Restore water network assets to operational condition
Overview
This Standard is about restoring water network assets to operational condition. This includes the repair and replacement of short sections of mains and fitting temporary or permanent external mechanical fittings on mains or services.
This involves preparing to restore components, carrying out repair or replacement within agreed timescales, using approved materials and working in accordance with company procedures.
This Standard is for water network operatives who restore water network assets to operational condition by carrying out repairs or replacing assets.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
work in line with relevant health, safety, environment, water quality and other relevant regulations and guidelines at all times
make sure consumers are communicated with at relevant stages of the process
carry out site specific risk assessment, and review in accordance with organisational procedures
select and wear required personal protection equipment (PPE)
repair or replace assets in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and work instructions and to agreed timescales
prepare assets for repair or replacement
use jointing methods that are suitable for materials and assets
use approved materials and assets for repairs or replacements
make sure that repaired or replaced assets meet specified operating conditions and parameters
carry out all work in accordance with company procedures
record information about possible cause, ground and asset conditions and work carried out in line with organisational procedures
deal with problems within your control
refer problems and conditions outside your responsibility or which you cannot solve to appropriate people
deal with any emergencies that may arise in line with organisational procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
relevant health, safety and environment and other relevant legislation, organisational procedures and codes of practice
water regulations and hygiene procedures related to ensuring the integrity and wholesomeness of water supplies, including the importance of personal hygiene
procedures for consumer notification, warnings and informing them about reconnection
how to interpret method statements, work instructions, drawings, plans, water company design and construction specifications and other specifications
the assets in use on the water network
the different jointing methods and when it is appropriate to use them
how to repair joints, horizontal and circumferential cracks and breaks, corrosion and interference damage and when replacement is necessary
how to identify the types of pipe that may be encountered, their characteristics and how to work with them including polyethylene (PE), cast iron pipes, ductile iron, steel, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), asbestos cement and barrier pipes.
techniques to repair assets
asset replacement methods for mains and services
the types of tools and equipment used to restore assets to operating condition
organisational procedures to be used to ensure compliance with hygiene regulations
the types of information about repair and replacement activity that it required for ongoing asset management
approved procedures for dealing with and reporting problems and emergencies
organisational documentation and procedures for recording information about restoring assets