Safe Control of Operations (SCO)

What is the Safe Control of Operations scheme?

Our Safe Control of Operations (SCO) scheme ensures that individuals working on the gas network are trained to do so safely by understanding gas network procedures and correct permitry.

The Safe Control of Operations (SCO) scheme is the knowledge-based part of a Competent Person’s or Authorising Engineer’s route to network registration and is followed by the competence-based part of the overall requirement.

The introduction of IGEM/GL/6 Edition 3 has introduced an increased emphasis on risk-based management of gas safety systems and gives gas distribution companies the flexibility to develop their own gas safety procedures based on meeting the common requirements of GL/6. The SCO scheme is based around the requirements for meeting GL/6 compliance.

The SCO scheme consists of an Initial programme for newcomers to the industry and a Renewal programme for those with existing and current SCO registrations.

Modules

This scheme comprises the following Initial programme modules:

• Module 1: SCO Core
• Module 2: Permit to Work (PtW)
• Module 3: Non-Routine Operations (NRO)
• Module 4: Routine Operations (RO)
• Module 5: Form of Authority (FoA)

An individual may undertake as many of the modules as required for their specific job role. The employing organisation’s Responsible Engineers decides the individual role (e.g. Authorising Engineer or Competent Person) and work type (e.g. Network >2bar -7bar). For example, an individual may have a role as an Authorising Engineer for Permits to Work and Routine Operations but limited to Competent Person for Non-Routine Operations, in which case they would be expected to complete module 1: SCO Core, module 2: Permit to Work (PtW), module 3: NRO and module 4: Routine Operations (RO).

Delivery Model

SCO Initial training programme

The Initial training programme is designed for Trainer-led face to face delivery only and is the same for both Authorising Engineers (AEs) and Competent Persons (CPs). However, Permit to Work is an exception where CPs and AEs have a slightly different assessment route which means that they have specifically identified registrations, e.g. Permit to Work (AE) and Permit to Work (CP). Trainers will ensure that individuals complete the assessment appropriate for their role.

SCO Renewal training programme

The Renewal training programme is available either as a Trainer-led or an e-Learning/e-Assessment programme.

The Trainer-led, face to face Renewal training programme is a new addition to the SCO scheme.  Each module is a focused refresh of the initial training programme covering the key elements of SCO permits. The modules emphasise the ongoing elements of practice and knowledge that individuals need to know in order to manage best practice health and safety in their day to day SCO activities and on the areas of SCO that have previously caused concern across the networks, e.g. full completion of forms, emergencies etc.

E-Learning/e-Assessment Renewal

The e-Learning/e-Assessment version of SCO Renewal is available for Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) and Contractor organisations where they are able to demonstrate a clear and robust process for the delivery and quality assurance of assessment. The e-Learning/e-Assessment version of SCO includes both singular modules (Full & Lite versions) as well as combined modules for individual’s renewing several modules at the same time. The pre-requisites below also apply to the e-Learning version of SCO Renewal.

Assessment

Initial Programme

Module 1: SCO Core

• Multiple Choice question test

Module 2: Permit to Work (PtW)

• Multiple Choice question test
• Practical Assessment x 2

Module 3: Non-Routine Operations (NRO)

• Multiple Choice question test
• Practical Assessment x 2

Module 4: Routine Operations (RO)

• Multiple Choice question test
• Practical Assessment x1

Module 5: Form of Authority (FoA)

• Multiple Choice question test
• Practical Assessment x1

Renewal Programme

All renewal modules are assessed via a multiple choice question test

Scheme pre-requisites

Initial training programme

The following pre-requisites apply:

SCO Core is a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to undertake and achieve any other registration categories.

Permit to Work is a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to take either/both Non-Routine and Routine Operations.

Renewal training programme

Module 1: SCO Core is a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to take any other SCO Renewal module.

Module 2: Permit to Work is a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to take either/both Module 3: Non-Routine Operations and Module 4: Routine Operations in SCO Renewal.

Equivalents of the new modules (from SCO 1 & 2, SCO 4 and SCO 5) are also permitted as pre-requisites for Renewal purposes. So, for example, where an individual has an in-date, existing SCO 1, 2 and 5, it would be permissible for them to take the new SCO Renewal module for Permit to Work.

Converting current SCO registrations to the new SCO Scheme

• Holding an in-date SCO 1 and 2 means an individual is eligible for SCO Renewal modules, module 1: SCO Core, module 2: PtW and module 5: FoA
• Holding an in-date SCO 4 means an individual is eligible for SCO Renewal module 3: NRO
• Holding an in-date SCO 5 means an individual is eligible for SCO Renewal module 4: RO

Note: where the existing registration is not in date, or if the individual wants to add an endorsement, then they will have to take the Initial programme

Eligibility for SCO Renewal modules 3 and 4 assumes an individual is holding an in-date SCO 1 and 2 as well as SCO 4/5.

Registration on EUSR

Registration is based on successful completion of the training programme and assessment.

Each EUSR registration category for SCO is valid for 5 years.

SCO registration categories for individuals completing either the initial or renewal programmes are as follows:

• SCO Core
• SCO PtW (CP)
• SCO PtW (AE)
• SCO NRO
• SCO RO
• SCO FoA

SCO EUSR registration provides evidence that an individual has attended the relevant training and assessment programme and demonstrated an appropriate level of knowledge and awareness. It is not designed to confirm competence to carry out a task or particular role.

Network registration confirms competence to work on the gas network as either a Competent Person (CP) or Authorising Engineer (AE) and should be checked with the appropriate Network Controller.

Registration

Each EUSR registration category for SCO is valid for 5 years.

Renewal

SCO Renewal comprises a route to registration for those individuals who have previously completed the SCO scheme and wish to renew their SCO EUSR registration.

SCO Renewal consists of 5 modules in total covering safe controls of operations in the gas industry:

• Module 1: SCO Core Renewal
• Module 2: Permit to Work (PtW) Renewal
• Module 3: Non-Routine Operations (NRO) Renewal
• Module 4: Routine Operations (RO) Renewal
• Module 5: Form of Authority (FoA) Renewal

CITB Short Course

Energy & Utility Skills is a recognised Third Party Organisation (TPO) for CITB and the UK construction industry. This scheme is recognised by CITB for short course duration funding purposes and can be offered by ATOs.