Prove metered areas on the distribution network

Overview

This Standard is about proving metered areas on the distribution network.  This includes operating network fittings to isolate specified sections of networks, making sure boundary and other required valves are watertight and working, establishing inflow and outflow meters, making sure all required work has been carried out and then recommissioning once all proving work has been carried out, flushing and checking that samples have been taken. You must follow safe working and hygiene practices at all times.

This Standard is for anyone who is involved with proving metered areas on the distribution network.

 

Performance Criteria

You must be able to:

  1. obtain information from reliable sources about metered areas being proved
  2. identify sections of distribution networks which need to be isolated to establish integrity of metered areas
  3. confirm that customers who will be affected have been informed, and that service levels will be maintained, in accordance with organisational requirements
  4. confirm that specified network fittings are in expected locations, are accessible and are in working condition
  5. confirm that there are no obvious sources of potential contamination on network fittings within the area you are working
  6. access and operate relevant network fittings in the required sequence to isolate and recommission identified sections of distribution networks
  7. deal with network fittings and equipment requiring repair and maintenance in line with organisational processes
  8. confirm that known leaks on network fittings have been repaired prior to proving
  9. check the water tightness of boundary valves according to organisational procedures
  10. confirm that valve operations do not affect system pressures
  11. confirm that those meters which provide total inflow and outflow to metered areas are accessible and in working condition
  12. check that permanent boundary valves are marked in the correct positions on site and network plans
  13. carry out any hygiene procedures required in line with organisational and work requirements
  14. carry out flushing operations and discharge water in accordance with
  15. organisational procedures
  16. confirm that any required mains water sampling is carried, according to organisational procedures
  17. re-commission sections of networks once all relevant proving activity has been carried out in line with work requirements
  18. inform relevant people about progress, problems and actions taken during isolation, proving and recommissioning activities
  19. record complete and accurate details of progress, problems and actions taken in line with organisational processes
  20. follow safe working and hygiene practices according to relevant regulatory and statutory procedures

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. work requirements for isolating, proving and re-commissioning network sections
  2. sources of information about metered areas
  3. how to interpret network and site plans and network flow information
  4. the effect that isolating a section of the network may have on the wider distribution system, the immediate zone, water quality and customers
  5. service levels and organisational requirements and processes for informing customers
  6. potential sources of contamination of network fittings
  7. how to operate network fittings and the importance of doing it in the required sequence
  8. how to check that isolation has been successful, the importance of doing this, and who to inform when it has been completed
  9. the importance of checking accessibility and working conditions of boundary valves
  10. who to report repair and maintenance details to
  11. the importance of checking repair of network fittings
  12. procedures for water tightness of boundary valves
  13. reasons why valves may not be in the expected status, and the implications of changing them
  14. the consequences of making any changes or variations to water quality and supply, with regard to organisational limits
  15. the importance of not affecting system pressures
  16. air venting methods to avoid bursts or water quality issues
  17. when and how to carry out hygiene procedures
  18. flushing procedures
  19. water disposal procedures and the potential damage which can be caused by incorrect disposal
  20. the need for sampling
  21. recording requirements in relation to progress, problems and actions taken
  22. who needs to be informed about progress, problems and actions taken and when
  23. safety and hygiene practices and related regulatory statutory requirements relating to health and safety and street works