Install commercial water services

The Standard is about installing commercial water services. This can also apply to the installation of fire mains. This can apply to service pipes with internal diameters over 50mm.

This involves interpreting material requirements, producing and securing assemblies and liaising with plumbers and property occupants. Assembly methods and techniques can include cutting, electrofusion welding, drilling and tapping or mechanical jointing on metallic or polyethylene (PE) materials or barrier pipes.

This Standard is for water network operatives who assemble pipes and fittings for commercial services.

1. work in line with relevant health, safety, environment, water quality and other relevant regulations and guidelines at all times
2. assess site conditions and interpret design documents to identify material requirements
3. check that approved materials are available, procuring them when required
4. keep property occupants informed at all relevant points of the process
5. carry out risk assessments at appropriate times
6. communicate relevant information to plumbers and other relevant people
7. store and transport pipes and fittings in line with safety and hygiene requirements
8. assemble pipes and fittings in line with health, safety and environmental regulations and guidelines
9. assemble pipes and fittings in line with design and construction specifications, work instructions, assembly drawings and any other relevant specifications
10. work in line with water hygiene requirements at all times
11. make sure specified pipes and fittings are available and in a usable condition
12. use appropriate methods and techniques to assemble pipes and fittings in their designated positions
13. secure pipes and fittings using specified connectors, securing devices and any required insulation
14. use appropriate marker tape on pipes when required in line with water company processes
15. flush service to clear any debris and check for leaks
16. check that meter chamber construction and finished assembly meets specification
17. follow water company processes for hygiene and testing when fitting commercial services
18. deal with problems within your control without delay
19. report the completion of installation to relevant people within required timescales
20. report problems you cannot solve to relevant people

1. relevant health, safety, environment and other legislation, organisational procedures and codes of practice including manual handling and use of equipment
2. water regulations and hygiene procedures related to ensuring the integrity and wholesomeness of water supplies, including the importance of personal hygiene
3. relevant information about quality standards and accuracy to be achieved from industry standards, manufacturers’ instructions and specifications, company procedures, codes of practice
4. how to interpret drawings, water company design and construction specifications and related specifications
5. how to carry out a site assessment
6. the purpose of risk assessments and when and how to carry them out
7. required materials and how to check they are compliant with water regulations
8. how to identify approved suppliers of materials
9. how to interpret requirements for drain off points, stop valves, check valves and double check valves
10. types and complexity of assembly to be produced including screwed, compression and flanged
11. the characteristics of, and assembly methods and techniques to be used on, polyethylene (PE) and barrier pipes
12. the need for quality control procedures including how to ensure pipework is clear of debris and free from contamination
13. types of handling equipment and relevant procedures
14. preparation techniques for simple rigid and non-rigid pipe jointing
15. the tools and equipment required for assembly and the importance of looking after them
16. marker tape requirements for commercial services and fire mains
17. how to check meter chamber is built to specification
18. water company requirements for disinfecting, swabbing, pressure testing and sampling and which are appropriate for commercial services and fire mains
19. types of insulation and when they are appropriate for use
20. the limits of your responsibility and how to resolve problems within your control
21. approved procedures for dealing with and reporting problems