Preparation and use of mortar

CITB has developed this standard in discussion with industry

Duration

Minimum 1 day of 6 learning hours

Purpose / scope

The purpose of this standard is to provide the candidate with the knowledge and skills to mix and apply mortar for use on different types of roof, typically for: flashings, chimney repointing, roof wall repairs, copings, ridge tiles, and hip tiles.

The scope of this standard covers:

• uses for mortar
• types of mortar
• mortar versus mechanical fixing
• tools and equipment
• mortar repairs
• repair regulations, guidance, and building regulations
• install ridge and/or hip tiles
• install flashing
• repoint a chimney stack
• work safely
• maintain a clean and tidy workplace
• if the weather deteriorates
• clean up and dispose of waste materials

Occupational relevance

Training delivered against this standard is relevant to the following occupational group(s):

• operative and craft.

Candidate prerequisites

There are no candidate pre-requisites as part of this standard. However, a basic knowledge of liquid applied membrane roofing terminology and techniques would be beneficial.

Instruction / supervision

As a minimum, course instructors must be able to demonstrate that, in relation to this standard, they have:

• A train the trainer or instructional techniques course certificate
• Successfully completed training to this standard 
• At least 2 years relevant industrial experience
• A verifiable CV.

Delivery

The following method(s) may be used in the delivery of this standard:

• classroom
• e-learning
• a blend of classroom and e-learning

All materials and equipment must be of a suitable quality and quantity for candidates to achieve learning outcomes, and must comply with relevant legislation.

The class size and candidate/instructor ratio must allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable candidates to achieve the learning outcomes.

This standard is considered to contain 51 per cent or more theoretical learning.

Assessment

For the successful completion of training, candidates must complete an end of course practical assessment or knowledge test that measures the learning outcomes and has a pass or fail criteria.

Quality assurance

Quality assurance against this standard will require initial approval of the training organisation and their content mapped to the standard. 

CITB will also conduct an approval intervention, either desk-based or centre visit, to ensure the training organisation can meet the requirements of the Training Standard. 

Approved training organisations (ATOs) will be required to present information on records of training and assessment upon request to CITB for desk-based analysis. They will also be visited annually by the CITB quality assurance team.

Renewal/refresher

There are no mandatory renewal or recommended refreshment requirements for this standard.

Approval date

November 2018

Review cycle

Either on request or in 3 years from approval date.

Learning outcomes

Additional information about this standard

Training at height

• BS 8454:2006 Code of practice for delivery of training & education for work at height and rescue

Advisory Committee for Roof Safety

• The Committee provides further information about roof safety

Work at Height Safety Association

• View WAHSA technical guidance notes. These are a free resource, provided and maintained by WAHSA and its member companies for reference. They assist specifiers, managers, and end users of fall protection equipment. 

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Working at height guides

• Working at height
• Useful web links on working at height
• Health and safety in roof work
• Working on roofs
• Fragile roofs, safe working practices

HSE guides

• Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• Health and safety in construction
• PPE Regulations
• PPE
• PUWER
• COSHH
• RIDDOR
• LOLER
• CDM
• Manual handling
• Noise
• Hand-arm vibration
• Electrical

Legislation

See relevant legislation

• Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HSWA) 1974
• The Work at Height Regulations (WHR) 2005
• Work at Height (Amended) 2007
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Regulations 2002
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) (1998 UK 1999 NI)
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH )2002
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR ) 1995
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015
• Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 as amended 2002
• Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
• Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

Building regulations

• Building and Buildings, England and Wales: The Building Regulations 2010.
• The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004
• Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland

British standards

View all available British Standards at the BSI website.

• BS 6100-6: 2008 Building and civil engineering – Vocabulary – Part 6 Construction parts (roofs)
• BS 5534: 2014+A2: 2018. Slating & tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding. Code of practice.
• BS 743:1970. Specification for materials for damp-proof courses.
• BS 8000-6: 2013. Workmanship on building sites. Code of practice for slating & tiling of roofs and claddings. Replaced By BS 8000-0:2014. Workmanship on construction sites. Intro and principles
• BS 8612: 2018. Dry fixed ridge, hip, and verge systems for slating and tiling. Specification.
• BS EN 1024: 2012. Clay roofing tiles for discontinuous laying. Geometric characteristics.
• BS EN 12326-1: 2014. Slate & stone for discontinuous roofing & external cladding. Specs for slate
• BS EN 1304: 2013. Clay roofing tiles and fittings. Product definitions and specifications.
• BS EN 13748-2: 2004. Terrazzo tiles. Terrazzo tiles for external use
• BS EN 490: 2011+A1: 2017. Concrete roof tiles & fittings for roof & wall cladding. Product specs.
• BS EN 492: 2012+A2:2018. Fibre-cement slates and fittings. Product spec and test methods.
• BS 5250: 2011+A1: 2016. Code of practice for control of condensation in buildings.
• BS 8437: 2005 Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal protection systems

National Building Specification (NBS)

• A multi-volume subscription library of clauses covering most elements of building construction.

Building information modelling (BIM)

• BIM is software which creates a three-dimensional model of a building. Examples  can be viewed in the National Building Specification National BIM Library