Introductory Low Carbon Systems

This standard is for those who connect and test Low Carbon Systems (LCS) that supply the provision in buildings for heat, temperature control and/or water. The individual undertaking this work must be able to comply with the procedures and methods for installing and testing LCS in buildings in accordance with the current versions of the relevant industry standards and regulations, the specification, industry recognised working practices, the working environment and the natural environment. They must have knowledge and understanding of the LCS they are installing and testing and have an awareness of the requirements of the building that it is supplying.
They must know and understand the purpose and operating principles of:

1. air source heat pump (hydronic)
2. ground source heat pump
3. solar thermal
4. hybrid systems
5. heat battery systems

1.    access current information about the LCS and equipment as it applies to the work activity from relevant:
·         sources of information
·         documentation
2.    verify that job information and documentation is current and relevant and that the plant, instruments, access equipment and tools are fit for purpose for the job
3.    produce a risk assessment and method statement in accordance with organisational procedures for the work to be undertaken, including the identification and use of personal protective equipment
4.    confirm a programme of work in accordance with organisational procedures 
5.    determine and obtain the resources required to undertake the work activity
6.    select the associated equipment, tools, accessories and components and confirm that they are:
·         of the correct type and size
·         fit for purpose in accordance with the system design and specification
·         suitable for the working environment in which they are to be installed
7.    confirm that the associated equipment, accessories and components are fit for purpose and have a current calibration certificate where required
8.    identify the correct means of electrical isolation prior to commencing the work activity
9.    complete safe isolation as and when required
10.  connect the selected associated equipment, accessories and components in accordance with:
·         the system design and specification
·         the working environment
·         manufacturer instructions
11.  perform visual and manual checks to confirm that the equipment, components and accessories have been connected in accordance with:
·         the system design and specification
·         the working environment
·         manufacturer instructions
12.  test the integrity of the system and report on outcome
13.  complete the specified work activity in accordance with industry recognised methods and practices

1. complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

15.  deal promptly and effectively with any problems within the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability and report those which cannot be solved
16.  implement organisational procedures for the safe transport and/or disposal of waste materials, substances and liquids in accordance with supplier and manufacturer instructions and relevant legislation
17.  complete all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational procedures

1.    the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
2.    the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your working practice and to which you must adhere
3.    the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
4.    how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
5.    specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
6.    the applications, advantages and limitations of different plumbing and heating systems
7.    the working principles of LCS
8.    how to read and interpret LCS design specifications and drawings
9.    how to carry out and apply relevant calculations including those for heat loss
10.  the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
11.  the operation, applications, advantages and limitations of the different LCS and their associated equipment, components and accessories in relation to:
·         the working environment
·         the building heat, power, ventilation, temperature control and/or water provision and requirements
12.  the required industry standards and regulations relevant to installing and testing LCS
13.  how to confirm, as required, that the integrity of the building structure is suitable for the system selected and its associated equipment, accessories and components
14.  how to verify that the job information and documentation is current and relevant
15.  methods and procedures to produce a risk assessment and method statement for the work to be undertaken, including the identification and use of personal protective equipment, in accordance with:
·         the system design and specification
·         the conditions of the working environment
·         organisational procedures
16.  methods for selecting the associated equipment, tools, accessories and components and how to determine they are:
·         of the correct type and size
·         fit for purpose in accordance with the system design and specification
·         suitable for the working environment in which they are to be installed
17.  suitable for the building heat, power, temperature control and/or water provision and requirements
18.  how to interpret diagrams and drawings to identify the planned location of the system associated equipment, accessories and components
19.  the correct procedures for safe-isolation of electrical supplies
20.  the methods and techniques for connecting the selected equipment, components and accessories in accordance with:
·         the system design and specification
·         the working environment
·         the manufacturer instructions
21.  the methods, techniques and procedures used to test the integrity of the installed LCS
22.  how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
23.  how to deal promptly and effectively with any problems within the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability and report those which cannot be solved
24.  how to implement organisational procedures for the safe transport and/or disposal of waste materials, substances and liquids in accordance with supplier and manufacturer instructions and relevant legislation
25.  how to complete relevant documentation in accordance with organisational procedures