Bolting Competency

Introduction

Preloaded bolted connections are in general usage in steel bridgework and other heavy steel constructions. They are designed according to national and international standards and are, in general, classified by the design performance of the completed connection.

The methods of managing the assembly of bolted connections are a critical stage in the construction and the BCSA Competence in Pre-loadable Bolting scheme provides for appropriate training, which will lead to qualification of the following personnel:

Level 3 – Bolting Co-ordinator
Level 2 – Bolting Inspector
Level 1 – Bolting Practitioner

Leading bridgework companies and their bolt suppliers have in place training schemes, which create an awareness of the principles of structural connection, but there are no recognised common standards for performance demonstration within the industry. The objectives of the BCSA Competence in Pre-loadable Bolting scheme are to give confidence in the effectiveness of training through performance demonstration at the appropriate level.

National Highways Sector Scheme 20 (NHSS20)

National Highways Sector Scheme 20 (NHSS20) came in to force in November 2011 and is a mandatory requirement for Steelwork Contractors carrying out work for the Highways Agency. A requirement of the scheme is that steelwork contractors must have in place a qualified Level 3 Bolting Co-ordinator and a certified internal training programme for Level 2 – Bolting Inspectors and Level 1 – Bolting practitioners.

Achieving a qualified Level 3 - Bolting Co-ordinator and a certified internal training programme is a two stage process.

Stage 1 – Technical Knowledge

The Level 3 - Bolting Co-ordinator candidates must have successfully completed an approved course of training in preloaded bolted structural connections and taken and passed a theory examination consisting of 30 questions, which are of the single answer, multiple choice type. The training courses encompass the topics listed in the BCSA Competence in Pre-loadable Bolting scheme. An approved training course consists of the following lectures which candidates must review in their own time prior to going to the Stage 2 on-site assessment. Each lecture can be downloaded by clicking on its title in the list below.

• Over-view of Bolt Standards
• Tension Controlled Bolts
• Installation requirements – BS EN 1090-2
• Inspection Requirements – BS EN 1090-2
• National Structural Steelwork Specification – 5th Edition (CE Marking Version)
• Model Specification for bolts

Having reviewed the above lectures the Level 3 - Bolting Coordinator candidate must ensure that the company has in place a Bolting Quality Management system that:

• Covers the range of pre-loadable bolts used and the different tightening methods employed;
• Provides the necessary training requirements for the Level 2 – Bolting Inspector and Level 1 – Bolting Practitioner; and
• Addresses the following issues in the company’s quality manual:
  1. The roles, responsibilities and authority of the Level 3 – Bolting Co-ordinator, Level 2 – Bolting Inspector and the Level 1 – Bolting Practitioner;
  2. The requirements for procurement, storage and traceability of the pre-loadable bolts;
  3. The procedure for addressing non-conformities (in both procurement and installation);
  4. The provision of method statements for the installation of pre-loadable bolts. These should include:
     1. Preparation prior to assembly
     2. Method of assembly
     3. Range of equipment needed (together with method and certificates of calibration)
     4. Methods of tightening
     5. Methods of inspection and checking
     6. Safe working practices.

Stage 2 – On-site Assessment

The company may apply to BCSA for a Stage 2 on-site assessment when the Level 3 – Bolting Co-ordinator is confident that he/she understands the course material, has a training programme in place for Level 2 – Bolting Inspector and Level 1 – Bolting Practitioner and has a Bolting Quality Management System that complies with the above..

To arrange a Stage 2 – on-site assessment call or email David Moore at BCSA (tel: 02077478122, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). The on-site assessment will consist of the following two steps:

1. Multiple choice examination to establish the technical knowledge of the Level 3 – Bolting Co-ordinator.
2. An assessment of the company’s Bolting Quality Management system.

If the Level 3 Bolting Co-ordinator successfully completes the multiple choice assessment he/she will be given a Certificate of Technical Knowledge.

If the company’s Bolting Quality Management System fully complies with the requirements set out above in Stage 1 and the Level 3 – Bolting Co-ordinator successfully completes the multiple choice assessment the company will be give a Certificate of Competence in Preloaded Bolting.

The Level 3 Bolting Co-ordinator Certificate of Technical Knowledge and the company’s Certificate of Competence in Preloaded Bolting are required to demonstrate competence in Preloaded bolting to the certification body for National Highways Sector Scheme 20 (NHSS20).

An assessment fee of £500 + VAT is payable to BCSA for the Stage 2 – On-Site assessment.

Further information

For further information on the requirements for Bolting Competency or to arrange a Stage 2 – On-site assessment contact David Moore (Tel: 02077478122; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

To arrange NHSS20 assessment contact Jim Carmichael (Tel: 020 7747 813; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Lectures:

These lectures will be available for download soon:

• Over-view of Bolt Standards
• Tension Controlled Bolts
• Installation requirements – BS EN 1090-2
• Inspection Requirements – BS EN 1090-2
• National Structural Steelwork Specification – 5th Edition (CE Marking Version)
• Model Specification for bolts

Publications:

1. BCSA Standard on Competence in Pre-loaded Bolting, BCSA
2. Model Specification for the Purchase of Structural Bolting Assemblies and Holding Down Bolts, BCSA, July 2011
3. National Structural Steelwork Specification for Building Construction 5th Edition (CE Marking Version), Publication No. 52/10, 2010