EUSDSG3b  Upgrade, modify and convert systems to alternative fuel sources in the gas industry

Overview

This standard is about upgrading, modifying or converting heating systems to alternative fuel sources.  This applies to:

• conversion to gas from other energy sources such as oil or LPG
• conversion to combination fuels such as blended hydrogen, full hydrogen or bio gas
• modification from natural gas to alternative heat sources which could include, but are not restricted to, solar thermal, ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, biomass, micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP/ domestic CHP), combined cooling heat and power (CCHP), rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling.

This standard covers the work activities of installing, exchanging and removing systems and components including the disconnection, de-commissioning and commissioning that is involved. 

This standard should be used in conjunction with:

• EUSDSG3a Prepare to work on gas systems or appliances in domestic settings; and
• 6 Carry out gas tightness testing and direct purging in small settings

This standard is for gas engineers who work in domestic settings.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. Identify, record and agree customer’s job requirements in appropriate formats
2. Calculate room volumes and the surface area of any windows in spaces to be heated
3. Establish the type of material above and below spaces to be heated and the number and type of external walls and windows, taking account of any insulating material
4. Establish the effect that any heating systems below will have on spaces to be heated
5. Select the correct U value for spaces to be heated based on the information collected
6. Calculate the heat output required for spaces based on accurate heat loss information
7. Confirm that systems and their design are compatible with any existing heat, power, temperature control and/or water supply systems it is to be connected to
8. Confirm that selected systems and their design are suitable for space’s heat, power, temperature control and water requirements
9. Confirm that the integrity of building structures are suitable for selected systems and associated equipment, accessories and components
10. Identify and record any key structural features that could affect modifications or conversions, advising property occupiers of your findings
11. Check that the proposed siting of systems, components and appliances meet manufacturers’ and industry standards’ requirements for location, siting and clearance
12. Confirm that all necessary input services meet appliance manufacturers’ and industry standards’ requirements for installations
13. Measure and mark out locations for fitting and fixing selected system equipment, accessories and components in accordance with system design and manufacturers’ instructions
14. Carry out modification processes in accordance with manufacturers’ specification, industry standards, safety schemes, regulations, recognised industry practices, work standards routines and sequences
15. Check that conditions within gas and electricity systems will permit safe de-commissioning and commissioning
16. Use designated safe isolation procedures and warning notices to prevent the unauthorised use of un-commissioned or de-commissioned gas appliances, gas systems, electrical systems and components
17. Select and use the correct tools and equipment for each stage of the work being carried out
18. Liaise with other contractors involved with modifications or conversions at relevant times during the process
19. Assemble, fix and connect system components to meet requirements of plans
20. Minimise damage to customer property and building features throughout all stages of the work
21. Confirm ventilation and condensate disposal systems for modified or converted systems are working in line with industry standards and manufacturers’ instructions
22. Use industry standard checks and testing procedures to confirm the integrity of modified or converted systems
23. Check gas system operating pressures, gas rate and combustion performance meet industry standards and manufacturers’ requirements
24. Check modified or converted systems and components function safely and operate in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions
25. Complete and submit all relevant documentation and paperwork in line with industry standards
26. Instruct property occupiers on the correct operation of modified or converted systems and provide them with their copy of system literature
27. Resolve problems within own area of responsibility and competence in accordance with approved procedures
28. Advise of any delays to the work, unresolved problems, unsafe situations and required remedial actions to those who require the information

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. The calculations required to size heating equipment, including outdoor design and indoor design temperature
2. How to calculate temperature difference
3. The way in which heat flows through building assemblies, including ventilation and the rankings from insignificant to significant
4. Assumptions when calculating heat loss
5. Calculations required through below grade walls and floors and single and double glazing to determine heat loss
6. The factors that must be taken into account when carrying out heat loss calculations
7. How to select the U value based on known information
8. How to interpret diagrams and drawings
9. How to size, select and specify suitable system, controls and pipework arrangements
10. The range of alternative heat sources and their compatibility with gas systems including LPG, oil, hydrogen, blended hydrogen, bio gas, solar thermal, ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, biomass, micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP/ domestic CHP), combined cooling heat and power (CCHP), rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling
11. The possible uses of other environmental technologies such as solar photo voltaic, wind energy systems, micro hydro
12. The operation, applications, advantages and limitations of different systems and their associated equipment, components and accessories in relation to the working environment, the building’s heat, power, temperature control and/or water provision and requirements
13. Appropriate industry standards and regulations relevant to positioning, fixing, connecting, testing and commissioning environmental technology systems and converting systems from oil and LPG
14. How to confirm that the integrity of building structures are suitable for systems and their associated equipment, accessories and components
15. Tests and checks to confirm the integrity, suitability, performance, operating pressure, gas rate, gas combustion and safe functioning of modified or converted systems, including any flues/chimneys and ventilation systems
16. Procedures for checking performance of modified and converted systems including pressure, flow rate and temperature
17. Safe isolation methods, tests, and procedures for temporary and permanent de-commissioning of gas and electricity systems, components and appliances including use of temporary continuity bonds, voltage sticks, voltage indicators, proving units, multimeters
18. Measures to prevent un-commissioned and de-commissioned appliances or systems being brought into operation
19. Methods of working which protect building décor, customer property and existing systems and components
20. The roles and responsibilities of other contractors involved in modifications and conversions
21. Safe processes and procedures for applying tightness testing and purging, safe isolation and electrical testing to systems and components to ensure safe functioning
22. How to safely collect and dispose of system contents that may be hazardous to health or the environment
23. The steps to take when problems arise with work activities
24. Job management structures and methods of reporting and recording job progress or problems delaying progress
25. How to complete documentation and records and which statutory body to submit it to
26. System and appliance handover and demonstration procedures