Maintain irrigation systems

This standard is for those who maintain irrigation systems.

If you are working with chemicals or machinery you should be trained and hold  certification in accordance with relevant legislation .

You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise the impact on the natural environment and enhance its nature, conservation and recreational value.

1. assess the risks associated with the activity to be carried out
2.  wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. select. prepare, use, clean, maintain and store tools and equipment for the maintenance of irrigation systems safely and correctly  
4.  inspect and report the condition of irrigation systems according to organisational requirements
5.  identify problems with irrigation systems, report and carry out repairs as instructed
6.  record inspections clearly and accurately in accordance with specifications
7.  carry out your work in a manner which prevents damage to the surrounding area and minimises the impact on the environment
8.  restore the site to an appropriate condition following the maintenance of irrigation systems
9.  maintain working relations with those involved in, or affected by your work
10.  maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work
11.  dispose of waste and excess materials safely and correctly to minimise environmental risk in accordance with instructions and relevant legal requirements
12.  carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies

1. how to identify hazards and risks associated with the maintenance of irrigation systems
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the activity
3. how to select,  prepare, use, clean, maintain and store equipment and machinery for the maintenance of irrigation systems safely and correctly
4. the principles underlying the design and construction of irrigation systems
5. possible sources of water for irrigation systems and the importance of water quality
6. the maintenance requirements for a variety of irrigation equipment and systems
7. the different irrigation requirements of surfaces
8. the frequency and thoroughness of inspections to identify faults
9. the problems which may affect operations and how to handle them effectively
10. how to arrange repairs when problems occur
11. what records need to completed and kept and why
12. the possible risks to health and the environment involved with storing water

13. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done

14. how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with legal and organisational requirements

15. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment
16. your responsibilities under current health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies

A.      maintain the following types of irrigation systems:

1. mobile 
2. installed

B.      inspect the following types of surface:

1. hard/porous
2. synthetic
3. turf

C.      use the following materials to maintain irrigation systems:

1. UPVC
2. MDPE
3. glues
4. pressure couplings

D.      maintain the following types of equipment within an irrigation system:

1. Pop-up sprinklers
2. Hose and attachments
3. Travelling and stand-alone sprinklers
4. Valves
5. Taps
6. Couplings
7. Solenoids
8. Irrigation housing boxes

Irrigation systems include those which are mobile or installed.

Specifications include drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies.

Surfaces provided for by these systems may include: hard/porous; synthetic; fine turf; coarse turf.