Control in-line water mains connections in agreement with water companies

Overview

This Standard is about controlling in-line water mains connections in agreement with water companies. This involves obtaining authorisation from water companies, liaising with water companies during and on completion of the work, carrying out live connections in line with approved procedures to ensure protection of water quality and the integrity of water networks.

This Standard is for water network construction operatives who control in-line water mains connections in agreement with water companies.

Performance Criteria

You need to be able to:

  1. obtain information about mains connection work from reliable sources P11 complete applications to the water company in sufficient time to get authorisation for mains connection work
  2. plan mains connections according to the water company’s authorisation
  3. notify the water company about connection details before work commences
  4. test and carry out live connection in accordance with national and water company procedures
  5. carry out live connection in compliance with relevant quality and hygiene standards
  6. ensure work practice conforms to safe working procedures at all times
  7. seek advice regarding any work that cannot be done to specified standards from appropriate people
  8. inform the water company when connections are complete using approved procedures
  9. complete connection documentation with accurate information and store it in the specified place
  10. provide completed work documentation to appropriate people when required
  11. provide ‘as-laid’ drawings to the water company in line with approved procedures
  12. report work which is incomplete and not to schedule to the water company using approved reporting procedures

Knowledge & Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. water regulators and their role
  2. the legal implications of contaminating public water supply
  3. the Code of Practice and national and water utility specific specifications for making routine in-line water mains connections
  4. requirements by which self lay organisations can make routine water connections
  5. how to interpret drawings, records, work documents, manuals, and technical specifications
  6. activities associated with installing water distribution systems
  7. the roles and responsibilities of yourself and water company representatives
  8. water company and organisational procedures to connect to live networks
  9. approved types of connection
  10. how to use the equipment and tools for mains connections
  11. approved jointing procedures
  12. hygiene procedures related to ensuring the integrity and cleanliness of water supplies and the importance of personal hygiene
  13. relevant health and safety legislation including types and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  14. approved signals and signs for securing and making the work area safe
  15. company procedures and lines of responsibility for communicating and recording information
  16. how to communicate technical information using written instructions and diagrams
  17. approved procedures to be carried out in the event of an emergency