The Academy Of Joint Integrity - FAQs about Joint Integrity Training

THE ACADEMY OF JOINT INTEGRITY IS A MEMBER OF THE FDS GROUP

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please click to open or close the links below to find answers to the most commonly asked questions. If you wish to contact us directly, please email us on the link at the bottom
of this section.

Why is Training important?

The skill levels that individual companies use will depend on a number of variables.
For example a company with a large number of personnel may decide on a number of
skill levels appropriate to the type of work an individual may perform. Other companies
may decide to train all their personnel to a higher level as a matter of course.

Unfortunately legislation ref HSE is a major driver as reportable incidents ref flange
leakages, is a risk to the safety of all employees, the environment and the reputation
of the organisation.

Joint integrity has never received the focus it requires, the AJI is championing the
importance of a bolted connection to that of the welded connection and adoption of
best practice, in ensuring a leak-free ‘right first time’ approach.

Compare the skill requirements of a welder and that of a technician who has
assembled and tightened the flanged connector. Legislation recognises the skill
levels have to be compatible, and there has to be a clear audit trail of competence
within the Quality Management System.

What is a candidate's most appropriate background?

Candidates from a range of backgrounds are suitable and typical candidates range
from Mechanical Fitters, to Graduate Engineers, direct employees and contracted staff.
The best candidates suited to assembling and tightening bolted connections are
mechanically minded, such as mechanical fitters and pipe fitters, which tend to have a
basic working knowledge of the principlesand practice of piping/flanged systems,
which provide a foundation for the course.

What does this course offer to the candidate?

Successful completion of the training courses, ensures the candidate is instructed
in Industry Best Practice demonstrating an under pinning knowledge via assessment
during the course theory and practical elements. Legislators will recognise such
instruction from industry experts in their field who have contributed to several
key guidance documents.

Training is always a two way event and dialogue during the course with other
candidates is always very valuable in understanding key issues ref Leaking
Flanged Connections and sharing experiences.

What does this course offer the employer?

It is sometimes believed that Training employees is an expensive overhead, however in
light of Health and Safety issues and legislation requirements, The AJI would suggest
that not offering training may be more expensive.

Accredited /Awareness training provides candidates with an understanding of the
dynamicsof bolts, gaskets and flanged joints, resultant pipe integrity problems are
minimised and rework costs reduced. It ensures candidates adhere to legislation
relative to providing the level of training expected in the safe use of high pressure
hydraulic equipment.

Continual development of employee skills adds value to your company and also
helps to make sure that the health and safety issues of the tasks expected of the
employee are addressed well in advance.

Where can Training be delivered?

The Academy of Joint Integrity has Training Facilities in Aberdeen, Humberside,
Teesside and Yorkshire as well as several overseas locations.

The Academy of Joint Integrity can design courses to suit the client and the candidate,
and these courses can be delivered at clients premises often at a signficant saving
ontravel and accommodation.

A workshop environment would be required for the practical element, supported by
a classroom for the theory element. The Academy of Joint Integrity provides all
equipment specific to Training Courses from rigs/equipment and training aids.

What is the duration of the training course?

Courses consist of one-day or two-day duration depending on clients requirements.
It must be determined whether candidates require training in Torque, Tension or
other elements, or an extensive course covering all disciplines.

However, custom designed courses have been developed to suit the client, from
2-hour sessions to 3 day classes. Assessment/mentoring visits to clients' facilities are
also available, either onshore or offshore.

What are the current National Standards?

Currently there is no formal recommended standard for Competence however
several training schemes are available to train and assess candidates underpinning
knowledge in Industry Best Practice.

Examples of current schemes available below:

	PF010 Jointing Pipework using Flanged Joints
	PF015 Assembling and Tightening Bolted Connections
	PF018 Assembling and Tightening of Bolted Connections using Bolting Tensioning Equipment
	PF019 Assembling and Tightening of Bolted Connections using Hydraulic Torque Tightening Equipment
	City & Guild Certification
	European Standard EN1591/4 Certification.
	ASME ÐPCC-1-2010 Certification
	API Certification