The Safe Control of Operations (SCO) scheme guarantees that personnel engaged in the gas network receive proper training to ensure safety through a comprehensive understanding of network procedures and appropriate permitting processes. This scheme represents the knowledge-based component necessary for a Competent Person or Authorising Engineer to achieve network registration, complemented by the competence-based requirements.
The SCO scheme is designed to ensure that those working within the gas network are adequately trained in safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of understanding gas network operations and proper permit management.
It forms the knowledge foundation for individuals pursuing registration as Competent Persons or Authorising Engineers, followed by the competency assessments required for full compliance.
The introduction of IGEM/GL/6 Edition 3 has placed a greater focus on risk management within gas safety systems, allowing gas distribution companies the flexibility to create their own safety procedures while adhering to GL/6 standards. The SCO scheme is structured around these GL/6 compliance requirements.
The scheme includes an Initial training program for newcomers and a Renewal program for those who already hold valid SCO registrations.
The Initial training program comprises several modules:
Participants may choose the modules needed for their specific job functions. The organisation’s Responsible Engineers determine the roles (e.g., Authorising Engineer or Competent Person) and the nature of the work (e.g., Network pressure & bar -7bar). For instance, someone might serve as an Authorising Engineer for Permits to Work and Routine Operations, but only as a Competent Person for Non-Routine Operations. In this case, they would need to complete modules 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The Initial training program is intended for face-to-face instruction led by trainers and is consistent for both Authorising Engineers and Competent Persons. However, the assessment for Permit to Work differs slightly between the two roles, leading to specific registrations such as Permit to Work (AE) and Permit to Work (CP). Trainers will ensure that individuals complete the appropriate assessments according to their designated roles.
The Trainer-led Renewal program is a face to face course focused on refreshing the knowledge from the initial training through key elements of SCO permit management. The modules highlight ongoing practices and critical knowledge necessary for effective health and safety management in daily SCO operations, especially in areas that have raised concerns, such as completing forms and handling emergencies.
SCO Renewal serves as a pathway for individuals who have previously finished the SCO scheme and wish to renew their SCO EUSR registration.
The Renewal program includes five modules addressing safe operations within the gas industry:
Some Renewal modules, specifically Modules 4 and 5, offer both Full and Lite versions. The Full version encompasses all necessary knowledge as a standalone module alongside the SCO Core module. The Lite version covers essential knowledge relevant to the permitting process and is available for those who have taken a related module within the past six months to prevent redundancy.
Modules 2 and 3 do not have Lite versions due to the higher risk associated with them in the SCO hierarchy, necessitating full completion.
To renew their EUSR registration with SCO Renewal, individuals must possess a relevant, current SCO registration. SCO Renewal is exclusively for this purpose; newcomers lacking an up-to-date SCO registration
must complete the relevant modules from the Initial SCO scheme.
Each module functions independently, allowing individuals to select as many modules as needed.
Prerequisites include:
Prerequisites include:
Existing equivalents of the new modules (from SCO 1 & 2, SCO 4, and SCO 5) are acceptable as prerequisites for Renewal. For example, individuals with in-date SCO 1, 2, and 5 can take the new SCO Renewal module for Permit to Work.
To register with EUSR, individuals must successfully finish the training program and pass the assessment.
Each registration category for SCO is valid for a duration of 5 years.
The categories for SCO registration for those who complete either the initial or renewal training are:
Holding an SCO EUSR registration signifies that an individual has participated in the requisite training and assessment program, demonstrating the necessary knowledge and awareness. However, it does not serve to verify the ability to perform specific tasks or roles.
Network registration indicates an individual’s competence to operate on the gas network as a Competent Person (CP) or Authorising Engineer (AE), and this should be confirmed with the relevant Network Controller.
To renew EUSR registration for SCO, individuals must successfully complete the designated SCO renewal training program and fulfill all prerequisite requirements.
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