The Wi-1 authorisation allows the holder to work on, or adjacent to, isolated plant or equipment when working on the Scottish Power network.
For companies and their sub-contractors who work on the Scottish Power network, gaining this accreditation is essential. Having recently renewed the qualification, I thought I’d take some notes on becoming an authorised person then share the experience with my network.
Here is my take on what to expect and some useful information linked to completing the Scottish Power safety rule induction, commonly knows as WI1.
Civils Sub-Contractors Who Want to Gain the Scottish Power Wi-1
Coming from a civils background like many others, initially it can be a challenge to grasp the terminology. I believe, rightly so. Like most in the construction industries, our best assets are our hands and problem-solving skills, so, it can be quite intimating at first. But credit to Scottish Power as they do provide all the information that you required to successfully pass the test. Like most things, you’ll need to be 100% committed to succeed. And the Wi1 is no different.
When booking. You’ll be advised to download the Contractor Safety Booklets. There are 2 key booklets that they advise you read.
| DOCUMENT | ISSUE | DOCUMENT TITLE | DATE |
| HSE-12-009 | 9 | Safety Requirements Whilst Working on or Adjacent to ScottishPower Metered or Un-Metered Supplies (opens in a new window) | 2014-12-10 |
| HSE-12-011 | 5 | Safety Requirements for Work on or Adjacent to D&T Network – English Edition (opens in a new window) | 2017-01-04 |
There are 2 booklets, HSE-12-009 & HSE-12-011. I opted for the HSE-12-011 as I found that it had all the information I needed to pass and become and authorised person who could work isolated with an accompanying person.
Wi-1 – Important Information Needed to Pass the Scottish Power Safety Rule Induction
The best advice I can give you is to read, revise and know the whole booklet. I think it is appropriate however to list the below links as essential. This is information you will need when completing the Scottish Power Wi-1.
Being a civils contractor who covers Scotland, I attended the test centre at Euro Central. At this time COVID-19 restrictions were in place and the experience was completely professional, albeit provided by a skeleton crew.
The staff provided Individual desks and a headset for completing the case studies which come before the actual exam.
Wi-1 Case Studies
The case studies actually take you through everything that’ll be on your final test. They are 1 hour and 30minutes long. You can’t skip any of them, thankfully! The Wi-1 case studies provide you with all the information you will need to pass. You’ll be provided pen and paper for notes. I advise not to overdo the notetaking. Only note key points that you’ve been reading up on beforehand and the things you are not sure on at the time.
You can take as long as you like during this time, so take some time to really digest what you’re reading. My course slot was 8:30am sharp! It finished at 11:30am so a full 3hrs to complete these. No need to rush!
Wi-1 Test
You are asked to answer 50 questions, with an 80% pass mark. You can answer 4 incorrectly and still pass although I answered 4 incorrectly. Unlike some other tests, there’s no negative marks added. As a side note… Some other tests I have sat had deducted points if a wrong answer was provided, instead of no answer. The rationale was it’s better to not know an answer than to guess. I’m not sure what I think of that but I will keep it in mind for future tests.
Another benefit of the Wi-1 test, if you fail first time, your able to review questions, have a look at what you got wrong and it’s quite possible those questions may appear again. Unfortunately, they don’t give you right answer. This may aide you in passing on a resit if you are unfortunate enough not to pass first time.
Extra Support With Wi-1 Tests and Case Studies
For those with dyslexia or who have issues reading, you can get a one-to-one session. One of my most experienced guys experiences difficulty reading and he benefited from the one-to-one session. It is nothing to be ashamed of so be sure to raise that if you are affected. He’s a great worker, can turn his hard to any job, but like many can struggle with a test environment. Anxiety creeps in. So please don’t be deterred to ask for the additional support on offer.
I hope you can benefit from this post and my thoughts on the Wi-1 test.
Thanks,
Brian McDonagh
