Novus Training Academy a division of Novus Sealing Ltd have contributed to the latest
Energy Institute Guidelines specific to Training and Competency Issues, and are
represented on various International Committees within the Sealing Industry.

Novus Sealing continues to invest in Quality and Environmental systems such as ISO
9001,ISO 14001 and ISO18001, our products are traditional in function but our outlook
isprogressive and evolving.

All Training Courses are aligned to Industry Best Practice as recognised in the latest
Energy Institute Guidelines, and provide a blend of sealing technology and practical
elements associated with flange assembly.

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
maydecide 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, Novus 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.

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.

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.

It is sometimes believed that Training employees is an expensive overhead, however in
light of Health and Safety issues and legislation requirements, Novus 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 employees’ 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.

Novus have Training Facilities in Aberdeen, Teeside, West Yorkshire, Midlands and
Great Yarmouth, as well as several overseas locations.

Novus can design courses to suit the client and the candidate, and these courses
can be delivered at clients premises often a saving ref accommodation and travel

A workshop environment would be required for the practical element, supported
by a classroom for the theory element. Novus provide all equipment specific
to Training Courses from rigs/equipment and training aids.

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.

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:

Novus Training Courses are aligned to all standards and certification is pending.

After completing the training, candidates are awarded an Attendance Certificate.
They can then maintain a log book of workplace activity relating to the course and,
following a further competence assessment, may be awarded the Certificate of
Validated Achievement.

Assessments are planned to cause the minimum of disruption to the normal working
activities of the candidate. However, the assessment of candidates needs to be
undertaken in a workplace situation, which can be on any site or platform. Normally it is
carried out between one and three months after training, or at a specific time subject to
logistics and manpower availability.

Novus has developed various packages and can offer a quotation based on a site survey,
to develop a 15 minute DVD to be used as an induction to all operators involved in joint
integrity issues. This supports individual training and ensures on-site contractors are
captured within the skill gap. Please see Software on Novus website.

Please note certificates are not a Competence Certificate; competence is delivered via
an assessment period which may involve mentoring via a qualified trainer /assessor
at the place of work, over an agreed period of time, depending on frequency in using
such equipment.

The certificate issued following the training will be a Certificate of Attendance.

As with any training it is essential that the skills are used and practiced, and an
assessment period is put into place by the employer. Mentoring/assessment are
recommended after six months if the skills are being used infrequently as like most
tasks refreshers are most valuable.

On the NT010 course up to 10 candidates per training instructor can be accommodated.

However the Training Team would like to discuss client’s requirements to identify the
most cost effective route to meet the logistical needs of the candidates.

Novus has many training rigs, both fixed and purpose-built, and dedicated equipment
which is portable for transportation. Also extensive Research and Development
equipment to support the needs of the clients.

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

Joint integrity has never received the focus it requires, Novus 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.

Unfortunately legislation has a major role to play, with Health and Safety issues arising
daily with regard to leaking flanges/fugitive emissions/reportable incidents, and the
request for training is generally driven by legislation.