Automotive glazing technician

Methods of automotive glazing construction: laminated and toughened glass, polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) interlayers, solar control glass. How they behave on impact and how the different types of glass can be processed for repair after manufacture.

Terminology used in automotive glazing systems: glass identification markings, direct glazing, heated screens (front and rear), integral antennas, hydrophobic coating, properties, repair procedure and precautions.

Problems that can occur in the replacement of fixed and opening automotive glass, and how these can be overcome.

Vehicle Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Diagnostic and calibration techniques.

Airbags: identifying their presence and what precautions need to be taken when working near them.

Vehicle power and transmission systems: hybrid, electric and internal combustion vehicle technology.

Codes of practice relating to the replacement of automotive glazing systems.

Methods to access and interpret technical data sheets.

identification of the damaged zone and how this affects the feasibility of repair and the types of action that can be taken to rectify windscreen damage.

Methods by which glass can be fitted to a vehicle.

Methods used to check suitability of materials including replacement glass against vehicle and job specification.

Specific technology used in glazing on vehicle doors: types of membranes used on the inside of doors, glazing regulator and retaining mechanisms, and identification and reset procedures for door glazing systems.

Post repair requirements. The minimum amount of time required after direct glazing installation before different vehicles can be driven in relation to their safe drive away times (SDAT).

Methods to connect to the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port in vehicles to access the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus system. Diagnostic and calibration processes and the range of equipment used to diagnose and calibrate vehicles in static and dynamic situations.

The types and use of automotive glazing tools and equipment. What they are used for and when it is appropriate to use them.

Automotive glazing materials: windscreen resins and urethanes. Their application and characteristics.

The automotive glazing industry. Types of organisations. Types of products. Supply chains. Customer requirements. Impacts on product demand.

Business operation considerations: efficiency, customer satisfaction, competitiveness, minimising risks to operation, and ethical issues.

Information technology and digital: digital interfaces, email, Management Information Systems (MIS), virtual communication, learning platforms, work collaboration platforms. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Cyber security.

Awareness of health and safety regulations, relevant to the occupation and the technician's responsibilities: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Display Screen Equipment (DSE), due diligence, electrical safety and compliance, emergency evacuation procedures, Health and Safety at Work Act – responsibilities, isolation and emergency stop procedures, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), lone working, management systems of occupational health and safety ISO 45001, manual handling, near miss reporting, Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), risk assessments, safe systems of work, safety equipment: signage, fire extinguishers, situational awareness, slips, trips and falls, types of hazards, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), working in confined spaces.

Principles of sustainability and circular economy. Energy efficiency and reuse of materials. Recycling procedures. Principles of control and management of emissions and waste. Efficient use of resources.

Verbal communication techniques. Giving and receiving information. Matching style to audience. Barriers in communication and how to overcome them.

Written communication techniques. Plain English principles. Report writing.

Non-verbal communication techniques: gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, eye contact, body language.

Documentation: methods and requirements - electronic and paper.

Equality Act. Equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Unconscious bias.

Quality management standards. Quality assurance principles and practice. Record keeping.

Team working principles.

The substrate that the glazing product is to be bonded to. How to identify different types of bonding materials and their compatibility.

Requirements for mechanical, electrical and trim systems when replacing glass.

Evolving technologies: Head up display and augmented reality cameras. Their use in vehicle glazing.

Automotive glazing repair techniques.

Assess the requirements of the replacement task from the job specification or technician’s diagnosis, and existing glazing.

Prepare the vehicle and working area: check for airbags, remove or mitigate hazards, for example slip and trip hazards, ensure the vehicle is isolated and safe to work on and any lifting equipment is secured and safe to use.

Prepare tools, equipment and materials for replacement activities, including replacement glass.

Remove and store existing glass and other components including the safe disposal of waste materials such as glass, chemicals, sharps and general waste.

Prepare the aperture to receive replacement glazing products: primer, cleaner, bonding products.

Replace automotive fixed glass.

Repair vehicle glazing.

Complete a final quality inspection.

Complete vehicle handover activities including the use of the vehicle during the curing period and the visibility of replacement components.

Interpret data and diagnose faults in the vehicle Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and windscreens using diagnostic equipment connected through the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port to access vehicle Controller Area Network (CANBUS).

Remove and replace components on vehicles to access glazing, such as on vehicles with different power and transmission systems. For example, hybrid, electric and combustion engines.

Identify and order automotive glazing products and materials.

Set up, calibrate and test Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Prioritise own work to meet the needs of the business and the customer.

Communicate with others verbally, for example colleagues and stakeholders.

Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.

Restore the work area on completion of the activity.

Identify and document hazards and risks in the workplace.

Follow equity, diversity and inclusion policies.

Apply environmental and sustainability procedures in compliance with regulations and standards for example, segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.

Record or enter information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.

Apply health and safety procedures and safe systems of work in compliance with regulations and standards.

Apply team working principles.

Replace automotive opening glass.

Take personal responsibility for and promote health and safety.

Act professionally.

Respond and adapt to work demands and situations.

Collaborate and promote teamwork across disciplines.

Take account of diversity and inclusion requirements.

Committed to continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice.

Take personal responsibility for their own sustainable working practices.