January 2015

ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Infrared

Thermography (Class 1 Operators) (QCF)

(601/2687/5)

QUALIFICATION HANDBOOK

ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Infrared Thermography (Class 1 Operators) (QCF)

Issued: January 2015

Page 2 of 50

CONTENTS

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 About the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE) ............................................... 4

1.2 Ofqual qualification data .......................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Purpose and aims of the qualification .................................................................................... 5

1.4 Progression .............................................................................................................................. 7

PART 2 General Qualification Guidance ............................................................................................ 8

2.1 The Qualifications and Credit Framework .............................................................................. 8

2.2 Unit structure ............................................................................................................................ 8

2.3 Learning time ............................................................................................................................ 9

2.4 Resources ................................................................................................................................. 9

2.5 Delivery ..................................................................................................................................... 9

2.6 Recruitment and access .......................................................................................................... 9

2.7 Learners with particular assessment requirements ............................................................. 10

2.8 Role of learners ...................................................................................................................... 10

2.9 Role of mentors and advisers ................................................................................................ 11

2.10 Role of the assessor............................................................................................................... 11

2.11 Role of the internal verifier .................................................................................................... 12

2.12 Role of the external verifier .................................................................................................... 12

2.13 Assessment ............................................................................................................................ 12

2.14 Assessment records .............................................................................................................. 13

2.15 Credits and recognising prior learning ................................................................................. 13

2.16 Examination arrangements .................................................................................................... 14

2.17 Enquiries and appeals ............................................................................................................ 15

2.18 Registering learners ............................................................................................................... 15

PART 3 ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Infrared Thermography (Class 1 Operators)

(QCF) ....................................................................................................................................... 16

3.1 Qualification summary ........................................................................................................... 16

3.2 Qualification evidence requirements summary .................................................................... 16

3.3 Assisting learners to find suitable properties ...................................................................... 17

3.4 The qualification in diagram form: ........................................................................................ 18

3.5 QCF credit availability ............................................................................................................ 19

3.6 Occupational competence of assessors and internal verifiers ........................................... 20

3.7 External examination .............................................................................................................. 21

3.8 Qualification structure and content ...................................................................................... 23

ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Infrared Thermography (Class 1 Operators) (QCF)

Issued: January 2015

Page 3 of 50

PART 4 Qualification units ................................................................................................................ 24

Unit 1: Conduct building infrared thermography in a safe, effective and professional

manner .................................................................................................................................... 24

Unit 2: Understand basic thermal imaging camera technology and operation ............................. 29

Unit 3: Understand domestic building construction, thermal properties and heat loss

mechanisms ............................................................................................................................ 32

Unit 4: Prepare to carry out an infrared thermographic assessment of domestic buildings ....... 35

Unit 5: Carry out an infrared thermographic assessment of domestic buildings ......................... 38

Unit 6: Produce infrared thermographic assessment reports of domestic buildings ................... 41

Appendix 1. Summary of knowledge and understanding requirements ....................................... 43

Appendix 2. Representative Domestic Infrared Thermographic Surveyor Equipment List .......... 44

Appendix 3. Infrared thermography data collection notes ...................................................... 45

(Notes used with permission of Inspexions Ltd) ............................................................................. 45

Appendix 4. Structured Professional Interview .............................................................................. 49

ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Infrared Thermography (Class 1 Operators) (QCF)

Issued: January 2015

Page 4 of 50

Introduction This qualification has been developed by iRed working with ABBE. This guide is for prospective and existing ABBE approved assessment centres that wish to offer the ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Infrared Thermography (Class 1 Operators) (QCF), including organisations that employ prospective thermographers. It provides the qualification specification and guidance on evidence and assessment requirements. Centres wishing to offer this qualification should contact iRed in the first instance. iRed charge an initial approval fee to each centre. iRed can be contacted as follows: Ray Faulkner Managing Director iRed Ltd Unit 7, The Old Flour Mill Emsworth Hampshire PO10 7BT Email: ray.faulkner@iredltd.co.uk This handbook should be used in conjunction with the ABBE Centre Operations Guide, available from the ABBE website www.abbeqa.co.uk, or by telephone from the ABBE office on 0121 331 5174. 1.1 About the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE)

ABBE is an Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) for the delivery of a range of qualifications that form part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework. ABBE has developed considerable expertise in overseeing high quality assessment for the higher level qualifications in the property and construction sectors of industry. Since its inception late 1997, ABBE has grown steadily and currently offers a suite of qualifications to industry through its nationwide network of approved assessment centres. For further information please contact ABBE (Awarding Body for the Built Environment) Birmingham City University Franchise Street Perry Barr Birmingham B42 2SU Telephone: 0121 331 5174 Fax: 0121 331 6883 Email: abbeenquiries@bcu.ac.uk Website: www.abbeqa.co.uk 1.2 Ofqual qualification data

Ofqual accreditation number: 601/2687/5 Qualification accreditation start date: 1 March 2014

http://www.abbeqa.co.uk/mailto:abbeenquiries@bcu.ac.ukhttp://www.abbeqa.co.uk/

ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Infrared Thermography (Class 1 Operators) (QCF)

Issued: January 2015

Page 5 of 50

Qualification operational start date: 1 March 2014 Qualification review date: 31 January 2019 Age range qualification approved for use with: 16-18; 19+

1.3 Purpose and aims of the qualification

Background Infrared thermography has traditionally been used to identify fault conditions in mains electrical systems and components, in many mechanical systems and by fire-fighters to locate casualties. Infrared thermography has also been used to a lesser extent in the built environment to locate sources of heat loss from buildings, whether through poor installation of insulation systems, thermal bridging or draughts. Over