Decommission plumbing and heating systems

This standard is for people who decommission plumbing and heating systems.

The person performing this work must be able to comply with the correct procedures and practices for decommissioning plumbing and heating systems. This work must be in accordance with the current versions of the appropriate industry standards and regulations; the specification; industry recognised working practices; the working environment and the natural environment. They must know and understand:

• direct and indirect cold water systems
• direct and indirect hot water systems
• hot water heating systems
• unvented hot water storage systems
• above ground sanitary pipework systems
• rainwater systems
• site services and system supplies
• methods and techniques for connecting appliances, components and accessories

1.    verify that the job information and documentation are current and relevant and   that the plant, instruments, access equipment and tools are fit for purpose

2.    confirm before work starts that the work location and work area can be accessed safely and has been checked for the risk to other personnel on the site, and take appropriate action if a risk is present

3.    decommission appliances, components and accessories in accordance with industry practices and organisational procedures

4.    ensure that the plumbing and heating system cannot be accidently reactivated or become dangerous

5.    produce a risk assessment and method statement for the work to be carried out, including the identification and use of personal protective equipment, in accordance with the working environment comply with industry practices and organisational procedures to ensure the co-ordination of site services and system supply and the activities of other trades

6.    confirm with the relevant people:

• those necessary variations to the planned programme of work
• the actions to be taken to ensure that any variations to the planned programme of work will minimise the potential for hazard and risk

7.    implement organisational procedures for the safe transport and/or disposal of waste material, substances and liquids in accordance with suppliers' and manufacturers' instructions

8.    complete relevant documentation in accordance with organisational procedures

1.    the applications, advantages and limitations of different plumbing and heating systems

2.    the applications, advantages and limitations of appliances, components and accessories in relation to the working environment

3.    the appropriate industry standards and regulations relevant to the decommissioning of plumbing and heating systems

4.    how to verify that job information and documentation is current and relevant and that the plant, instruments, access equipment and tools are fit for purpose

5.    how to produce a risk assessment and method statement for the work to be carried out, including the identification and use of personal protective equipment, in accordance with the working environment

6.    the organisational procedures for confirming, before work starts, that the work location and work area can be accessed safely and has been checked for the risk to other personnel on the site, and for taking appropriate action if a risk is present

7.    the methods and techniques for decommissioning the plumbing and heating system in accordance with: 

• the plumbing and heating system's design
• the working environment
• manufacturers' instructions

8.    the methods and techniques to ensure the plumbing and heating system cannot be accidentally reactivated or become dangerous

9.    the appropriate testing procedures for confirming the systems' integrity

10.  the organisational procedures for confirming with the relevant people the appropriate actions to be taken to ensure that any variations to the planned programme of work will not introduce a hazard and have minimum negative impact on the decommissioning work to be undertaken

11.  the methods for the safe transport and/or disposal of waste material, substances and liquids in accordance with suppliers' and manufacturers' instructions

12.  how to complete relevant documentation in accordance with organisational procedures

Working environments (internal and/or external)

• domestic

• non-domestic

  • commercial
  • industrial
  • agricultural
  • horticultural
  • leisure and entertainment
  • residential medical and care facilities
  • public services establishments
  • pre-1919 traditional/historic buildings

Plumbing and heating systems

• cold water – direct and indirect
• hot water – direct and indirect
• unvented hot water storage systems
• hot water heating systems
• above ground discharge
• below ground drainage

Site

• new build construction – building or structure
• existing building or structure

Site services and system supply

• electricity
• water
• gas
• oil
• solid fuel
• solar thermal
• heat pumps
• water harvesting
• drainage

Organisational procedures

• information management
• project management
• risk assessment and management
• implementing and monitoring health and safety requirements and issues
• implementing and monitoring issues relating to the natural environment
• customer service
• accident reporting
• emergencies
• communication with clients, customers and stakeholders

Plant

• generators
• transformers for low voltage hand-tools
• lifting equipment
• access equipment

Appliances, components and accessories

• pipework
• boilers
• heat exchangers
• pumps
• accelerators
• valves
• storage vessels
• sanitary appliances
• cisterns
• backflow prevention devices
• control devices

Relevant people

• customers/clients
• client representatives
• supervisors
• site/contract manager
• other contractors/trades
• members of the public
• work colleagues

Appropriate testing procedures

• pressure tests for pipework systems
• static pressure tests
• air tests
• system hygiene and charging
• performance tests

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