THIRD PARTY ACCREDITATION SCHEME The British Geomembrane Association have introduced a Third Party Accreditation Scheme for installers of FML's. The scheme is run in conjunction with The Welding Industry (TWI) and incorporates a European approved welding standard run by CSWIP. The scheme is referred to as the BGA/TWI/CSWIP Scheme. The aim is to raise the standard of installation of geomembranes. The Environment Agency have fully supported the implementation of the scheme to the extent that all personnel involved with welding on Landfill Sites must be accredited as detailed below. From April 2003 A minimum of one crew member on each site, who will be the Supervisor, to be accredited to Level 1 of the BGA/TWI/CSWIP welding standard, and all personnel involved in welding activities to be accredited to at least Level 2 of the BGA/TWI/CSWIP welding standard. From April 2004 A minimum of the Supervisor and the Lead Technician to be accredited to Level 1 of the BGA/TWI/CSWIP welding standard, and all members of the site installation crew carrying out welding activities to be accredited to Level 2 of the BGA/TWI/CSWIP welding standard. At any time there may be present on site additional crew members who may not be accredited as above and who will carry out duties other than welding activities. There may also be present on site crew members who will be designated as Trainee Technicians. A limit of one Trainee Technician per crew will apply from April 2004. Trainee Technicians may be allowed to carry out welding activities but only under the direct supervision of the Site Supervisor or Lead Technician accredited to Level 1 of the BGA/TWI/CSWIP welding standard and have been registered by their employer for examination for purposes of accreditation to Level 2 of the BGA/TWI/CSWIP within three months of their employment date. Personnel who have failed to achieve Level 2 accreditation within three months of their employment date shall not be permitted to undertake any further welding activities on site until they have achieved Level 2 accreditation. Holders of Level 1 of the BGA/TWI/CSWIP Scheme are not only fully proficient in welding but have considerable practical experience combined with a technical knowledge of materials and welding techniques. Holders of Level 2 of the Scheme are proficient in welding and are expected to hold Level 1 as soon as they meet the demanding standards set. All British Geomembrane Association members hold a Certificate of Compliance for all employees who have met the requirements of either Level 1 or Level 2. The Certificate lists the two areas in which the holder has been found proficient: 7.4 Wedge Welding 7.5 Extrusion Welding The Certificate is held by the employer and normally a copy of the BGA/TWI/CSWIP Certificate will be forwarded with other pre-contract documents to identity all site welding personnel. All holders of the BGA/TWI/CSWIP carry a card bearing a photograph and all personnel on site can be easily identified by checking their card.