The Northern Ireland gas networks rightly consider safety to be the highest priority. The Safe Control of Operations (Northern Ireland) (SCO(NI)) scheme has been developed to ensure that all activities and work carried out on the gas network are only undertaken by competent people operating to defined industry standards and that all requirements are strictly adhered to.

All gas industry personnel involved in distribution operational and/or minor works on the Gas Networks and certain types of Pressure Control or Meter Installations including, but not strictly limited to those who are, or will become: named Competent Persons or Authorising Engineers for either Permits to Work, Standard Operations and, where appropriate, Routine and Non Routine Operations are expected to hold SCO registration. This confirms the relevant approved course has been attended and passed and an individual's vocational competence has been assessed and verified by the relevant Network Controller.

This is not an Energy & Utility skills scheme. It has been developed by Phoenix Natural Gas and T4S Training Services in conjunction with the other Northern Ireland gas network owners and representatives of the major contracting organisations in Northern Ireland.

How do I get an EUSR SCO(NI) card?

Registration is based upon the successful completion of a trainer delivered training course. Upon successful completion a trainee will receive a cover note issued by the trainer indicating which categories of training have been completed and trainees will be registered on the EUSR.

Training and assessment is carried out by a network of EUSR approved trainers. All trainers will deliver the same course content and assessment however these will vary depending on which modules are required.