Level 2 Diploma in Network Construction Operations (Gas) – Main Layer

• Understand and apply health and safety legislation relevant to gas main construction, including risk assessment, safe systems of work, and PPE requirements specific to working with pressurised gas apparatus.
• Locate and avoid underground apparatus (LA), using cable and pipe avoidance tools such as CAT and Genny equipment, and correctly interpreting utility drawings and permit-to-dig documentation.
• Carry out safe excavation practices, including trial holing, hand-digging near live apparatus, and appropriate trench support for gas main depths and diameters.
• Select, handle, and install approved gas main materials, including polyethylene (PE) pipework, to correct industry specifications.
• Perform accurate pipe laying, alignment, and jointing techniques, including butt fusion and electrofusion welding, ensuring joint integrity and safety compliance.
• Carry out tapping into existing mains, pressure testing, purging, and commissioning of new gas mains prior to gas introduction.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to gas escapes, damaged apparatus, and emergency situations, in line with industry emergency protocols.
• Apply compliant backfilling and reinstatement techniques, in accordance with the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH).
• Implement effective traffic management and signing, lighting and guarding (SLG) to protect the public and workforce around excavation sites.
• Demonstrate environmental responsibility, including waste management and pollution prevention during gas main works.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation, ensuring work meets quality assurance and regulatory standards for inspection and handover.
• Prepare for assessment and certification leading to the Level 2 Diploma in Network Construction Operations (Gas) – Main Layer and registration on the Energy & Utility Skills (EUSR) card scheme.

• Demonstrate a knowledge of health, safety and environmental regulations
• Demonstrate the skills to work safely in the highway and use safe digging techniques
• Demonstrate the skills required to undertake LP and MP mains connections
• Demonstrate the jointing of pipes using mechanical and fusion techniques
• Understand the principle required to fit and test a branch connection to a PE or metallic main carrying gas
• Demonstrate flow stopping techniques for PE and metallic mains
• Demonstrate the competencies required to lay, test and commission LP and MP mains
• Demonstrate the competencies required to decommission mains
• State the principles of installing trench support systems

Those that are required to be a team leader for the installing, maintaining or replacement of gas main infrastructure on the UK gas networks. Those should have the opportunity to gain experience on the network that will allow them to build a portfolio of evidence. Must hold a valid SHEA (Gas) qualification and Level 1 NCO desirable.

City and Guilds