NVQ 2356

Workplace: In this unit, this refers to the immediate area where the panel is being built.
Working environment: In this unit, this refers to the workplace’s environment which may be affected by other associated or allied trades, such as paint spraying work, sheet metal work.
Working conditions: In this unit, this refers to the working conditions which exist at that point in time when the panel building is due to take place. The physical dimensions of the panel being built may affect the working conditions.
Access equipment: In this unit, these include: stepladders, trestles, mobile scaffolding, platform systems.
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these are: customers, clients, client representatives, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non- electrical operatives.
Panel Types: In this unit, these include: switchboards, mccs, control panels, etc. A control panel is a multi-functional enclosure which contains an electrical system of control components and whose uses are explained by a circuit diagram.
Equipment: In this unit, this includes switchgear, distribution boards, motor starters, controllers, instrumentation and their control systems, components and accessories.
Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.

You must ensure that: 

1. You carry out an assessment of risks of the workplace and the working environment to comply with health and safety regulations and other legislation applicable to the panel being built
2. You agree a safe programme of work with the relevant person(s)
3. You use suitable warning notices and barriers to prevent unauthorised entry to the workplace as identified by the assessment of risks
4. You minimise the risks associated with the tools, plant, equipment, materials and access equipment applicable to the panel being built
5. You monitor regularly that the working conditions remain safe for work to continue
6. You operate the tools, equipment, plant and, when necessary, access equipment following suppliers’ instructions and health and safety requirements
7. You check that your tools, equipment, plant and materials at the workplace are stored safely and securely during work activities and removed on completion
8. On completion of your work the immediate workplace is left in a safe and satisfactory condition in accordance with health and safety regulations and good housekeeping practice.

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to carry out emergency work on public lighting systems and associated equipment you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Health and Safety:

1. How to carry out an assessment of risks with regard to:
a) Access to the immediate workplace
b) Preventing unauthorised access
c) Others working at the workplace
d) Systems and equipment integrity
e) The working environment – 1,2,3
2. The regulatory and your organisation’s requirements for correctly handling and storing tools, equipment, materials and access equipment – 6,7,8
3. When it is safe for work to proceed, continue or to leave when work finishes – 5,8
4. The need for safety, welfare and access arrangements to be in force at the workplace – 3
5. Use, care and storage of substances covered by COSHH – 6,7,8
6. The legal responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current heath and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs

Working Practices
7. The importance of ‘good housekeeping’ procedures in maintaining a safe working environment – 8
8. The potential consequences of failure to follow specified working practices and suppliers’ instructions for the use of tools, equipment, plant and materials – 6
9. Your organisation’s procedures for safe working practices and the monitoring of working conditions – All POs

Equipment: In this unit, this includes switchgear, distribution boards, motor starters, controllers, instrumentation and their control systems, components and accessories.
Conductor systems: In this unit, these refer to insulated and non- insulated conductor systems as specified.
Panel Types: In this unit, these include: switchboards, mccs, control panels, etc. A control panel is a multi-functional enclosure which contains an electrical system of control components and whose uses are explained by a circuit diagram.
Working environment: In this unit, this refers to the workplace’s environment which may be affected by other associated or allied trades, such as paint spraying work, sheet metal work.
Working conditions: In this unit, this refers to the working conditions which exist at that point in time when the panel building is due to take place. The physical dimensions of the panel being built may affect the working conditions.
Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these are: customers, clients, client representatives, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non- electrical operatives.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.

You must ensure that: 

1. You confirm that your plans for the panel building work meet with the expectations of the relevant person
2. You report, promptly, any changes to the working conditions of the workplace which might impact on the panel building to the relevant person(s)
3. You prepare a schedule of equipment applicable to the panel type from customer information and specifications
4. The conductor systems and equipment you have ready for use meet the requirements of the latest issue of the circuit diagrams and layout drawings
5. You confirm that the conductor systems and equipment are:
   a) Fit for purpose
   b) Appropriate for the panel type to be built
6. You obtain all relevant manufacturers’ data, publications and the latest, relevant Industry Standards for the panel’s conductor systems and equipment
7. You confirm that there are no hazards which could harm yourself or other people prior to commencing work
8. You plan a system of work for use throughout the panel building which is safe and effective.

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to prepare to build panels you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

1. Contract responsibilities and legal implications with respect to:
a) Agreeing variations to the panel building not within the contract/ specification
b) Start and finish dates – 1
2. How to carry out an assessment of risks and plan a system of work with regard to:
a) Access to the workplace
b) Preventing unauthorised access
c) Others working at the workplace
d) Systems and equipment integrity
e) The working environment – 2,6,8
3. The materials, their advantages, limitations and applications used as electrical conductors and insulators – 4,5
4. The advantages and limitations of conductor systems, equipment and panel types – 4,5
5. Methods of determining the quantity and current carrying capacity of conductor systems – 4,5
6. How to prepare a schedule of equipment required for panel building from customer information or specifications – 3
7. How to determine the suitability of a conductor system and panel building equipment for a particular environment – 5
8. How to interpret circuit diagrams and layout drawings and the planned location for conductor systems and equipment within each panel type – 4
9. How to use and interpret the relevant Industry Standards and manufacturer’s data and publications – 7

Health and Safety
10. Responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs
11. The potential hazards in the panel building environment and how the risks to others can be minimised – All POs
12. The legal responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current health and safety legislation, regulation and codes of practice – All POs

Principles and Theory
13. The latest, relevant Industry Standards applicable to the preparation of panel building – All POs
14. Where to find out about the principles of electrical theory and installation techniques and those which are appropriate to the preparation of building panels – All POs
15. Where to find relevant manufacturers’ data and publications – 6

Connections: In this unit, this includes: the termination and connection of wiring systems and equipment ensuring that every joint and connection is mechanically and electrically sound and suitable for use.
Equipment: In this unit, this includes switchgear, distribution boards, motor starters, controllers, instrumentation and their control systems, components and accessories.
Conductor systems: In this unit, these refer to: insulated and non- insulated conductor systems as specified.
Panel Types: In this unit, these include: switchboards, mccs, control panels, etc. A control panel is a multi-functional enclosure which contains an electrical system of control components and whose uses are explained by a circuit diagram.
Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these are: customers, clients, client representatives, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non- electrical operatives.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.

You must ensure that: 

1. You carry out an assessment of risks and follow a safe system of work which is safe and effective throughout all panel building activities
2. You assemble the main body of the panel to comply with drawings, diagrams and the relevant specification
3. You measure and mark out locations for panel equipment to comply with the drawings, diagrams and the relevant specification
4. You install and connect the panel’s conductor systems and equipment safely to comply with
   a) The drawings
   b) The diagrams
   c) The relevant specification
   d) The latest, relevant Industry Standards
5. You label, clearly, the conductors, connections and equipment to meet with the relevant specification and legal requirements
6. When necessary, you take safe and suitable remedial action to correct any identified defects during the building period in accordance with industry practices
7. You complete any necessary documentation relating to the work legibly, accurately and in a timely manner to meet with organisational requirements.

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to build panels using safe and approved methods you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Building Panels:

1. How to carry out an assessment of risks and plan a safe system of work with regard to:
a) Access to the workplace
b) Others working at the site
c) The working environment
d) Preventing unauthorised access
e) Systems and equipment integrity – 1
2. Safe methods and techniques of assembling the main body of panels – 2
3. Main types, the advantages and limitations of different electrical connections – 4
4. How to interpret circuit diagrams and drawings to facilitate the building of the main body of the panel and the connection of conductor systems and equipment – 2,3,4
5. The procedures and techniques for the connection of single and multiphase, control circuits and for the connection of equipment within the panel – 4
6. The requirements of joints and connections to be of strength and conductance to allow for the passage of fault currents and to prevent corrosion – 4
7. Industry approved procedures for labelling conductors, connections and equipment for identification purposes – 5
8. How to identify defects and the implications of carrying out remedial action – 6
9. Organisational procedures for the completion of necessary documentation which might include organisational or external QA systems – 7

Health and Safety
10. The importance of using personal protective equipment and safe appropriate tools for specific jobs – All POs
11. The procedures for reporting any potentially dangerous situations or incidents – 6,7
12. The legal responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs
13. Handling conductor systems and equipment in the correct manner – All POs

Principles and Theory
14. The latest, relevant Industry Standards applicable to the building of panels – All POs
15. Where to find out about the principles of electrical theory and installation techniques and those appropriate to building panels – All POs

Connections: In this unit, this includes: the termination and connection of wiring systems and equipment ensuring that every joint and connection is mechanically and electrically sound and suitable for use.
Equipment: In this unit, this includes switchgear, distribution boards, motor starters, controllers, instrumentation and their control systems, components and accessories.
Conductor systems: In this unit, these refer to: insulated and non- insulated conductor systems as specified.
Panel Types: In this unit, these include: switchboards, mccs, control panels, etc. A control panel is a multi-functional enclosure which contains an electrical system of control components and whose uses are explained by a circuit diagram.
Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Tests: In this unit, these include tests appropriate to conductors, insulation resistance, pressure tests, polarity and phasesequencing, the operation of protective equipment, functional operation of control circuits, components and equipment.
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these are: customers, clients, client representatives, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non- electrical operatives.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.

You must ensure that: 

1. You plan and agree the inspection and testing procedures with the relevant person(s)
2. You undertake an assessment of risks prior to carrying out the inspection and testing
3. You conduct a visual inspection and confirm the panel assembly is in accordance with
   a) The latest, relevant Industry Standards
   b) Relevant diagrams
   c) Relevant drawings
   d) The relevant specification
4. You confirm that your test instruments:
   a ) Are appropriate to the job in hand
   b) Are fit for purpose
   c) Have a current calibration certificate
5. You follow the correct procedures for carrying out a safe and secure isolation
   a) To each functional unit prior to testing
   b) To the completed panel on completion of functional testing
6. You conduct, in the correct sequence, appropriate tests in accordance with
   a) Approved industry practices
   b) The latest, relevant Industry Standards
   c) Manufacturers’ recommendations
   d) The relevant specification
7. All approved panels conform to
   a) The latest, relevant Industry Standards
   b) Manufacturers’ recommendations
   c) The relevant specification
8. Panels which do not function correctly and safely, you report to the relevant person(s) promptly
9. You prepare and complete relevant documentation to record confirmation of the panel’s conformity to the relevant specification
10. Your handover of the panel to the relevant person(s) includes accurate and complete information and documentation for its continued safe and effective use.

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to inspect and test panels using safe and approved methods you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Inspecting and Testing:

1. The purpose and requirements of the panel(s) to be inspected and tested – 1
2. How to carry out an assessment of risks and plan a safe system of work with regard to:
a) Access to the workplace
b) Others working at the site
c) The working environment
d) Preventing unauthorised access
e) Systems and equipment integrity – 2
3. The requirements of an inspection with regard to:
a) Selection, identification and connection of conductors
b) Protection against contact and fire
c) Labelling
d) Access to switchgear and equipment
e) Availability of danger, warning notices, diagrams and instructions – 3
4. The importance of choosing the correct instruments for testing – 4
5. The procedures for checking test instruments are fit for purpose and are calibrated – 4
6. The correct procedures for a safe isolation with regard to:
a) An assessment of safe working practice
b) Correct identification of circuits to be isolated
c) Correct test and proving instruments selected
d) Application of industry approved testing methods
e) Correct selection of devices for securing isolation – 5
7. Approved industry procedures and practices for testing the built panel – 1,6,7
8. The importance of accurate labelling and recording of the results of test activities – 9
9. The characteristics and limitations of different types of conductors and components and how they impact on the testing of the panel – 6,7
10. Organisational requirements with regard to completing test documentation and reporting failed panels – 8,9

Health and Safety
11. Carrying out the tests and their effect on equipment not part of the fixed installation – 6,7
12. Industry approved procedures and practices for the use of test equipment – 1,6
13. The legal responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs

Principles and Theory
14. The latest, relevant Industry Standards applicable to the inspection and testing of built panels – All POs
15. Where to find out about the principles of electrical theory and installation techniques and those which are appropriate to safe inspection and testing – All POs

Faults: In this unit, faults include: overload, earth leakage faults, open circuits, short circuits, high resistance joints, incomplete circuits and oversensitive/ non- performing protective devices.
Connections: In this unit, this includes: the termination and connection of wiring systems and equipment ensuring that every joint and connection is mechanically and electrically sound and suitable for use.
Equipment: In this unit, this includes switchgear, distribution boards, motor starters, controllers, instrumentation and their control systems, components and accessories.
Conductor systems: In this unit, these refer to: insulated and non- insulated conductor systems as specified.
Panel Types: In this unit, these include: switchboards, mccs, control panels, etc. A control panel is a multi-functional enclosure which contains an electrical system of control components and whose uses are explained by a circuit diagram.
Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.
Tests: In this unit, these include tests appropriate to conductors, insulation resistance, pressure tests, polarity and phasesequencing, the operation of protective equipment, functional operation of control circuits, components and equipment.
Relevant person(s): In this unit, these are: customers, clients, client representatives, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues, non- electrical operatives.
Industry Standards: These standards can include relevant British, European and International Standards.

You must ensure that: 

1. You obtain clear and detailed information relating to the faults including the specification and condition of the faulty electrical equipment
2. You advise the relevant people clearly and accurately about the potential disruption and consequences of carrying out a diagnosis and correction of faults
3. You agree the appropriate repairs and their costs with the relevant people in accordance with organisational procedures
4. You undertake an assessment of risks and plan a safe system of work to comply with health and safety regulations
5. You follow the correct procedures for identifying and carrying out a safe and secure isolation
6. You follow the safe system of work to perform suitable tests on the installed equipment to identify the faults
7. You correct the fault, in accordance with specifications for
   a) The equipment
   b) The conductor systems
   c) Using the appropriate tools, equipment and materials
8. You inspect and test that the repaired electrical equipment is functioning correctly in accordance with the equipment specifications and conductor systems
9. You complete the relevant documentation to comply with organisational requirements.

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to diagnose and correct electrical faults in panels you should know and understand the following aspects:

Diagnosing and Correcting Faults:

1. The necessary information for carrying out a successful fault diagnosis – 1
2. The implications for relevant parties of carrying out an isolation in order to undertake fault finding – 2,3
3. How to carry out an assessment of risks and plan a system of work with regard to:
a) Access to the workplace
b) Preventing unauthorised access
c) Others working at the workplace
d) Systems and equipment integrity
e) The working conditions and the working environment – 4
4. The correct procedures for a safe and secure isolation with regard to:
a) An assessment of safe working practice
b) Correct identification of circuits to be isolated
c) Correct test and proving instruments selected
d) Use of correct testing methods
e) Correct selection of devices for securing isolation – 5
5. The advantages and limitations of fault diagnosis techniques – 6
6. The correct sequence of tests for locating faults – 6
7. The main types, advantages and limitations of test instruments for use with the installation – 7
8. The correct methods for checking that test instruments are functional and in calibration – 7
9. The main requirements and procedures of inspecting and testing panels when undertaking fault finding – 8
10. Organisational requirements with regard to completing test results and all relevant documentation – 9

Health and Safety
11. Importance of using personal safety equipment and appropriate tools for specific jobs – All POs
12. The legal responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with current health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice – All POs

Principles and Theory
13. The latest, relevant Industry Standards applicable to the diagnosis and correction of faults in built panels – All POs
14. Where to find out about the principles of electrical theory and installation techniques and which are appropriate to the diagnosis and correction of faults in built panels – All POs

Technical Information: In this unit, this will include information covering specifications of the panel types, manufacturers’ instructions and data.
Functional Information: In this unit, this will include information covering user instructions, including the circumstances when other relevant people should be called in.
Relevant people: In this unit these will include: customers, clients, client representatives, charge-hands, supervisors, other contractors.
Equipment: In this unit, this includes switchgear, distribution boards, motor starters, controllers, instrumentation and their control systems, components and accessories.
Panel Types: In this unit, these include: switchboards, mccs, control panels, etc. A control panel is a multi-functional enclosure which contains an electrical system of control components and whose uses are explained by a circuit diagram.
Safe system of work: In this unit, this refers to a system of work which will include procedures such as safe isolation, permits to work, wearing personal protective equipment and other procedures, as appropriate, identified during an assessment of risks. The system of work may take the form of a method statement.

You must ensure that: 

1. You identify the relevant people that need to be supplied with technical and functional information
2. You discuss, with the relevant people, their technical and functional information requirements
3. You obtain current and relevant information from appropriate sources
4. You assess the nature and extent of information required by the relevant people in order for the installation, or equipment, to be operated safely and effectively
5. You pass on the information in a timely, courteous and professional manner and in accordance with organisational procedures
6. You provide written technical and functional information to the relevant people in accordance with organisational procedures
7. You confirm that the relevant people receive the necessary health and safety information and advice in the approved manner.

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to provide technical and functional information to relevant people you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Providing Technical and Functional Information:

1. Which situations warrant written technical and functional information – 4,6
2. Methods of checking the relevant person’s understanding of the technical and non-technical information provided – 1,2
3. Sources of technical and functional information including the manufacturer, supplier or own organisation – 3
4. Ways of checking the relevant people understand those aspects of the information which have a bearing on health and safety – 7
5. Responsibilities and limitations in your job role with respect to supplying technical and functional information – All POs
6. Organisational practice on the amount of information and detail that individual members of the relevant person’s organisation are entitled to receive – 5
7. The importance of providing information clearly, courteously and professionally – 7
8. The safety implications and functional consequences of supplying inaccurate or incomplete information to the relevant person – All POs

Health and Safety
9. The need for up-to-date, reliable technical and functional information – All POs
10. The legal responsibilities for health and safety according to current health and safety legislation, regulations, codes of practice – All POs

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the body appointed to support and enforce health and safety law. They have defined two important concepts as follows:

Hazard: ‘A hazard is something with potential to cause harm’
Risk: ‘A risk is the likelihood of the hazard’s potential being realised’. Almost anything may be a hazard, but may or may not become a risk. For example:
1. A trailing electric cable from a piece of equipment is a hazard. If it is trailing across a passageway there is a high risk of someone tripping over it, but if it lies along a wall out of the way, the risk is much less.
2. Toxic or flammable chemicals stored in a building are a hazard, and by their nature may present a high risk. However, if they are kept in a properly designed secure store, and handled by properly trained and equipped people, the risk is much less than if they are left about in a busy workshop for anyone to use – or misuse.
3. A failed light bulb is a hazard. If it is just one bulb out of many in a room it presents very little risk, but if it is the only light on a stairwell, it is a very high risk. Changing the bulb may be a high risk, if it is high up, or if the power has been left on, or low risk if it is in a table lamp which has been unplugged.
4. A box of heavy material is a hazard. It presents a higher risk to someone who lifts it manually than if a mechanical handling device is properly used.
Emergencies: In this unit this includes: fire, explosions, toxic atmosphere, electrical shocks.
Working conditions: In this unit this refers to the working conditions which exist at that point in time when the panel building takes place. One example may be the physical dimensions of the panel being built may affect working practices.
Working environment: In this unit this refers to the work area where the panel building is to take place and this may be affected by other associated or allied trades, for example, paint spraying, sheet metal work, etc.
Relevant people: These include: customers, clients, client representatives, chargehands, supervisors, other contractors, colleagues.
Working practices: This includes: activities, procedures, use of materials or equipment and working techniques used in carrying out your job.

You must ensure that: 

1. You identify which workplace health and safety procedures are relevant to your working environment
2. You identify evacuation procedures and emergency exits before work commences
3. You review your working practices and your working environment for hazards which could cause serious harm
4. You control those health and safety hazards within your capability and job responsibility limits
5. You report those hazards which may present a high risk to the relevant persons responsible for health and safety in the workplace
6. Your personal conduct around the workplace does not endanger the health and safety of yourself or other persons
7. You follow the workplace policies and suppliers’ or manufacturers’ instructions for the safe use of tools, plant and equipment
8. You follow agreed procedures in the event of an emergency warning
9. You follow correct procedures in the event of injuries to self and others.

* Related Performance Objective Number in Red

In order to maintain a healthy and safe working environment when building panels you should know and understand the following aspects relating to:

Health and Safety:

1. Your legal duties for health and safety in the workplace as defined by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – 1
2. Your duties for health and safety as defined by any specific legislation covering your job role – 1,2
3. What hazards may exist in your workplace – 3
4. The particular health and safety risks which may be present in your own job role – 3
5. The importance of remaining alert to the presence of hazards in the whole work place – All POs
6. Agreed workplace health and safety procedures including site evacuation procedures and procedures for dealing with injured persons – 6,7,8,9
7. Responsibilities for health and safety in your job description – 4
8. The responsible persons to whom to report health and safety matters – 5