Advanced Leadwork

URN: BSEPH14
Business Sectors (Suites): Plumbing and Domestic Heating
Developed by: BSE Skills
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is for those who install lead weathering protection and maintain the lead component associated with roofs and guttering to ensure water-tightness and appropriate water egress. The person performing this work must be able to comply with the correct procedures and practices for working safely with the tools and equipment associated with  an oxy-acetylene torch and when installing lead weathering protection lead. This work must be in accordance with the current versions of the appropriate industry standards and regulations; the specification; industry recognised working practices; the working environment and the natural environment. They must know and understand how to:

  1. boss/weld a slate piece
  2. prepare work locations to undertake weathering protection installation whilst ensuring a safe working environment
  3. prefabricate lead weathering protection using a variety of appropriate materials
  4. install and maintain various types of weathering protection in accordance with the appropriate industry standards

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1.    verify that the job information and documentation are current and relevant and that the plant, instruments, access equipment and tools are fit for purpose
2.    confirm before work starts that the work location and work area can be accessed safely and has been checked for the risk to other personnel on the site, and take appropriate action if a risk is present
3.    ensure that arrangements are in place for accessing the work area safely
4.    produce a risk assessment and method statement for the work to be carried out, including the identification and use of personal protective equipment, in accordance with the working environment
5.    set up the oxy-acetylene torch for operation safely and in accordance with organisational procedures
6.    carry out fabrication activities in accordance with job information, drawings and documentation
7.    confirm that the outcome of fabrication activities is in accordance with quality requirements and organisational requirements
8.    select lead weathering protection and confirm it is:

  • of the right size and type
  • suitable for the working environment in which it is to be installed

9.    determine at the outset, that the plans for positioning and application of the lead weathering protection are in accordance with:

  • the working environment
  • manufacturer instruction
  • design specification

10.  comply with industry practices and procedures to ensure the co-ordination with the activities of other trades
11.  measure and mark out the locations for fitting and fixing the selected lead weathering protection in accordance with:

  • the weathering protection design
  • manufacturer instruction
  • design specification

12.  fit and apply the selected lead weathering protection in accordance with:

  • the working environment
  • manufacturer instruction
  • design specification

13.  confirm the integrity of the installed lead weathering protection
14.  maintain lead-based structures using a range of fabrication techniques
15.  confirm with the relevant others

  • those necessary variations to the planned programme of work
  • the correct actions to be undertaken to ensure that any variations to the planning programme of work will minimise the potential for hazard and risk

16.  implement procedures for the safe transport and/or disposal of waste material in accordance with supplier and manufacturer instructions
17. complete all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational procedures


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1.    the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
2.    the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
3.    the applications, advantages and limitations of different types of lead weathering protection in relation to the working environment and building fabric
4.    the appropriate industry standards and regulations relevant to bossing/welding and installing different types of lead weathering protection
5.    how to verify that job information and documentation is current and relevant and that the plant, instruments, access equipment and tools are fit for purpose
6.    how to produce a risk assessment and method statement for the work to be carried out, including the identification and use of personal protective equipment, in accordance with:

  • the conditions of the working environment
  • organisational procedures

7.    the organisational procedures for confirming, before work starts, that the work location and work area can be accessed safely and has been checked for the risk to other personnel on the site, and for taking appropriate action if a risk is present
8.    how to interpret job information, drawings and documentation relevant to the job
9.    the range of hand-tools required to undertake the job
10.  the procedures for safely setting up an oxy-acetylene torch
11.  safe working practices associated with using an oxy-acetylene torch
12.  the pre- fabrication considerations
13.  the principles and practice of fabrication including bossing and welding
14.  how to work safely with a slate-piece and lead weathering protection
15.  the methods for determining the most suitable type of lead weathering protection
16.  how to interpret diagrams and drawings to identify the planned location of the lead weathering protection required
17.  the methods and techniques (including the use of hand tools) for fitting the lead weathering protection selected in accordance with: 

  • the working environment
  • manufacturer instructions
  • design specification

18.  the methods and techniques for confirming the integrity of the lead weathering protection
19.  the organisational procedures for confirming with the relevant others the appropriate actions to be taken to ensure that any variations to the planned programme of work will not introduce a hazard and have minimum negative impact on the installation work to be undertaken
20.  the methods for the safe transport and/or disposal of waste material, substances and liquids in accordance with supplier and manufacturer instructions
21.  how to complete relevant documentation in accordance with organisational procedures


Scope/range

Working environments (internal and/or external)
·         domestic
·         commercial
·         industrial
 
Site

  • new build construction – building or structure
  • existing building or structure

Lead-based structures
·         box gutters
·         chimney flashing
·         dormers
·         front gutters & back gutters
·         hips
·         ridges
·         valleys

Hand tools
·         bossing stick
·         mallet
·         seaming pliers
·         flat dresser
·         spoon dresser
·         setting wedge
·         scraper
·         snips

Fabrication techniques
·         bossing
·         forming
·         welding
o   slate piece
o   horizontal weld
o   vertical weld

Plant
·         generators
·         transformers for low voltage hand-tools
·         lifting equipment
·         access equipment
 
Lead weathering protection
·         lead materials – underlay/membrane
·         strip materials
·         sealants
·         flashing
·         patination oils

Relevant others
·         customers/clients
·         client representatives
·         supervisors
·         site/contract manager
·         other contractors/trades
·         members of the public
·         work colleagues
 
Work area
·         open and restricted access
·         occupied and unoccupied
·         high/low level
·         ventilated/unventilated


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

2030

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

BSE Skills

Original URN


Relevant Occupations

Plumbing Engineers

SOC Code

5314

Keywords

Leadwork. Advanced.