Section one: Moving from Competence to Excellence

What does competence look like in this area? 

• the ability to know and understand the purpose, use, maintenance and care of all plumbing and heating equipment including safety implications 
• the purpose, use, care and potential risks associated with materials and chemicals 
• understand the importance and use of manufacturers’ specifications and drawings 
• how and where to search for specific and non-specific information, specifications and guidance to complete a given task 
• keeping within the time available that is associated with each activity 
• be aware of the applicable health and safety standards at any one time 
• the use of new technologies such as digitalised electronic equipment and lasers as a work aid.

What does excellence look like in this area?  

• prepare and maintain a safe, tidy, efficient work area 
• prepare and make good surfaces to which systems and appliances will be installed 
• select and use appropriate personal protective equipment and required hand tools for task 
• follow specific precautions when manual handling, working with power tools and soldering 
• follow specific manufacturers’ instructions related to appliances and components 
• use digital and or laser technology for installation 
• plan, prepare and complete each task within the time available, restore the work area to an appropriate condition and prepare completion reports.

What does competence look like in this area? 

• know the uses and limitations of specified bending and jointing methods, materials and fittings required to carry out a leak free installation 
• understand the range and characteristics of bending/jointing methods, materials and fittings 
• properties of piping material available: e.g. copper, low carbon steel, galvanised mild steel, cast iron, polymer pipe, plastic (single or multilayered) 
• the safe operation and handling, cutting, bending, jointing, soldering, threading, installing and testing systems in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines 
• install pipework, components and appliances to surface walls and pre-wall installation systems including hot and cold water, heating systems, underfloor heating, gas installations and wastewater systems 
• knowledge of new technologies, to contribute to the United Nations sustainable development goals i.e. rainwater harvesting, heat pump systems (air and ground source) solar thermal hot water systems.

What does excellence look like in this area?  

• the ability to read and interpret drawings for a range of plumbing and heating systems to enable pipe-work fabrication and fixings ensuring a high standard Installation 
• modify areas and surfaces, select suitable fixing methods to suit surfaces, appliances and environment 
• take and transfer measurements and angles from given drawings to surfaces and piping materials and install to a high standard +/- 2mm for dimensions, up to 1 degree for angles and 0.5 degree for plumb and levels 
• install all materials in a sustainable manner to limit waste and protect the environment 
• measure, set out and create drawings and freehand sketches to enable the accurate production of complex bending details as part of installation 
• connect all pipework to appliances and components, carry out tests to regulations and manufacturers’ instructions and commission systems.