NG Competent Person Overhead Lines CPA LAC ONLY Non-Application of Drain Earths

Course Duration:

One Day

Format:

In-Person

Location:

Eakring, Nottinghamshire, Blackley, Manchester, Graveley, Hertfordshire, Melksham, Wiltshire, Littlebrook, Kent, Langley Park, Durham

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Course Overview

*Please note, we are a 3rd party booker for this course which is delivered by National Grid Electricity Transmission*

The Competent Person Overhead Lines (OHL) — CPA LAC ONLY (NonApplication of Drain Earths) course is designed to train individuals who will work near high voltage overhead line networks in civil works or other contexts where drain earths will not be applied. This authorisation level restricts work to “limited access certificate (LAC) only,” meaning delegates are trained for safe work around overhead lines without engaging in earthing tasks.

The course ensures delegates understand their responsibilities under National Grid Safety Rules and NSI 4 — “Work on or Near High Voltage Overhead Lines.” It covers hazard awareness, safe working procedures, documentation requirements, and safe methods for civil works or thirdparty operations near OHL infrastructure, while avoiding tasks (like drainearth application) that require higher authorisation levels.

On successful completion, delegates are authorised as Competent Persons (OHL — LAC only) and registered with the appropriate body for safe work on or near overhead lines under the restricted scope.

The National Grid Authorisation Training can only be booked either directly with NG or through the live NG Booking Portal via an approved provider, such as ourselves.

To Book this training please contact us on 01926 674340 or email Training@Pragmatic-consulting.co.uk

This course is typically delivered for groups of four or more delegates.
If you have fewer than four learners, please contact us — in many cases we can coordinate availability with other contractors to arrange a suitable training date.

Course Duration:

One Day

Format:

In-Person

Location:

Eakring, Nottinghamshire, Blackley, Manchester, Graveley, Hertfordshire, Melksham, Wiltshire, Littlebrook, Kent, Langley Park, Durham

Certification Awarded

National Grid Competent Person OHL

Valid for

Awarding Body

Who should Attend This Course

This course is for:

Contractors or site personnel requiring LAC access under National Grid Safety Rules
Individuals involved in non-electrical works near overhead lines (e.g., civils, inspections, painting)
Existing Persons seeking CP authorisation for LAC-only responsibilities

Prerequisites

An NG Person OHL certificate
And have evidence of 9 days on a National Grid Working Party Register with Safety Document Numbers
Or have an existing NG Competent Person OHL

What To Have With You To Attend The Course

To book a place, you will need to provide the following details:

Delegate’s full name
Delegate’s date of birth
Delegate’s mobile number
Delegate’s EUSR number (if applicable)
Confirmation of Health & Safety Authorisation
Payment or Purchase Order (PO)

Assessment

Assessment is a multiple-choice written assessment taken at the end of the course.

Course Content

Training combines safety rules understanding, operational procedures, and compliance awareness relevant to civil works near overhead lines. Topics covered include:

Overview of Overhead Line Hazards

Understanding the risks associated with highvoltage overhead lines — including flashover and proximity dangers.
Recognising unsafe conditions related to live overhead conductors, proximity of plant or materials, or environmental hazards.

National Grid Safety Rules & NSI 4 Requirements

Understanding the scope and limitations of the CPA LAC ONLY authorisation under NSI 4.
Roles and responsibilities of a Competent Person under restricted access conditions.

Safe Work Planning for Civil / ThirdParty Works

Prework risk assessments and isolation checks when working near overhead lines.
Establishing safe working zones, exclusion zones, and maintaining statutory clearances as required by law.

Working Methods Without Earthing / Drain Earths

Techniques and precautions to carry out civil works or ground-level tasks near overhead lines without applying drain earths.
Limitations of CPA LAC ONLY — what tasks are permitted and what tasks are prohibited.

Use of Safety Documentation & Compliance Records

Understanding and interpreting safety documents, work permits, and related paperwork required by National Grid for site work.
Documentation of risk assessments, method statements, and safety briefings.

Emergency Procedures and Incident Response Awareness

Recognising potential incidents (e.g. unexpected contact, overhead line proximity breach) and responding appropriately.
Communication protocols and reporting dangers or nearmisses.

Additional Information

Useful documentation includes:

National Grid Safety Rules
NSI 2 – Work on or near High Voltage Overhead Lines
NSI 4 – Work on Low Voltage Systems
NSI 6 – Access to Towers and Substations
NSI 8 – Earthing Responsibilities
NSI 30 – Additional safety guidance

Authorisation Scope: This course provides Limited Access Certificate (LAC) only. It does not authorise the application or removal of drain earths, or any work on conductors or earthing systems. For tasks requiring drain earths, the higherlevel authorisation course must be taken (e.g. CPC or CPB)

On-Going Compliance: Delegates must remain aware of current National Grid Safety Rules and any updates to NSI documentation; compliance relies on both training and conscientious application of safe systems of work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this course allow me to apply drain earths or work on conductors?

No. This course qualifies you for LAC-only access, not electrical work. For CP drain earth application, a different course is required.

Is this suitable for sub-contractors doing site prep or civil engineering?

Yes — it is ideal for those needing safe access without live line interaction.

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