Carry out valve operations on the distribution network

Overview

This Standard is about operating valves to isolate or recommission sections of the distribution network, transferring water between zones, checking valve operability or maintaining a calm network. This could be in relation to customer or network supply and involves assessing the implications of requested valve operations, accessing and operating valves and restoring the system to normal operations. 

This Standard is for anyone who carries out valve operations on the distribution network.

Performance Criteria

You must be able to:

1. identify valve operations to be carried out from instructions received
2. confirm the configuration of valves in accordance with the specified operation
3. identify the potential risks of the specified valve operations on customers’ supplies and confirm that the operation will not contravene organisational quality limits
4. plan the work to minimise the effect of valve operations on water quality, water supply and possible discolouration
5. check that customers and other departments who will be affected by valve operations have been informed in accordance with organisational requirements
6. take relevant action where you consider valve operations would cause unacceptable problems with water quality, flow and pressure, loss of supply or discolouration
7. arrange alternative supplies when valve operations make it a necessity
8. identify the positions, sizes and types of valves and related fittings to be used in accordance with operational requirements
9. determine an appropriate sequence of operation of identified valves and related fittings, taking account of the potential for contamination, the effect on water supply and quality, and undue disturbance of the system
10. access valve chambers in line with health and safety requirements and establish the appropriate rotational direction for opening and closing valves
11. operate valves in line with manufacturer’s instructions
12. follow safe working and hygiene practices in accordance with current specifications and procedures
13. identify an appropriate sequence and timing of valve and hydrant operations for required flushing activities
14. purge air out of the system for the maximum length of affected mains
15. dispose of flushed water in a safe manner, and to minimise the effect on the environment, in accordance with regulatory and organisational requirements
16. take samples in line with organisational sampling procedures to confirm restoration of the supply to operational service levels
17. adhere to time limits specified for valve operations
18. use appropriate checks to confirm that systems have been returned to normal operational levels
19. record the changed status of valves and update mains records in line with organisational requirements

Knowledge & Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. the purposes of different valve operations
2. how to interpret records, including maps and plans
3. the risks to customers or network supplies posed by valve operations
4. organisational levels of service and limits for valve operations
5. the aspects and issues to consider when planning valve operations
6. the importance of ensuring minimum effect on water supply
7. customer and departmental notification procedures including for large users, fire services, those inside or outside an area to be isolated or those with special needs
8. what would constitute an unacceptable problem, and how to deal with it
9. alternative supply arrangements
10. types of valves and related fittings and how to operate them including air, soft-faced, hard-faced, clockwise opening and anti-clockwise opening valves as well as fire hydrants/washouts
11. problems that can occur with valves and relating fittings including problems with valves, valve chambers, valve covers and network fittings including hydrants
12. potential effects of valve operations on water supply and water quality
13. the causes of contamination
14. the effect of valve operations on network status
15. the factors to consider to determine sequence of operation
16. how to secure safe access
17. the implications of failing to recognise rotational direction of valves
18. typical and unusual problems and organisational requirements for dealing with them
19. safe working and hygiene practices
20. how to restore the system to normal operational levels
21. what is covered by normal operational levels
22. purging methods, the purpose of this and the implications of not doing it properly
23. de-chlorination methods and when they should be used
24. sampling procedures
25. service levels
26. disposal requirements
27. the damage which can be caused by incorrect disposal of chlorinated water
28. regulatory requirements for disruption to water supply
29. typical and unusual problems and organisational requirements for dealing with them
30. recording procedures