Install and test plumbing and heating systems

This standard is for those who install and test plumbing and heating systems.
The person performing this work must be able to comply with the correct procedures and practices for installing and testing plumbing and heating systems. This work must be in accordance with the current versions of the appropriate industry standards and regulations; the specification; industry recognised working practices; the working environment and the natural environment. They must know and understand:

• direct and indirect cold water systems
• direct, indirect and instantaneous hot water systems
• hydronic heating systems (low temperature and high temperature)
• unvented hot water systems
• above ground sanitary pipework systems
• below ground drainage
• rainwater systems
• site services and system supplies
• methods and techniques for connecting systems, appliances, components and accessories

1.    verify that the job information and documentation are current and relevant and that the plant, instruments, access equipment and tools are fit for purpose
2.    confirm before work starts that the work location and work area can be accessed safely and has been checked for the risk to other personnel on the site, and take appropriate action if a risk is present
3.    select systems, appliances, components and accessories and confirm that they are:
·         of the right type and size
·         fit for purpose in accordance with the plumbing and heating system design
·         suitable for the working environment in which they are to be installed
4.    confirm that the site services and system supply are compatible with the plumbing and heating system design
5.    produce a risk assessment and method statement for the work to be carried out, including the identification and use of personal protective equipment, in accordance with the working environment
6.    determine at the outset, that the plans for positioning and fixing the systems, appliances, components and accessories are in accordance with:
·         the plumbing and heating system design
·         the working environment
·         manufacturer instructions
7.    comply with industry practices and organisational procedures to ensure the co-ordination of site services and system supply and the activities of other trades
8.    measure and mark out the locations for fitting and fixing the selected systems, appliances, components and accessories in accordance with:
·         the plumbing and heating system design
·         manufacturer instructions
·         the building fabrics
9.    fit, fix and connect the selected systems, appliances, components and accessories in accordance with:
·         the plumbing and heating system design
·         the working environment
·         manufacturer instructions
·         the building fabrics
10.  confirm the integrity of the installed system using appropriate testing procedures
11.  confirm with the relevant others:
·         those variations to the planned programme of work
·         the actions to be taken to ensure that any variations to the  
·         planned programme of work will minimise the potential for hazard risk
12.  implement organisational procedures for the safe transport and/or disposal of waste material, substances and liquids in accordance with supplier and manufacturer instructions
complete relevant documentation in accordance with organisational procedures
13. complete relevant documentation in accordance with organisational procedures

1.    the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
2.    the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
3.    the applications, advantages and limitations of different plumbing and heating systems
4.    the applications, advantages and limitations of systems, appliances, components and accessories in relation to the working environment
5.    the appropriate industry standards and regulations relevant to installing and testing plumbing and heating systems
6.    how to verify that job information and documentation is current and relevant and that the plant, instruments, access equipment and tools are fit for purpose
7.    methods and procedures to produce a risk assessment and method statement for the work to be carried out, including the identification and use of personal protective equipment, in accordance with:
·         the plumbing and heating system design
·         the conditions of the working environment
·         organisational procedures
8.    the methods for determining the type of size of systems, appliances, components and accessories in accordance with industry recognised organisational procedures
9.    how to interpret diagrams and drawings for the plumbing and heating system to locate site services and system supply
10.  how to interpret diagrams and drawings for the plumbing and heating system to identify the planned location of the systems, appliances, components and accessories
11.  the organisational procedures for confirming, before work starts, that the work location and work area can be accessed safely and has been checked for the risk to other personnel on the site, and for taking appropriate action if a risk is present
12.  the methods and techniques for fitting, fixing and connecting the selected systems, appliances, components and accessories in accordance with:
·         the plumbing and heating system design
·         the working environment
·         manufacturer instructions
·         the building fabrics
13.  the appropriate testing procedures for confirming the system integrity
14.  the organisational procedures for confirming with the relevant others the appropriate actions to be taken to ensure that any variations to the planned programme of work will not introduce a hazard and have minimum negative impact on the installation work to be undertaken
15.  the methods for the safe transport and/or disposal of waste materials, substances and liquids in accordance with supplier and manufacturer instructions
16. how to complete relevant documentation in accordance with organisational procedures

Working environments (internal and/or external)
·         domestic
·         commercial
·         industrial
 
Plumbing and heating systems

• direct and indirect cold water systems
• direct, indirect and instantaneous hot water systems
• hydronic heating systems (low temperature and high temperature)
• unvented hot water systems
• above ground sanitary pipework systems
• below ground drainage
• rainwater systems

Site

• new build construction – building or structure
• existing building or structure

Site services and system supply

• electricity
• water
• gas
• oil
• solid fuel
• solar thermal
• heat pumps
• water harvesting
• drainage

Organisational procedures

• information management
• project management
• risk assessment and management
• implementing and monitoring health and safety requirements and issues
• implementing and monitoring issues relating to the natural environment
• customer service
• accident reporting
• emergencies
• communication with clients, customers and stakeholders

Plant

• generators
• transformers for low voltage hand-tools
• lifting equipment
• access equipment

Systems, appliances, components and accessories
·         accelerators
·         backflow prevention devices
·         boilers
·         cisterns
·         control devices
·         heat exchangers
·         pipework
·         pumps
·         sanitary appliances
·         storage vessels
·         valves
 
Relevant others
·         customers/clients
·         client representatives
·         supervisors
·         site/contract manager
·         other contractors/trades
·         members of the public
·         work colleagues
 
Appropriate testing procedures
·         pressure tests for pipework systems
·         static pressure tests
·         air tests
·         system hygiene and charging
·         performance tests