Below are some practice Dry Lining NVQ Level 2 questions and answers.
Installing Complex Dry Lining Systems in the Workplace
1.3 State the organisational procedures developed to report and rectify inappropriate information and unsuitable resources and how they are implemented.
When receiving a delivery, the materials must be checked to ensure that they are correct against the delivery note and also that they are correct against what is required to complete the work. They must also be checked to be in good condition. If any discrepancies are found, these must be noted on the delivery note and the line manager/supervisor informed.
If task-specific information is found to be incorrect then the supervisor/ line manager must be notified immediately before any work commences, enabling them to establish/rectify the information.
1.4 Describe different types of information, their source and how they are interpreted in relation to drawings, specifications, schedules, manufacturers’ information and regulations governing buildings.
- Drawings – Produced by architects, these give detailed technical information for the work, and an impression of how things should look.
- Specifications – Again, these are produced by the architects and their team and should be read in conjunction with the project drawing. They will provide the client and build a team with clear instructions concerning the materials & resources as well as methods of work and standards required to complete the task.
- Schedules – These are produced by the build team and client to determine timescale requirements for each task during the build process.
- Manufacturers information – This can be found in several places, for example on their website, catalogue, packaging or accompanying literature. The information will tell you how the material/resource should be used, health and safety considerations, storage procedure and use by dates. The manufacturer will also have details of local trade stockists.
- Building regulations – These are statutory requirements set out by the government in law to achieve a minimum standard of build corresponding to quality and safety. Areas covered under these regulations include structure, sound insulation and fire safety and are referred to and checked by the building inspector during work.
2.1 Describe their responsibilities under current legislation and official guidance whilst working: in the workplace, at height, with tools and equipment, with materials and substances, with movement/storage of materials and by manual handling and mechanical lifting.
- In the workplace – Staff must follow method statements and risk assessments given by employers. HASWA dictates employees have a responsibility to take care of their own health and safety (and also that of others(; and full cooperation must be given to an employer’s health and safety procedures.
- Work at height – Methods of work and risk assessments should be followed at all times as per the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Work at height must only be completed using a safe system of work, ensuring staff are protected from falls and others are protected from falling tools/materials.
- Tools and equipment – Always use the tools and equipment as per the manufacturer’s instructions and with specific regard to risk assessments.
- Materials & Substances – Again, these should be used as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Task-specific PPE should be worn where necessary and COSHH guidelines followed at all times.
- Manual Handling – This should be avoided if possible and lifting aids used instead. If lifting aids are not able to be used, then safe lifting techniques should be applied and consideration given to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
2.2 Describe the organisational security procedures for tools, equipment and personal belongings in relation to site, workplace, company and operative.
- Site: It is best practice to remove all tools from a site at the end of each day and take them home. They may also be left in a secure container on site with all equipment checked for damage and cleaned before storage. Personal belongings must be stored in a safe place where they will not cause a hazard or obstruction and are left at the owner’s own risk.
- Workplace: Tools and equipment should be stored in the relevant container/store room. Access is for approved personnel and equipment logged in and out to ensure accountability. Personnel belongings should be stowed in approved storage areas such as lockers but are left at the owner’s risk.
- Operative: It is the responsibility of the operative to look after their tools at all times. Any tools or equipment not being used should be returned to the secure place on-site or the operative’s vehicle.
2.3 State what the accident reporting procedures are and who is responsible for making reports.
Should a serious accident occur then the emergency services should be called immediately and the victim accompanied until help arrives.
The next step is to inform the supervisor/line manager and to fill out the accident report book, specific details should be noted regarding the location of the accident, who was involved, any parties witness to the accident, and the date, time and description of what occurred.
All accident reports should be filled out by the person who witnessed the accident.
If the accident is not serious, then the victim should inform their supervisor/line manager and fill out the accident report.
3.2 Explain why, when and how personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used, relating to installing complex dry lining systems, and the types, purpose and limitations of each type.
When handling or cutting metal, relevant gloves should be worn to protect against damage to hands from rough or jagged edges or metal splinters. Gloves will not protect against hands being crushed when handling large amounts of metal if they are not fit for purpose (i.e. if too thin, they will not protect).
When using a chop saw or hammer drill, ear defenders should be worn to prevent ear damage.
Dust masks should be worn when mixing board adhesive to reduce the risk of lung-related disease from breathing in dust.
3.3 State how emergencies should be responded to in line with organisational authorisation and personal skills when involved with fires, spillages, injuries and other task-related hazards.
If a fire breaks out: Assemble at the fire point. Call the fire brigade. Only attempt to put it out if it is possible to do so and you have had the necessary training.
If there is a spillage: Isolate the area and do not allow anyone to enter. Report to supervisor. Cover with absorbent material where necessary. Ventilate the area. Remove and discard appropriately according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If toxic, then leave it to specially trained persons to clean up.
When responding to an injury: Call an ambulance if the injury is serious enough. Provide first aid and take a person to a hospital if necessary. Report incidents and complete accident reports.
Spotting hazards: Report hazards to the supervisor/ Site Manager. Correct hazards if competent, to prevent others from being affected by the hazard.
4.1 Describe the characteristics, quality, uses, limitations and defects associated with the resources in relation to – panels, plasterboard, metal sections, timber battens, associated materials, fixings, fittings, hand and/or powered tools and equipment.
- Panels – These can be made up from several different materials including MDF or plyboard. They can be used to provide a finished surface or solid area for fixing. Careful handling and storage will ensure the risk of damage is reduced.
- Plasterboards – Plasterboards are sheets of gypsum plaster surrounded by a paper layer. They are used to provide a background for plaster application in internal areas. Versatile in use, they come in a range of different lengths, widths and thicknesses and are also available to protect against fire and sound. They should be handled with care and are easily damaged if not moved and stored correctly.
- Metal – Metal sections are available in a variety of different profiles and course lengths. The job at hand will determine which profile is required. For example, to construct a stud wall or partition staff may want to use C channel and I stud; whereas staff may wish to use the resilient bar on ceilings to help prevent creaking joists. Metal sections are lightweight making them easy to handle and can be cut using tin snips or a chop saw/cutting disc. Fixing metal is done with approved screws and sections can also be crimped in place.
- Timber Battens – These are generally used to supply an area to fix onto the inside of metal sections, e.g. to line a door casing. The timber for this use is not normally required to be the same standard as that which is used for stud walls.
- Fixings/fittings – These may include collated drywall screws, wafer head screws, nail gun nails and knock-ins. All are used to secure/fix materials together.
- Power tools and equipment – These may include cordless screw guns, nail guns, laser levels, crimps etc. They should be used for their intended purpose only with all power tools being battery operated or 110v only to guard against the risk of electric shock. Battery-operated tools are limited by the life of the battery and may need to be recharged during the day. Screw guns and laser levels can become damaged if dropped. Lasers may become uncalibrated if dropped or not stored correctly.
4.3 State how the resources should be used correctly, how problems associated with the resources are reported and how the organisational procedures are used.
Resources such as plasterboards or metal sections should be checked for physical damage on delivery and quantities checked against the delivery note with any discrepancies noted at this time. This should then be passed to the supervisor or line manager. These resources should then be stored safely and correctly to avoid any damage using appropriate manual handling techniques and lifting aids where available. When using the resources, they should be applied using the specified tools and fixings for the job eg timber thread drywall screws when fixing plasterboard to timber. This can be checked against risk assessments and method statements to ensure it is done correctly and safely.
4.4 Outline potential hazards associated with the resources and method of work.
- Dust inhalation when mixing drywall adhesive without a dust mask or in an unventilated area. Splinter/cuts from handling and cutting metal without gloves.
- Eye injury when cutting metal without the correct PPE i.e., goggles.
- Back or muscle injury from poor manual handling when moving/fixing resources.
- Using damaged resources resulting from poor storage may make them unsafe ie damaged weakened metal.
4.5 Describe how to calculate quantity, length, area and wastage associated with the method/procedure to install complex dry lining systems.
When installing a plasterboard to a ceiling, use the architect’s drawing to measure the required quantity of plasterboard. Use the dimensions of the specified board to work out the total needed and allow extra for any wastage. When installing, screw the boards up into the ceiling joists, staggering the boards and ensuring each board is tightly butted up against its neighbour. The boards should be fixed half-way onto a joist at the end to ensure a firm fixing without any flapping, This will, from time to time, mean a portion of the board will need to be measured and cut off which may result in some wastage.
5.3 Describe how to protect work from damage and the purpose of protection in relation to general workplace activities, other occupations and adverse weather conditions.
Work may be protected from damage by using signs at the entrance to the work area warning anyone entering of the work taking place. It is important to ensure that completed work is protected to preserve the quality of the finished work.
Other trades should only be allowed to access the work upon completion of your work. This allows them to commence their work without any delay due to any repairs, which will also help to keep additional costs to a minimum.
Always fully load out a plot with plasterboards to guard against any damage from adverse weather conditions.
5.5 State why the disposal of waste should be carried out safely in accordance with environmental responsibilities, organisational procedures, manufacturers- information, statutory regulations and official guidance.
Where possible, waste plasterboard and metal should be disposed of as work continues to prevent any slip or trip hazards. It is a staff requirement under HASWA to contribute to the safe upkeep of the workplace – by maintaining a tidy and waste-free work area staff are complying with this requirement. Specific skips are usually available for plasterboard and metal so they can be easily recycled.
6.2 State the purpose of the work programme and explain why deadlines should be kept in relation to: – types of progress charts, timetables and estimated times- organisational procedures for reporting circumstances which will affect the work programme.
The work programme will show specified times at which sections of work are to be commenced and completed. It is important to keep to these deadlines to enable resources and labour to be ordered and available in time for the work to commence. If these deadlines are missed, it may mean that work cannot be carried out and that the project is delayed.
There may be a financial penalty if work is not completed on time. Any delays should be reported as soon as possible and can be discussed at site meetings, progress reviews, and on an as-and-when basis to enable a solution to be found where possible.
7.3 Describe how to apply safe work practices, follow procedures, report problems and establish the authority needed to rectify them, too: – install twin frames and staggered studs – install deflection heads – install service shaft partitions – form and install curved walls – install walls over three metres high – form openings and junctions – repair damaged partitions – use hand tools, power tools and equipment – work at height – use access equipment.
- Twin frames/staggered studs – The risk assessment and method statement should be read and agreed upon before commencing work. Use the necessary levelling equipment and set out markings to fit the floor and ceiling track with appropriate fixings. Studs should be cut using the appropriate tools and relevant PPE should be worn (goggles, gloves, steel-toe boots). Studs may be crimped to reduce any need for power tools.
- Defection heads – Use appropriate platforms or scaffolding and check it has been set up and installed correctly before use. Following the method statement and specification, the required type of deflection head should be constructed to meet the desired requirement e.g., fire or acoustic.
- Service shaft partitions – When forming shaft walls etc firstly ensure sufficient barriers and protection are assembled to prevent falls. Following the method statement and spec the resources used should be checked to ensure they meet the requirements for fire resistance. Any slots or perforations in head channels should be sealed using appropriate barriers.
- Install walls over 3m – Use adequate platforms or scaffolding ensuring it is fit for purpose and has not been damaged or altered. Barrier off any potentially dangerous areas and use signs to inform others of work overhead. Using the method statement and risk assessment work should be completed giving special consideration to areas such as loading and fixing at height.
- Repair damaged partitions – Assess the area of damage to determine if any services are located in the damaged area, and make others aware of the possibility of falling debris if removing any damaged areas overhead. Ensure replacement materials are available and that they meet the required standard according to the method statement and specification.
- Hand tools, power tools and equipment – Following the method statements and risk assessments, correct tools for the job should be used regarding the manufacturer’s guidelines before using anything unfamiliar. Tools should be checked for damage and that they are fit for purpose before use, problems should be reported to the supervisor or line manager before use and should not be used until permission is given to recommence work.
- Work at height – Using the risk assessment and method statement a safe method of work should be identified, using the required tools and PPE. Barriers or signage should warn of any danger to others and all waste removed to approved skips. Problems should be reported immediately and work not commenced until permission is attained. Any problems can be clarified with supervisors, architects or clients, depending on the situation.
7.5 State the needs of other occupations and how to communicate within a team when installing complex dry lining systems.
The programme of work is to be followed wherever possible to minimise delays for other occupations. For example, it is important to complete a first-fix stud wall installation so that the plumber or electrician can complete their first fix. When installing a drywall ceiling it may be necessary to ask a joiner to provide noggings to fix onto. If this is not communicated then the ceiling may not meet the required standard or a delay may occur whilst waiting for the work to be completed. Site meetings are a good forum to share any requirements from other trades and vice versa.
7.6 Describe how to maintain the tools and equipment used when installing complex dry lining systems.
It is important to clean and store away tools after the day’s work has been completed. Tools and equipment should also be checked for damage at the end of each day and disposed of or marked for repair where necessary. Lasers should be checked for calibration before use and drills checked to be clear of damage. 110v leads should be unravelled and free from nicks or cuts in the cable.