Block F – Utilities and Pipeline

Trends

There is an increased use of robotic cameras for the inspection of water and sewer pipes in order to ensure quality of pipe and to detect leaks.

More relining of the interior part of piping is being used to reduce the need for replacement and there is an increased practice of reconditioning of pipes in order to extend their lifespan.

The practice of tapping into new and existing water lines to provide water to different areas is becoming a common task.

Green practices are changing the way construction craft workers work. For example, they need to return work areas back to their natural state, and avoid cross pollination as part of green environmental practices.

Related Components (including, but not limited to)

Utilities: piping, catch basins, manholes, grade rings, shims, rubber seals, valves, hydrants, pressure chambers, clamps, T’s, elbows, Y’s, culverts, thrust blocks, insulation, grouts.

Pipeline: blocking, coatings, rock shields, silt fencing, filter fabrics.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 18 Installs utility piping for water and sewer installations.

Context

Construction craft workers work with a wide variety of pipe, components and application techniques when installing utility piping for water and sewer installations. Knowledge of grade and elevations is crucial when working with this type of utility piping. Hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead may be encountered when repairing existing pipe.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 types of pipe used for water and sewage systems such as plastic, cast iron, concrete, composite, ceramic and ductile
• K 2 connecting methods such as fused, clamps, and bell and spigot
• K 3 design grades for pipe
• K 4 types of sewer lines such as raw sewer and storm sewers
• K 5 components such as manholes and catch basins, grade rings, rubber seals and covers
• K 6 types of water pipe components such as valves and hydrants
• K 7 reasons for modification such as leaks, repairs, upgrades and additions
• K 8 specifications related to water pressures
• K 9 backfilling and compacting methods
• K 10 codes and specifications

Sub-task E-18.01 Installs pipe for water systems.

Key Competencies

• F-18.01.01 select and use tools and equipment such as laser levels, hand levels and pinch bars
• F-18.01.02 install bedding material according to material specifications
• F-18.01.03 level and compact bedding to height specifications
• F-18.01.04 install thrust blocks to stabilize the line and eliminate breaks
• F-18.01.05 select, cut and fit sections according to plans and specifications
• F-18.01.06 connect pipe sections, including fusing, using components such as clamps, bell and spigot, and rubber seals according to job specifications and types of pipe
• F-18.01.07 install fire hydrants and valves according to job specifications
• F-18.01.08 backfill and compact pipe, and insulate if needed according to job specifications
• F-18.01.09 remove excess mud and pump water to perform directional drilling to avoid disruptions on highways and rivers
• F-18.01.10 pressurize lines to test for leaks
• F-18.01.11 assist in tapping into main lines to provide temporary service while replacing lines

Sub-task F-18.02 Installs pipe for sewer systems.

Key Competencies

• F-18.02.01 select and use tools and equipment such as laser levels, hand levels and pinch bars
• F-18.02.02 install bedding material according to material specifications
• F-18.02.03 level and compact bedding to height specifications
• F-18.02.04 select, cut and fit sections according to plans and specifications
• F-18.02.05 connect pipe sections using components such as clamps, bell and spigot, and rubber seals according to job specification for the type of pipe
• F-18.02.06 backfill and compact pipe, and insulate if needed according to job specifications
• F-18.02.07 remove excess mud and pump water to assist in directional drilling to avoid disruptions on highways and rivers

Sub-task F-18.03 Installs catch basins and manholes.

Key Competencies

• F-18.03.01 verify and maintain grades of components according to job specifications
• F-18.03.02 install bases such as pre-cast and poured concrete, and compact soil according to job specifications
• F-18.03.03 cut holes in catch basins and manholes to connect pipes using tools such as quick-cut saw and bolt cutters
• F-18.03.04 level and plumb components such as manholes and catch basins to ensure drainage
• F-18.03.05 connect pipe to components using materials such as grout, concrete and rubber seals
• F-18.03.06 place manholes using rigging and hoisting equipment according to site specifications
• F-18.03.07 install and grout shims and grade rings to bring last installed component to final-grade

Sub-task F-18.04 Modifies existing pipe.

Key Competencies

• F-18.04.01 isolate section of pipe using bladders to stop the flow going through pipe
• F-18.04.02 repair defective pipe to test for leaks
• F-18.04.03 replace with upgraded pipe according to new codes or specifications
• F-18.04.04 tap pipes for additional water or sewer lines
• F-18.04.05 insulate, backfill and compact around pipe according to job specifications

Sub-task F-18.05 Assists with testing water and sewer lines.

Key Competencies

• F-18.05.01 select and assist with use of tools and equipment such as cameras, compressors and water taps
• F-18.05.02 isolate sections of pipe using bladders or shut offs for testing
• F-18.05.03 hydrotest water and sewer lines for leaks
• F-18.05.04 monitor gauge readings for drops in pressure

Task 19 Performs pipeline activities.

Context

Working on pipeline construction is a specialty area for construction craft workers. There are more construction craft workers on pipeline construction than any other trade workers.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 environmental considerations such as highways, rivers, farmlands, existing wetlands and wildlife
• K 2 municipal, provincial and federal regulations and jobsite specific rules
• K 3 rigging equipment and methods for pipeline
• K 4 cribbing methods
• K 5 sandblasting and coating methods
• K 6 maintenance techniques
• K 7 required pipeline certifications such as Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST) and Ground Disturbance

Sub-task F-19.01 Constructs right of ways.

Key Competencies

• F-19.01.01 clear brush using tools and equipment such as bush saws and chain saws
• F-19.01.02 set up cleaning station such as bleach, blow and pressure wash stations for prevention of cross-pollination and tracking of mud from movement of equipment
• F-19.01.03 identify hazards such as domestic animals, wildlife, insects and falling trees to maintain safe work environment
• F-19.01.04 minimize disturbance to wildlife and public land including fencing by returning to original state
• F-19.01.05 set up silt fence, filter cloth for water pumps and top soil to minimize environmental damage to waterways
• F-19.01.06 install and interpret clearance markers and signage to prevent damage to power lines when moving heavy equipment

Sub-task F-19.02 Performs pipeline installation.

Key Competencies

• F-19.02.01 stockpile pipes in established area
• F-19.02.02 load pipes on trucks to be unloaded on right of way
• F-19.02.03 place pipe and skids (stringing) in order according to job specifications
• F-19.02.04 measure and mark pipe to ensure location of bends according to engineering specifications
• F-19.02.05 place and remove pipe to assist set-up and bending crew
• F-19.02.06 perform blocking and cribbing to assist welding crew
• F-19.02.07 select and use tools and equipment such as media blasters, jeeping and coating equipment to coat pipe
• F-19.02.08 blast pipe to ensure coating adheres to surface
• F-19.02.09 coat pipe to protect welds
• F-19.02.10 jeep pipe to find imperfections
• F-19.02.11 assist and guide pipe lowering operation

Sub-task F-19.03 Performs pipeline maintenance.

Key Competencies

• F-19.03.01 assist to test pipeline using electronic pipeline pig to determine location and type of defect
• F-19.03.02 assist to locate and expose defective area by hydrovac truck and daylighting
• F-19.03.03 scrap and clean pipe to remove existing coating using scrapers, chippers and sandblasters
• F-19.03.04 assist boom operator to set-up sleeve for welders
• F-19.03.05 blast and coat pipe to protect welded sleeve before backfilling