This occupation is found in the utilities sector, in clean water and waste water industries. Water network operatives typically work in only one of the water industries, although some multi-utility workers may work across both. They work for utility owners, operators or contractors, ranging in size from small to large companies.
This is a core and options apprenticeship standard. Apprentices will need to complete the core and one option:
1. Clean water network operative.
2. Waste water network operative.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to construct, maintain and repair water network infrastructure, to provide a reliable service to domestic, commercial and industrial users. Clean water infrastructure includes mains pipes, water supply pipes, stop taps, fire hydrants and sluice valves for clean water operations; and in waste water operations: drains and sewers, chambers, interceptors, flow control devices and storage tanks. In both occupations the work is both planned - construction and maintenance, and reactive - repairs and emergencies. They ensure the site is safe for work, which may include traffic management and control, complete site excavation and restore the site to a safe condition. They use a range of powered equipment and hand tools, for example diggers.
Depending on the work required, they may spend the day at one site or work across a number of sites. Work locations may include new build sites, public highways or domestic properties. They are required to work in all weather conditions. They may need to work shifts, standby and unsociable hours.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues, such as managers, network technicians and engineers, delivery drivers, reinstatement teams and administration staff. They usually work in a small team - typically with one or two other operatives, responsible for their own work, reporting to managers but not under direct supervision. On a site they may also interact with site agents and other trades. They will communicate with customers regarding work that is being undertaken and in some situations the general public. They may also liaise with personnel from statutory authorities, such as the Highways Authority, local authorities and the Environment Agency. When working in emergency situations, they may liaise with emergency services personnel.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for completing work to the required standard, following procedures and ensuring Health and Safety and regulatory compliance, for example with the Drinking Water Inspectorate, The Water Services Regulation Authority (OFWAT) and Environment Agency etc; failure to do so could have serious consequences for self, public health and the environment. Recording and reporting on work completed is an important part of the job, which may include completion of paperwork or computerised records, drawings and providing site photographs. They are expected to present a professional image of the company. They are responsible for ensuring their tools and equipment are fit for use, correctly stored and maintained. Depending on their level of experience, they may be responsible for leading the team.
Water network operatives need to be qualified and on the Street Works Register. Typically, a driving license will be required as they may be expected to drive to their place of work, using a company vehicle. In addition, clean water network operatives must hold a Water Hygiene Card. Some water network operatives may require a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Card or SHEA (Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness) Water Passport Card.
| Duty | KSBs |
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Duty 1 Prepare for water network infrastructure work to meet customers' requirements and priorities for example, identify and obtain plant, equipment and materials. |
K1 K7 K8 K10 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K22 K24 K25 K26 |
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Duty 2 Conduct risk assessments for water network infrastructure work. |
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Duty 3 Follow procedures for setting up and maintaining site for water network infrastructure work. |
K1 K2 K4 K7 K8 K11 K12 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K22 K24 K25 K26 |
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Duty 4 Excavate site for water network infrastructure work. |
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Duty 5 Restore water network infrastructure site to a safe condition to meet customers' requirements, for example signing and guarding. |
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Duty 6 Keep water network stakeholders informed for example, explain to customers work to be undertaken. |
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Duty 7 Complete water network infrastructure records and documentation (written or digital), for example work sheets, time-sheets, drawings, risk-assessments and safety documentation. |
K16 K17 K18 K19 K21 K22 K23 K24 K26
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Duty 8 Look after tools and equipment used in water network infrastructure work. |
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| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
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Duty 9 Install clean water network infrastructure for example, new mains, water supply pipes, boundary boxes and meters. |
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Duty 10 Restore functionality of clean water network infrastructure for example, clean to a hygienic standard prior to testing. |
K27 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K35 K36 K38 K40
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Duty 11 Conduct repairs to clean water network infrastructure (reactive) for example, under-pressure repair and asset repair (for example valves and hydrants). |
K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K35 K36 K37 K38 K40
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Duty 12 Respond to clean water network infrastructure emergencies and take emergency action for example, repair overland supply pipes, provide alternative supplies equipment (tankers), conduct under-pressure line stopping and diversion. |
K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K35 K37 K38 K40
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Duty 13 Apply hygiene procedures to water infrastructure in line with national water hygiene regulations - sanitation. |
K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K35 K38 K40
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Duty 14 Conduct chlorination activities of water infrastructure. |
K27 K28 K29 K30 K32 K33 K34 K35 K38 K39 K40
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| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
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Duty 15 Install or construct waste water network infrastructure (planned) for example, gravity and pressurised (foul and storm). |
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Duty 16 Restore functionality of waste water network infrastructure for example, tankering operations and over-pumping. |
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Duty 17 Conduct repairs to waste water network infrastructure (reactive) for example, replacing man-hole cover. |
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Duty 18 Respond to waste water network infrastructure emergencies and take emergency action for example, pollution control, flood prevention. |
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Duty 19 Undertake hygiene measures for example, leptospirosis, gastroenteritis. |
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K1: Health and safety practice: risk assessments and safe systems of work, permits to work, working in confined spaces, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), manual handling.
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K2: Health and safety regulations and procedures: Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, Working at Heights, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Lifting Operations Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), first aid, fire safety.
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K3: Types and uses of asbestos and where they may come into contact; safe work practices, control measures, and protective equipment needed to undertake asbestos mains work.
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K4: Pollution; the risks and consequences of pollution incidents on people and the environment. Including types of pollution, control measures, light, noise, smells, spills, and waste.
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K5: Environmental and sustainability regulations and guidance, including the Environmental Protection Act and hazardous waste regulation. The environmental impact of clean and waste water operations.
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K6: Policies and procedures for escalating environmental and pollution incidents.
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K7: Identify utility assets on maps or drawings.
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K8: Principles and processes that underpin the locating of utility network assets; health and safety guidance on avoiding damage to underground utility services.
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K9: Pre and post use checks, operation, maintenance, and storage requirements, for utility network operations equipment and tools including utility location equipment.
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K10: Gas detection equipment.
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K11: Principles of traffic management control and safe working practices when working on the highway and on site.
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K12: Trench support systems and when to use them. Including sheeting, mechanical sheeting, lightweight and proprietary systems.
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K13: Requirements for the backfill and reinstatement of road and pavement surfaces after water network construction or repair.
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K14: Excavation techniques: open cut, moling, vacuum extraction.
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K15: Pipe cutting techniques.
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K16: Escalation procedures for emergency situations, including emergency services, highways authorities, local authorities, Environment Agency, and utility companies.
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K17: Roles and responsibilities of industry stakeholders, including: Drinking Water Inspectorate, The Water Services Regulation Authority (OFWAT), Consumer Council for Water, Environment Agency, and DEFRA.
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K18: Ethical business practices, including Customer Experience Measure (CMEX), Regulatory and Legislative Performance Measures, Guaranteed Standards Scheme (GSS) and Director General (DG) in response to written complaints (DG7).
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K19: Reporting channels; limits of authority.
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K20: Verbal communication techniques – giving and receiving information using industry terminology. Matching style to audience.
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K21: Written communication techniques and documentation requirements including job sheets.
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K22: Equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in the workplace.
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K23: Information technology and digital: email, equipment digital interfaces, management information systems. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Cyber security.
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K24: Work organisation and time management techniques.
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K25: Team working principles.
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K26: Standard operating procedures (SOP).
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K27: Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations.
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K28: National Water Hygiene (water quality as a food source and product).
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K29: Procedures for the construction and connection of clean water network mains and services.
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K30: Principles of working with asbestos in the clean water network.
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K31: Procedures for the repair of clean water network assets.
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K32: Principles to assess and test the integrity of the repair on the water asset.
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K33: Common faults and issues in the clean water network. Problem solving techniques.
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K34: Consequences of bursts and leaks on people and the environment.
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K35: Procedures for the disposal of chlorinated water.
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K36: Continuous supply procedures.
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K37: Pumping equipment.
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K38: The use and removal of chemicals to avoid contamination in the water network, in line with regulations.
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K39: Disinfection procedures for clean water mains and services.
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K40: Principles and reasons for taking water samples.
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K41: The safe operation of hydrants and valves, in line with company procedures.
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K42: Procedures for the construction and connection of waste water network assets, including sewers, drains, and combined sewer overflows.
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K43: Procedures for repairs in waste water.
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K44: Procedures for dealing with contamination and pollution.
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K45: Principles of working with asbestos in the waste water network.
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K46: Personal hygiene measures.
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K47: The operating principles of sewerage pumps and pumping stations and their impact on the network.
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K48: Pumping stations - lock off and isolation procedures for pumps.
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K49: Preparations needed for a no dig team.
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K50: Principles of wastewater flows.
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S1: Identify hazards and implement controls to reduce risks to people and the environment.
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S2: Comply with a safe system of work, including permits, work and engineering instructions.
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S3: Identify and organise resources.
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S4: Comply with workplace health, safety and environmental policy and practice; use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety equipment.
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S5: Follow procedures for signing, lighting and guarding as well as public and pedestrian segregation and escalate issues if required.
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S6: Identify, locate and avoid damage to underground utility services.
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S7: Carry out safe excavation practices for utility network services.
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S8: Monitor and maintain site conditions; good housekeeping.
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S9: Select, check and operate equipment and tools; report faults if required.
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S10: Maintain and store equipment and tools, for example charge batteries, clean equipment, grease machines, re-fuel.
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S11: Communicate with others verbally for example, internal and external customers, colleagues and managers.
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S12: Use gas detection equipment.
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S13: Communicate in writing with others and record task information, for example, job sheets.
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S14: Follow standard operating procedures (SOP).
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S15: Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security.
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S16: Carry out learning and development activities.
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S17: Organise and prioritise own work.
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S18: Apply equity, diversity and inclusion rules.
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S19: Apply team working principles.
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S20: Carry out pipe cutting.
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S21: Carry out squeeze off activities.
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S22: Join materials by fusion techniques.
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S23: Join materials by mechanical means on clean water assets.
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S24: Drill and tap clean water assets.
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S25: Install clean water assets.
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S26: Conduct disinfection procedures for clean water mains and services.
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S27: Check the performance of the asset and escalate issues if necessary.
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S28: Use continuous supply procedures.
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S29: Repair water network asset.
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S30: Identify and solve common issues within the clean water network.
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S31: Use pumping equipment.
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S32: Follow hygiene procedures.
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S33: Install or replace waste water assets.
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S34: Replace and join materials by flexible seals, for example band seals on waste water services.
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S35: Prepare the site for a no dig team.
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S36: Carry out excavation and shoring of deep excavations.
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S37: Repair waste water network assets.
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S38: Use mitigation methods to maintain flow, for example using pumps, stopping or diverting.
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S39: Identify and solve common issues within the waste water network.
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S40: Decontaminate equipment, tooling and PPE.
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B1: Put health and safety first.
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B2: Take ownership of given work.
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B3: Team-focus to meet work goals.
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B4: Support an inclusive workplace for example, respectful of different views.
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B5: Seek learning and development opportunities.
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B6: Consider the impact on the environment when using resources and carrying out work.
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English and maths qualifications must be completed in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.
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