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Identify and rectify motor vehicle body misalignment

URN: IMIVBR17
Business Sectors (Suites): Vehicle Body Repair
Developed by: IMI
Approved on: 30 Mar 2023

Overview

This standard is about the identification and realignment of vehicle distortion using body alignment jigs.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

P1 use the appropriate personal protective equipment when carrying out all rectification activities *
P2 protect the vehicle, its contents and systems effectively when carrying out all *rectification activities 
P3 support vehicle misalignment rectification activities by reviewing vehicle data from manufacturers and technical data specific to the vehicle 
P4 prepare, test and setup all the tools and equipment required, following equipment manufacturers' instructions 
P5 load and secure the vehicle to the body jig correctly following the equipment manufacturer's instructions and health and safety requirements 
P6 establish the extent of the vehicle misalignment accurately and completely 
P7 align and anchor areas adjacent to the damage correctly, in a way that prevents further damage to the vehicle 
P8 attach the pulling system securely to the damaged components and operate it correctly to achieve the realignment required 
P9 operate the pulling system in a way that minimises the risk of injury to yourself and others 
P10 ensure your rectification activities restore the vehicle to the correct specification and tolerances 
P11 complete all rectification activities within the agreed timescale 
P12 promptly report any anticipated delays in completion to the relevant person(s) 
P13 complete work records accurately, in the format required and promptly pass them to the relevant person(s)

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

K1 the safety requirements specific to vehicle misalignment rectification 
K2 the health and safety legislation and workplace procedures relevant to workshop practices and personal and vehicle protection 
K3 the vehicle work specification agreed 
K4 the requirements of manufacturers' warranty agreements. 
K5 your workplace procedures for 

K5.1 the referral of problems
K5.2 reporting of delays to the completion of the work
K5.3 personal protection 
K6 the importance of working to agreed timescales and keeping others informed of progress 
K7 the relationship between time, cost and profitability 
K8 your workplace requirements for keeping records 
K9 the importance of promptly reporting anticipated delays to the relevant person(s)  
K10 the constraints of the type of materials used in vehicle construction places on the choice of repair equipment *
K11 how to prepare, test and setup all *equipment required for misalignment rectification 
K12 the considerations to be made when loading an electric vehicle onto a jig
K13 how to install vehicles on misalignment rectification equipment, including the use of lifting equipment *
K14 how to use rectification *equipment including hand and powered tools, safety chains (safety measure), hydraulic push and pull, and body alignment jigs (bracket system and/or measuring system) 
K15 the correct use of clamps, restraints and supports to minimise additional damage during repair 
K16 the principles of chassis frame and monocoque vehicle construction 
K17 the principles of damage assessment and identification of direct and indirect damage 
K18 the function of the pulling system and the criteria for selection – vector, pull arm, and tower systems, both floor mounted and bench mounted 
K19 how to use geometric principles of alignment in the absence of a data sheet 
K20 the properties of vehicle body construction materials 
K21 how to find, interpret and use sources of information relevant to the rectification of vehicle misalignment 
K22 how to establish the extent of misalignment using measuring equipment and/or measuring system 
K23 how to realign vehicles to the manufacturer's original specification
K24 how to work safely avoiding damage to vehicles, personal injury and injury to colleagues 
K25 the importance of following manufacturers' and/or approved research repair methods (including use of materials and equipment) 
K26 the consequences of failing to follow manufacturers' and/or research repair methods or instructions and data sheets

Scope/range

All of the items listed below form part of this National Occupational Standard.


1. Rectification activities are: 

1.1. visual examination 
1.2. setting up 
1.3. measurement in conjunction with alignment measuring equipment 
1.4. realignment using pulling equipment 

2. Tools and equipment are: 

2.1. workshop equipment 
2.2. generic hand tools 
2.3. manufacturer's specified and specialist tools
2.4. digital tooling

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

30 Mar 2026

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

IMI

Original URN

IMIARBBP17

Relevant Occupations

Accident Repair Technicians, Body Repair and Alignment Technician (Automotive), Body Repair Technician (Automotive)

SOC Code

5232

Keywords

Identify; rectify; motor; vehicle; body; misalignment;