EUSWNC14 Conduct hydrostatic pressure testing on water networks

Overview                    

This Standard is about conducting hydrostatic pressure testing of engineering products or assets on water networks as part of the commissioning process.

It includes setting up safe working areas, selecting appropriate test equipment, carrying out testing and organising any required remedial action.

This Standard is for water network operatives who conduct hydrostatic pressure testing of water network engineering products or assets.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:      

  1. conduct tests in in accordance with health and safety and environment regulations and legislation
  2. carry out and review site specific risk assessments and method statements in accordance with organisational procedures
  3. set up safe working areas which prevents unauthorised access
  4. select and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in line with risk assessments
  5. select, inspect and prepare tools and equipment to carry out tests in accordance with work instructions
  6. set up work area and equipment in line with work instructions
  7. remove excess air from systems and confirm system is ready for hydrostatic pressure testing in accordance with industry guidance
  8. carry out the tests and flush in line with work instructions and within agreed timescales
  9. use swabs in line with work instructions and industry specifications
  10. carry out tests in accordance with organisational procedures and practices and statutory and regulatory requirements
  11. monitor tests to establish that system performance is in accordance with organisational specifications and industry guidance
  12. record test results in organisational reporting systems and standard industry documentation in accordance with organisational procedures and requirements
  13. organise any required remedial action indicated by test results
  14. repeat tests until system performance is in accordance with organisational specifications and industry guidance
  15. report damage or defects to test equipment to the designated person
  16. deal with problems within your control without delay
  17. refer problems and conditions outside your responsibility to appropriate people using organisational procedures
  18. dispose of waste products in accordance with environmental requirements and organisational procedures
  19. deal with any emergencies that may arise in line with emergency procedures

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to interpret method statements, work instructions, plans and specifications for different test activities and procedures
  2. the different types and materials of pipes and fittings used
  3. the various types of hydrostatic tests for mains and services and how to use them
  4. when disinfection is required
  5. when and how to use swabbing
  6. testing methods and procedures that can be adopted to remove excess air from systems and the implications of not doing it
  7. how to operate relevant pressure equipment and why it should be calibrated
  8. how to interpret test results
  9. types of remedial action, what they can achieve and when it is appropriate to use them
  10. the consequences to the environment, people and public health of test failure and the impact on regulatory performance measures
  11. the consequences of mechanical failures to pressure ranges during testing
  12. relevant health, safety, environmental and water quality legislation, organisational procedures and codes of practice
  13. how to identify damage or defects to test equipment and who to report it to
  14. the lines and procedures for reporting problems associated with test activities including standard industry documentation and relevant organisational procedures
  15. organisational procedures for referring problems outside your responsibility
  16. organisational procedures for dealing with emergencies