Health, safety, environmental and working practices
This subtopic ensures learners understand and apply essential health, safety, environmental and working practices specific to highway electrical systems and variable message signs. It covers organisational procedures for risk assessment, safe working, emergency response, and environmental protection, all critical for preventing accidents and ensuring compliance on live road networks.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The Lantra Awards Level 2 Technical Occupational Entry NVQ in Highway Electrical Systems (Diploma) (On-street Charging) is a vocational qualification designed for individuals working in the installation, maintenance, and repair of on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This qualification covers the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to safely and effectively work with highway electrical systems, specifically focusing on the growing sector of public EV charging points. It is part of the wider Construction & Building Services framework, reflecting the integration of electrical systems into the built environment.
This NVQ is essential for ensuring that on-street charging points are installed to regulatory standards, operate reliably, and are safe for public use. As the UK transitions to electric vehicles, the demand for skilled technicians in this field is rapidly increasing. The qualification covers topics such as cable laying, connection to the grid, testing, fault diagnosis, and compliance with relevant regulations like BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) and the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. By completing this diploma, students demonstrate competence in a specialised area of highway electrical work, contributing to the national infrastructure for sustainable transport.
Within the broader subject of Construction & Building Services, this qualification represents a niche but critical specialism. It bridges civil engineering (highway construction) and electrical engineering (power distribution and control systems). Students learn to work in public spaces, manage traffic management measures, and coordinate with utility companies. The qualification is typically assessed through on-site observation, portfolio evidence, and knowledge tests, ensuring that candidates can apply their learning in real-world scenarios. Mastery of this NVQ opens pathways to advanced roles in EV infrastructure, electrical supervision, or further study in electrical engineering.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Safe isolation procedures: Always verify the absence of voltage using approved test equipment before working on any circuit, following the Safe Isolation Procedure (SIP) to prevent electric shock.
- →Cable identification and routing: Understand colour coding (e.g., harmonised colours for EV charging cables) and the importance of avoiding underground services when trenching for supply cables.
- →Earthing and bonding: Correctly install earth electrodes and bond metallic parts of the charging unit to ensure fault protection, complying with BS 7671 requirements for TT, TN-S, or TN-C-S systems.
- →Type 2 and CCS connectors: Know the physical and electrical characteristics of common EV connector types, including locking mechanisms and communication protocols (e.g., PWM for control pilot).
- →Regulatory compliance: Adhere to the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, which mandate smart functionality, off-peak charging, and cybersecurity features for public chargers.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- 1. Know the organisational health, safety and environmental procedures which must be followed before starting work2. Be able to follow safe working practices3. Know what factors may affect the original on-site risk assessment4. Know how to apply organisational procedures for emergencies and accidents5. Understand the environmental implications of own actions or omissions at work6. Understand individual and organisational responsibilities and safe working practices7. Understand safe working practices8. Understand hazards, risks and control measures9. Know about organisational emergency and accident procedures
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for demonstrating a thorough pre-work site assessment, including identification of underground/overhead services, verification of isolation, and establishment of a safe working zone with traffic management.
- Assessor must observe consistent selection and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety signs, with evidence of checking condition before use.
- Learner must provide documented evidence of how they revised a risk assessment following an unexpected change in site conditions (e.g., weather, third-party interference, or equipment failure).
- Credit can be given for clear demonstration of reporting procedures during a simulated emergency, including accurate communication of location, nature, and severity of the incident.
- Evidence of correct segregation of waste materials (electronic components, batteries, cabling) according to environmental procedures must be present in portfolio.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡For observed performance, always verbalise your actions: state why you are selecting a particular control measure or PPE, linking directly to the site risk assessment.
- 💡When compiling portfolio evidence, include digital photographs of safe working setups, annotated to highlight key safety features (e.g., barriers, warning signs, safe distances).
- 💡Be precise in witness testimonies—ask your supervisor to describe specific instances where you identified a hazard and took appropriate action without being prompted.
- 💡For the knowledge element, prepare short written accounts that map each learning outcome to a real workplace example, referencing your employer's policies by name.
- 💡Tip 1: When providing evidence for your portfolio, include clear photographs of your work with annotations showing compliance with regulations. For example, take a photo of the earth electrode installation with a note confirming the resistance value is below 200 ohms (for TT systems). This demonstrates attention to detail and regulatory knowledge.
- 💡Tip 2: In knowledge tests, always reference the specific regulation or standard that applies. For instance, if asked about cable burial depth, state 'BS 7671 Regulation 522.8.10 requires a minimum depth of 0.5m for buried cables, or 0.6m if in a road or driveway.' This shows you understand the 'why' behind the practice.
- 💡Tip 3: Practice fault-finding scenarios using a systematic approach: identify symptoms, isolate the circuit, test components (e.g., RCD, contactor, control pilot signal), and document findings. Examiners look for logical reasoning and safe working practices, not just the final fix.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Assuming a fixed risk assessment remains valid after site conditions change, rather than dynamically re-assessing hazards.
- Failing to test voltage detectors on a known live source before and after proving dead, leading to a false assumption of isolation.
- Neglecting to consider the environmental impact of drilling or excavation near sensitive habitats or watercourses during sign installation.
- Confusing 'competent person' responsibilities with 'authorised person' duties in operational safety rules.
- Misconception: 'All EV chargers are the same and can be installed without considering the grid capacity.' Correction: On-street chargers often require a dedicated supply from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and may need load management to avoid overloading the local network. Always check the available capacity and apply for a connection agreement.
- Misconception: 'Once installed, a charger requires no further testing.' Correction: Regular inspection and testing are mandatory under BS 7671 (e.g., periodic inspection every 5 years) and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. This includes insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD testing.
- Misconception: 'You can use standard electrical tools for EV charging work.' Correction: EV charging systems often involve high currents (up to 32A or more) and require tools rated for such loads, such as torque wrenches for terminal connections to prevent overheating. Additionally, insulated tools are essential when working near live parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for LANTRA AWARDS Health, safety, environmental and working practices
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic understanding of electrical principles (voltage, current, resistance, power) and AC/DC circuits, typically covered in a Level 2 Electrical Installation course.
- •Familiarity with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) 18th Edition, especially Part 7 (Special Installations) regarding electric vehicle charging.
- •Practical experience in using hand tools and power tools for cable termination, trenching, and mounting equipment, as well as working in a construction environment with health and safety awareness (e.g., CSCS card).
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- 1. Know the organisational health, safety and environmental procedures which must be followed before starting work2. Be able to follow safe working practices3. Know what factors may affect the original on-site risk assessment4. Know how to apply organisational procedures for emergencies and accidents5. Understand the environmental implications of own actions or omissions at work6. Understand individual and organisational responsibilities and safe working practices7. Understand safe working practices8. Understand hazards, risks and control measures9. Know about organisational emergency and accident procedures
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