and where to find additional information e.g. ATLAS website, Health & Safety Executive (HSE) website.
  • The use of mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPS) e.g. the selection of equipment, safe positioning, correct operation and pedestrian control.
  • The use of task specific personal protective equipment e.g. fall restraint/arrest equipment for working at height, goggles for drilling/cutting, face masks for dust/drilling and gloves for work with sharp/hot equipment.
  • The key elements of an earthing system (BS 7430) and the parameters that are required in order to ensure compliance
  • The principles of the British Standard for Lightning Protection (BS EN 62305) and, in particular, Part 3: Physical Damage to Structures and Life Hazard and how this is provides for 4 different levels of protection.
  • Material and component requirements for all parts of a Lightning Protection or Earthing System, including fitting/surface compatibility and preparation, fixing distances, jointing requirements.
  • The methods of handling, storing and transporting lightning protection and earthing materials e.g. conductor materials, earth electrodes and fixtures and fittings.
  • The procedure for testing and verification of a Lightning Protection or Earthing System, including equipment required and its correct use.
  • The correct and safe method of erecting and dismantling mobile aluminium towers.
  • How to interpret design layout drawings and determine the correct and safe methods for access, work tasks and egress.
  • The methods of surveying and investigating ground conditions, paying particular regard to the safe identification and avoidance of buried services e.g. cable avoidance tools and techniques and service plan drawings.
  • The safe and correct use of power tool equipment, giving particular regard to safe exposure limits of vibrating hand tools.
  • The use of surge protection devices for electrical, data and telecom systems.

  Skills

  • Organise the workplace and other areas affected by the activities.
  • Cross reference to Method Statements and Risk Assessments
  • Identify shortfalls in the process and/or changes to the workplace which will have a safety, production or budgetary impact.
  • Solve problems - predict and prevent H&S problems through observation and preventative action.
  • Select the correct materials and equipment for the application and to ensure that the installation is compliant with the 'Standards' and that it meets client requirements/specification
  • Ability to fault-find and determine and/or apply suitable corrective action.
  • Installation of lightning protection and earthing products including air termination rods, down conductors and earth electrodes, isolated masts with associated testing and verification of products, networks and systems
  • Installation of pedestrian controls including temporary traffic management
  • Effective communication skills including oral, written including the keeping of accurate records, listening and body language.
  • Installation of safety barriers or exclusion zones where hazardous work tasks are performed or mechanical plant is being used.
  • Effective loading, unloading and distribution of materials
  • Conductor joining techniques including pressure clamps, exo-thermic welding, brazing and crimping
  • Specialist testing and verification: low resistance electrical continuity tests for earthing systems joint connections

  Behaviours

  • Teamwork: engage collaboratively with others
  • Independent working: take responsibility for completion of own work.
  • Logical thinking: use clear and valid reasoning when making decisions to undertake work instructions.
  • Time management: use own time effectively to complete the work instructions to schedule.
  • Respect: apply equality, diversity and inclusion in dealing with others.
  • Compliance/Instruction: abide by employer procedure/company values, site inductions, Risk Assessment and Method Statements, tool box talks.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Construction and the built environment
• Qualification level: 2; Equal to GCSE
• Course duration: 18 months
• Maximum funding: £14,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.

View more information about Lightning protection operative (level 2) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.