19546 version 3
Page 1 of 6
Test, connect, and purge a main in a gas distribution network
Level
3
Credits
8
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: locate and identify
procedures, documentation, and equipment to perform a pneumatic test,
connect, and purge a gas main; prepare to test, connect, and purge a gas
main; carry out pneumatic pressure test on a gas main; connect, liven up,
and purge a gas main; reinstate site; and complete reporting and
documentation.
Subfield
Gas Industry
Domain
Gas Network Construction
Status
Registered
Status date
21 May 2010
Date version published
21 May 2010
Planned review date
31 December 2015
Entry information
Open.
Replacement information
This unit standard replaced unit standard 10971.
Accreditation
Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA and
industry.
Standard setting body (SSB)
NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (Incorporated)
(MITO)
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference
0114
This AMAP can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Special notes
1
This unit standard is intended for, but is not limited to, workplace assessment. The
range statements relate to enterprise specific equipment, procedures, and
processes.
2
The current version of the following documents must be complied with:
Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992;
NZS 5258:2003 Gas distribution networks available at http://www.standards.co.nz/.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
19546 version 3
Page 2 of 6
3
All work practices must comply with regulations and codes pertaining to the gas
industry. A full list of applicable regulations and codes is available from the NZ Motor
Industry Training Organisation (Incorporated) (MITO).
4
This unit standard excludes pigging of pipeline.
5
Definition
Company procedures means the documented methods for performing work activities
and include health and safety, environmental, and quality management requirements.
They may refer to manuals, codes of practice, or policy statements.
Elements and performance criteria
Element 1
Locate and identify procedures, documentation, and equipment to perform a pneumatic
test, connect, and purge a gas main.
Performance criteria
1.1
Company procedures for pneumatic testing, connecting, and purging gas mains
are located and interpreted in relation to specified job requirements.
1.2
Job instructions are confirmed in accordance with company procedures.
Range
instructions include – site location, utility plans and/or mark-outs,
consents, easements.
1.3
Potential environmental and safety hazards are identified in accordance with
company procedures.
1.4
Pneumatic testing and purging equipment, components, and materials are
identified and described in terms of type and function.
Range
1.5
Methods of connecting new mains to different types of gas mains are described
in accordance with company procedures.
Range
1.6
equipment may include – gauge, compressor, test head, leak
detection equipment, purge stack, flare stack, gas detection
equipment, tools, fittings.
methods may include but are not limited to – electrofusion jointing,
mechanical couplings, steel welding, drill and tap;
types may include but are not limited to – cast iron, low pressure
steel, medium pressure steel, inserted main.
Equipment is described in terms of potential hazards of incorrect application
and operation, and the steps to avoid them are described in accordance with
company procedures.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
19546 version 3
Page 3 of 6
1.7
Resource requirements are identified and sourced in accordance with company
procedures.
Range
plant, tools, materials, documentation, system components,
personnel, communication equipment.
Element 2
Prepare to test, connect, and purge a gas main.
Performance criteria
2.1
Safety and environmental hazards are identified, then isolated, removed, or
minimised, in accordance with company procedures.
Range
2.2
Testing, connecting, and purging equipment for specified job is prepared and
positioned in accordance with company procedures and manufacturer’s
instructions.
Range
2.3
may include – signage, barriers, personal protective equipment,
safe access and egress, fire, explosion, asphyxiation, temporary
traffic control, environmental protection, excavations, gas
escapes.
may include – gauge, compressor, test head, leak detection
equipment, purge stack, flare stack, gas detection equipment,
tools, fittings.
Preparation ensures that pipework and fittings are anchored in position, pipe
systems are isolated, and air vents and drainage points are positioned in
accordance with design and company requirements.
Element 3
Carry out pneumatic pressure test on a gas main.
Performance criteria
3.1
Pneumatic test pressure is raised, and pressure level and security of pipe
system are monitored in accordance with company procedures.
3.2
Test equipment and pipe joints are tested for soundness in accordance with
company procedures.
3.3
Stabilisation period is timed in accordance with company procedures.
3.4
Atmospheric pressure reading is obtained in accordance with company
procedures.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
19546 version 3
Page 4 of 6
3.5
Test period is timed, and pressure and time readings are recorded in
accordance with company procedures.
Range
initial readings, final readings.
3.6
Where test results show a pressure loss, leaks are traced and repaired, and
retesting is completed in accordance with company procedures.
3.7
On completion of the test, pipe is depressurised in a controlled manner and test
equipment is disconnected in accordance with company procedures and
manufacturer's recommendations.
3.8
Record of test is completed in accordance with company procedures.
Element 4
Connect, liven up, and purge a gas main.
Performance criteria
4.1
Gas main is connected and livened up in accordance with company
procedures.
Range
4.2
may include but is not limited to – puncture, tap, drill, squeeze off,
valve, flow stop.
Purging equipment is assembled and positioned in accordance with company
procedures.
Range
purge stack, flare stack, continuity bond, gas detector, fire
extinguisher.
4.3
Equipment and pipe are pressurised and checked for soundness in accordance
with company procedures.
4.4
Leaks and damaged items are identified, repaired or replaced, and reported in
accordance with company procedures.
4.5
Purging is carried out in accordance with company procedures.
4.6
Unacceptable pressure conditions are identified and appropriate actions taken
in accordance with company procedures.
4.7
Specified gas concentration is achieved at all vent pipes in accordance with
company procedures.
4.8
Purging equipment is depressurised and disconnected in accordance with
company procedures.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
19546 version 3
Page 5 of 6
Element 5
Reinstate site.
Performance criteria
5.1
Equipment and materials left temporarily on site are stored safely and securely,
or arrangements are made for their collection in accordance with company
procedures.
5.2
Tools, equipment, and materials are removed from site in accordance with job
requirements and company procedures.
5.3
Worksite is reinstated and made safe in accordance with company procedures.
Element 6
Complete reporting and documentation.
Performance criteria
6.1
Information is communicated to other parties, both internal and external, in
accordance with company procedures.
Range
6.2
may include but is not limited to – special conditions, completion
notice, additional work.
Records and documents are completed and processed in accordance with
company procedures.
Range
may include but is not limited to – job card, test sheets.
Please note
Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated
authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against
unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register
credits from assessment against unit standards.
Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards
must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this
standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The
AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations
wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for
tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
19546 version 3
Page 6 of 6
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (Incorporated) (MITO)
info@mito.org.nz if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016