Install insulation to solid floors

URN: COSVR814
Business Sectors (Suites): Insulation and Building Treatments (Construction)
Developed by: Construction Skills
Approved on: 30 Aug 2020

Overview

This standard is about preparing and placing insulation to solid floors, above or below concrete screed, interpreting information, adopting safe, healthy and environmentally responsible work practices, selecting and using materials, components, tools and equipment

This standard is for people working in the occupational area of insulation and building treatments and can be used by installers, supervisors and managers


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

P1  interpret the given design information relating to the work and resources to confirm its accuracy, completeness and relevance to the building type, fabric and condition for the following:1.1   drawings1.2   specifications1.3   schedules1.4   method statements1.5   risk assessments1.6   manufacturers’ information1.7  data sheets

P2  comply with the given, relevant legislation, standards and official guidance to carry out your work and maintain safe and healthy work practices relating to the following:2.1   methods of work2.2   safe use of health and safety control equipment2.3   safe use of access equipment2.4   safe use, storage and handling of materials,

tools and equipment2.5   specific risks to health including mental health2.6   specific risks associated with ventilation and combustion

appliances

2.7   specific risks associated with working in confined spaces

P3   select the required quantity and quality of resources for

the methods of work3.1   check the suitability, compatibility and characteristics of

the materials and components and determine

if they are moisture open or moisture closed and their impact

on the building3.2   record and report issues or defects3.3   select tools and equipment

P4   comply with organisational procedures to minimise the risk

of damage to the work and surrounding area by:4.1   protecting the work and its surrounding area from damage4.2   maintaining a safe, clear and tidy work area4.3   disposing of waste in accordance with current legislation

P5 comply with the given contract information to carry out the

work efficiently to the required specification by the following:5.1 demonstrate work skills to carry out internal pre-installation

checks, measure, mark out, calculate, cut, fit, fill, position and

secure, make good

5.2 check, record and report issues with construction ventilation,

flues, chimneys and combustion air ventilators pre and post

installation

5.3 recognise, record and report the key issues that may inhibit

commencement of the work including but not limited to:      - condition of building fabric      - identification of any areas of potential water penetration      - visibility and completeness of damp proof course and

membranes      - condition of window and door seals      - height of internal floors in relation to external floor height      - drainage and down pipes      - protection of existing ventilation in line with design

5.4 identify the potential risk of increased condensation following

installation relating to solid floors and how to prevent it

5.5 prepare floor for insulation to includethe following but not

limited to:      - safe systems of work      - minimising damage      - checking existing services      - building construction and heritage significance      - working surface, solid, free from defect, level and dry      - customer safety

5.6 check for hidden utilities

5.7 maintain integrity of membranes

5.9 remove and minimise damage to floorcoverings

5.10 clear and safeguard existing and install additional ventilation if

required in accordance with the design and installation checks

and report back issues which impact the ventilation assessment

5.11 protect the building occupants and their property

5.12 confirm pre-installation material checks are within specified

parameters to include checking and reporting defects

5.13 rectify defects in preparation of insulation measures

5.14 prepare and place insulation to solid floors using the following

methods to given working instructions:        - insulation under a screed        - insulation on top of a solid floor        - cut, place and tape insulation to manufacturers’ specification        - apply damp proof membrane as required        - restrict or reduce unwanted heat loss        - ensure maintenance of adequate ventilation        - minimise the effects of thermal bridging through compliance

with design detail and ensuring a consistent level of insulation

to the area being insulated

5.15 complete post installation checks in accordance with the

design, method statement and installations operations manual

and report issues to include but not limited to safeguarding

the combustion ventilation and report defects

5.16 provide post installation advice and guidance to building

occupants including homeowner packs

5.17 handover and sign off to the customers satisfaction

5.18 use and maintain all work tools and equipment

P6   complete your work within the estimated, allocated time

and performance requirements of the system design, method

statement and the required standard


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

Performance Criteria 1Interpretation of information
K1.  why organisational procedures have been developed and how they are implemented

K2.  types of information, their source, accuracy, completeness and how they are interpreted in relation to:2.1   drawings2.2   specifications2.3   schedules2.4   method statements2.5   risk assessments2.6   design2.7   standards2.8   manufacturers' information2.9   data sheets2.10  official guidance2.11  current legislation and regulations governing buildings

K3. the importance of organisational procedures to solve problems and why it is important to follow them

Performance Criteria 2 Safe work practices
K4. relevant, current legislation, standards and official guidance and

how they are applied

K5. the types of fire extinguishers and how and when they are used

in relation to water, CO2,foam, powder

K6. how emergencies should be responded to in accordance with

organisational authorisation and personal skills in relation to:

6.1   fires, spillages, injuries6.2   emergencies relating to occupational activities6.3   identification of and reporting of asbestos containing materials

K7. the organisational security procedures for tools,

equipment and personal belongings in relation to:7.1   site7.2   workplace7.3   siting and location of vehicles7.4   company7.5   customer7.6   access equipment7.7   material and waste storage7.8   the general public

K8.  how to report risks and hazards identified by the following:8.1   risk assessment8.2   personal assessment8.3   methods of work8.4   manufacturers' technical information8.5   data sheets8.6   statutory regulations8.7   official guidance8.8   Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

K9.  the accident reporting procedures and who is

responsible for making the report

K10. why, when and how health and safety control equipment

identified by the principles of prevention should be used in

relation to:10.1   collective protective measures10.2  personal protective equipment (PPE)10.3  respiratory protective equipment (RPE)10.4  local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

K11.  environmentally responsible work practices to meet current

legislation, standards and official guidance when dealing with

potential accidents, health hazards and the environment in

relation to:

11.1   below ground level11.2   confined spaces11.3   at height11.4   tools and equipment11.5   materials and substances11.6   movement and storage of materials by manual handling and

mechanical lifting

Performance Criteria 3Selection of resources

K12.  why the characteristics, compatibility, quality, uses,

sustainability, limitations and defects associated with the

resources are important and how defects should be rectified

K13.  the organisational procedures to select resources, why they

have been developed and how they are used

K14.  how to confirm the resources and materials conform with the

specification

K15.  how the resources should be used and how any problems

associated with the resources are  reported in relation to:15.1  protective sheeting15.2  warning signs15.3  temporary barriers15.4  insulation

15.5  making good materials15.6  filling materials15.7  sealants15.8  all work tools and equipment

K16.  how to identify the hazards associated with the resources and

methods of work and how they are overcome

K17.  how to calculate the quantity of materials required

to ensure consistency of coverage to manufacturers'

specification and wastage associated with the

method and procedure to install insulation to solid floors

Performance Criteria 4 Minimise the risk of damage

K18.  the importance of protecting the work and its surrounding

area against the risk of damage

K19.  how to protect work and its surrounding area from damage by

general workplace activities, other occupations and adverse

weather conditions and how to minimise damage to existing

building fabric

K20.  why and how the disposal of waste must be carried out safely

in accordance with the following20.1   current legislation20.2   environmental responsibilities20.3   organisational procedures20.4   manufacturers' information20.5   data sheets20.6   statutory regulations20.7   official guidance

K21.  why it is important to maintain a safe, clear and tidy work

area



Performance Criteria 5 Meet the contract specification

K22.  how the methods of work to meet the specification, are carried

out and how problems are  identified and reported by the

application of knowledge for safe, healthy and

environmental  work practices, procedures and skills relating

to the method and area of work

22.1 the suitability, compatibility and characteristics of the materials,

components and finishes, and determine if they are moisture

open or moisture closed, their impact on the building and

their appropriateness to the design and physical application

22.2 how to record and report issues or defects with the materials,

components and finishes

22.3 why it is important to carry out external and internal pre-

installation checks

22.4 how to carry out external and internal pre-installation checks,

assessing, recording and reporting issues to include but not

limited to:

  • suitable access

  • property suitability

  • structural integrity

  • dampness

  • decay

- vents and ventilation

- services (gas, electric, water, media cables)

22.5 why it is important to ensure that all necessary repairs are

completed prior to installation

22.6 how to recognise, record and report the key issues that may

inhibit commencement of the work including but not limited

to:        - condition of building fabric        - identification of any areas of potential damp        - evidence of incompleteness of damp proof course and

membranes        - height of internal floors in relation to external floor height        - damaged or spalled brickwork        - drainage and down pipes        - protection and existence of sub floor ventilation

22.7 how to identify when specialist skills and knowledge are

required and report accordingly including but not limited to:

  • fire safety

  • electrical

- asbestos

- Radon

  • heritage

  • architectural features

            - ecology

- ventilation

22.8 the relevance of an assessment of significance and how to

recognise specific requirements for structures of special

interest, traditional construction, hard-to-treat buildings and

historical significance

22.9 how to identify, record, report and rectify unintended

consequences not addressed in the design, including but not

limited to the existence of: thermal bridges, thermal bypassing

and water ingress, inadequate ventilation and condensation

risk

22.10 why it is important to avoid unintended consequences

22.11 how to check, record and report issues with under floor (cross

flow) ventilation, flues, chimneys and combustion air ventilators

pre and post installation

22.12 why it is important to recognise the potential risk of increased

condensation following installation relating to solid floors and

how to prevent it

22.13 why it is important to explain installation procedure to

building occupants to include but not limited to the

following:           - scope and work programme          - safety requirements during the installation process          - protection of property and personal items          - specific benefits and implications to include homeowner

information          - agreed standards of making good

22.14 how to identify and follow the installation quality

requirements

22.15 how to work with, around and in close proximity to plant and

machinery

22.16 how to direct and guide the operations and movement of

plant and machinery to ensure protection of a safe working

environment

22.17 how to prepare floor for insulation to include the following

but not limited to:         - safe systems of work         - minimising damage         - checking existing services         - building construction and heritage significance         - working surface, solid, free from defect, level and dry         - customer safety

22.18 how to check for and protect hidden utilities

22.19 the importance of ensuring all work to services (gas, electric,

water) is carried out by suitably qualified people

22.20 how to maintain integrity of membranes

22.21 how to remove and minimise damage to floorcoverings

22.22 how to clear and safeguard existing and install additional

ventilation if required in accordance with the design and

installation checks and report back issues which impact the

ventilation assessment

22.23 how to protect the building occupants and their property

22.24 how to confirm pre-installation material checks are within

specified parameters to include checking and reporting

defects

22.25 how to rectify defects in preparation of insulation measures

22.26 how to prepare and place insulation to solid floors using the

following methods to given working instructions:          - insulation under a screed          - insulation on top of a solid floor          - cut, place and tape insulation to manufacturers’ specification          - apply damp proof membrane          - restrict or reduce unwanted heat loss          - ensure maintenance of adequate ventilation

22.27 why it is important to minimise the effects of thermal bridging

through compliance with design detail and ensuring a

consistent level of insulation to the area being insulated

22.28 the different types of air and vapour control layers and

breather membranes, where and how they should be used and

why it is important to install them correctly

22.29 the importance of ensuring the integrity of air and vapour

control layers and breather membranes following installation

and the need to maintain continuity

22.30 why it is important to immediately record and report

unforeseen events including but not limited to equipment

malfunctions, situations and faults not identified in the

original design

22.31 why it is important to complete post installation checks in

accordance with the system designer installations operations

manual and report issues to include but not limited to

safeguarding the combustion ventilation and report defects

22.32 why it is important to provide post installation advice and

guidance to building occupants to including

homeowner packs

22.33 how to handover and sign off to the customers satisfaction

22.34 how to use all work tools and equipment

22.35 how to work at height using access equipment

22.36 how and why maintenance of all work tools equipment is

carried out

K23. the importance of team work and communication

K24. the needs of other occupations associated installing insulation

to solid floors

Performance Criteria 6 Allocated time

K25.  the programme of work to be carried out including the

estimated and allocated time and why deadlines should be

kept

K26.  the types of progress charts, timetables and estimated times

and the organisational procedures for reporting circumstances

which will affect the work programme


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

30 Aug 2025

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

CITB

Original URN

COSVR814

Relevant Occupations

Construction Operatives

SOC Code

8159

Keywords

Thermal bridging; Damp proof membranes; Gas membranes; Sub-floor ventilation