Conduct hydrostatic pressure testing of water networks
Overview
This Standard is about conducting hydrostatic pressure testing of engineering products or assets on water networks as part of the commissioning process.
It includes setting up safe working areas, selecting appropriate test equipment, carrying out testing and organising any required remedial action.
This Standard is for water network operatives who conduct hydrostatic pressure testing of water network engineering products or 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
carry out and review site specific risk assessments and method statements in accordance with organisational procedures
set up safe working areas which prevents unauthorised access
select and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in line with risk assessments
select, inspect and prepare tools and equipment to carry out appropriate tests for the pipework material in accordance with work instructions
set up work area and equipment in line with work instructions
remove excess air from systems and confirm system is ready for hydrostatic pressure testing in accordance with industry guidance
carry out the tests and flush in line with work instructions and within agreed timescales
use swabs in line with work instructions and industry specifications
carry out tests in accordance with organisational procedures and practices and statutory and regulatory requirements
monitor tests to establish that system performance is in accordance with organisational specifications and industry guidance
record test results in organisational reporting systems and standard industry documentation in accordance with organisational procedures and requirements
organise any required remedial action indicated by test results
repeat tests until system performance is in accordance with organisational specifications and industry guidance
report damage or defects to test equipment to the designated person
deal with problems within your control without delay
refer problems and conditions outside your responsibility to appropriate people using organisational procedures
dispose of waste products in accordance with environmental requirements and organisational procedures
deal with any emergencies that may arise in line with emergency procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
1.relevant health, safety, environment and other relevant legislation, organisational procedures and codes of practice
2.water regulations and hygiene procedures related to ensuring the integrity and wholesomeness of water supplies, including the importance of personal hygiene
how to interpret method statements, work instructions, water company design and construction specifications and plans and specifications for different test activities and procedures
the different types and materials of pipes and fittings used
the various types of hydrostatic tests for mains and services and how to use them
when disinfection is required
when and how to use swabbing
testing methods that can be adopted to remove excess air from systems and the implications of not doing it
pressure testing procedures and the safety implications of not following them
how to operate relevant pressure equipment and why it should be calibrated
how to interpret test results
types of remedial action, what they can achieve and when it is appropriate to use them
the consequences to the environment, people and public health of test failure and the impact on regulatory performance measures
the consequences of mechanical failures to pressure ranges during testing
relevant health, safety, environmental and water quality legislation, organisational procedures and codes of practice
how to identify damage or defects to test equipment and who to report it to
approved procedures and standard industry documentation for reporting problems with test activities within your area of responsibility
approved procedures for referring problems outside your responsibility
approved procedures for dealing with emergencies