Major Work Activity G – Performs Commissioning, Start-Up and Turnover

Task G‑24 Prepares system for commissioning, start-up and turnover.

Task Descriptor

Steamfitters/Pipefitters must carefully pre-check and isolate the systems as necessary by commissioning and start-up procedures. This is done for protection of the system, the surrounding areas and safety of personnel. They must also select proper commissioning equipment, reference system specifications and procedures, and include any accessories required.

Industry Expected Performance

The task must be performed according to the applicable jurisdictional codes and standards. All health and safety standards must be respected. Work should be done efficiently and at a high quality without material waste or environmental damage. All requirements of the manufacturer, client specifications and the AHJ must be met.

All commissioning activities must be evidenced and documented correctly according to engineering, quality control and client requirements.

At a journeyperson level of performance, tasks are usually done in coordination with supervisors, engineers and quality control personnel.

G-24.01 Flushes system.

Essential Skills

Document Use, Thinking Skills, Reading

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	NV	NV

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
G-24.01.01P	set up pigging devices, launchers and receivers for cleaning of pipe	pigging devices, launchers and receivers are in place
G-24.01.02P	select *recommended medium* to use for flushing piping system and equipment	medium selected is compatible with the piping system
G-24.01.03P	install temporary pipe for delivering flushing medium	temporary pipe is securely fastened to system
G-24.01.04P	follow flushing procedure	procedures are carried out according to engineer’s specifications
G-24.01.05P	drain medium from system	low point drains and high point vents are opened
G-24.01.06P	recover and dispose of flushing medium	disposal procedures meets environmental regulations and guidelines

Range of Variables

recommended medium includes: water, water/glycol mix, methanol, acid flush, compressed gas, steam, oil

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
G-24.01.01K	demonstrate knowledge of system flushing procedures	identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to system flushing
		identify *sources of information* pertaining to system flushing
		identify tools and equipment relating to system flushing and describe their applications and procedures for use
		identify types of *flushing medium* and describe their applications
		describe the *procedures used to perform system flushing*
		identify jurisdictional codes and specifications for chemical treatment and disposal of medium

Range of Variables

sources of information include: specifications, WHMIS information

flushing medium includes: water, water/glycol mix, methanol, acid flush, compressed gas, steam, oil

procedures used to perform system flushing include: checking vents and drains, attaching hoses, filling system

G-24.02 Chemically treats system.

Essential Skills

Document Use, Thinking Skills, Reading

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	NV	NV

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
G-24.02.01P	identify which systems require chemical treatment	system to be treated is identified by owner’s request and project engineer’s specifications
G-24.02.02P	follow *chemical treatment procedures*	*procedures* followed according to chemical engineer guidelines
G-24.02.03P	obtain a sample of the medium that will be chemically treated	sample is bottled and labelled for testing by chemical engineer
G-24.02.04P	install and disconnect temporary pipe to introduce chemical into the piping system	temporary pipe is securely fastened to system
G-24.02.05P	introduce chemicals to system and circulate	appropriate levels of chemicals in system are signed off by chemical engineer
G-24.02.06P	drain medium from system	low point drains and high point vents are opened
G-24.02.07P	recover and dispose of chemical treatment waste fluid	disposal procedures meets environmental regulations and guidelines

Range of Variables

chemical treatment procedures include: cycling, length of time, pressure

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
G-24.02.01K	demonstrate knowledge of chemical treatment procedures	identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to chemical treatment
		identify *sources of information* pertaining to chemical treatment
		identify tools and equipment relating to chemical treatment and describe their applications and procedures for use
		describe the *procedures used to perform chemical treatments*

Range of Variables

sources of information include: specifications, chemical engineer, WHMIS information

procedures used to perform chemical treatments include: checking vents and drains, attaching hoses, filling system

G-24.03 Pre-checks system for commissioning.

Essential Skills

Document Use, Thinking Skills, Numeracy

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	NV	NV

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
G-24.03.01P	identify system to be commissioned according to engineered drawings	documentation indicates system to be commissioned matches engineered drawings and traces piping back to the equipment
G-24.03.02P	select *tools and equipment* for commissioning	*tools and equipment* are appropriate to the commissioning task and situation
G-24.03.03P	perform a visual inspection of system to be commissioned to check for possible *deficiencies*	*deficiencies* that do not conform to P&ID, standard piping practices and specifications are identified
G-24.03.04P	complete pre-check list (punch list) for *conditions*	components are confirmed to be installed in the system
G-24.03.05P	verify *operating parameters*	*operating parameters* are within manufacturers’ specifications for operation and design of the system
G-24.03.06P	determine *method* of filling system	*method* selected is appropriate for the size and type of the system

Range of Variables

tools and equipment used for commissioning include: differential pressure gauges, probes, inline flowmeters, inline filters, temperature indicators

deficiencies to inspect for include: obstructions, leaks, removal of test equipment, improperly installed equipment

conditions to be checked on a pre-check list include: rotation of pumps and fans, support and anchor installation, flow direction of valves, installation and position of vents and drains

operating parameters include: temperature, direction of flow, power, operating pressures, controls, safeties

filling methods include: using hand pumps, centrifugal pumps, air compressor, gravity feed, energizing

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
G-24.03.01K	demonstrate knowledge of system commissioning procedures	identify hazards and describe *safe work practices* pertaining to system commissioning
		identify *sources of information* pertaining to system commissioning
		identify tools and equipment relating to system commissioning and describe their applications and procedures for use
		identify methods for charging systems to operating design pressure
		describe the *procedures* used to perform *pre-checks*
		describe the *procedures used to commission systems*

Range of Variables

safe work practices include: system isolation, lock-out procedures, testing medium

sources of information include: specifications, drawings

pre-check procedures include: system isolation, check of equipment, piping for location and orientation, selection and connection of test equipment, system pressurization, system inspection and correction of leaks, documentation, removal of test equipment

commission procedures include: flushing, chemical treating, start-up and documentation, reinstatement after testing

G-24.04 Selects and connects commissioning equipment.

Essential Skills

Document Use, Thinking Skills, Numeracy

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	NV	NV

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
G-24.04.01P	identify design *operating conditions*	*operating conditions* match reference drawings, system specifications and equipment specifications
G-24.04.02P	select and use *commissioning equipment*	*commissioning equipment* is appropriate for the task and conditions
G-24.04.03P	select and use *tools and equipment* for connection	*tools and equipment* are appropriate for the task and conditions
G-24.04.04P	perform basic check of commissioning equipment	commissioning equipment is operational and calibrated
G-24.04.05P	reinstate *system components* that were removed for system testing	punch list indicates components are reinstated

Range of Variables

operating conditions that must be considered include: temperature, pressure, flow rate

commissioning equipment includes: flow control meters, gauges, thermometers

tools and equipment include: pipe wrenches, combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches

system components include: pressure relief valves, gauges, control valves, thermometers, check valves, filters, probes, strainers

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
G-24.04.01K	demonstrate knowledge of system commissioning procedures	identify hazards and describe *safe work practices* pertaining to system commissioning
		identify *sources of information* pertaining to system commissioning
		identify tools and equipment relating to system commissioning and describe their applications and procedures for use
		identify methods for charging systems to operating design pressure
		describe the procedures used to select and connect commissioning equipment
		describe the *procedures used to commission systems*

Range of Variables

safe work practices include: system isolation, lock‑out procedures, testing medium

sources of information include: specifications, drawings

commission procedures include: flushing, chemical treating, start-up and documentation, reinstatement after testing

Task G‑25 Commissions systems.

Task Descriptor

Commissioning systems involves bringing the piping systems online. This can be done in collaboration with owners’ representatives or AHJ.

Steamfitters/pipefitters must commission a system to normal operational conditions to satisfy necessary codes, regulations and quality control standards. This encompasses making repairs and adjustments along the way and documenting all findings.

Industry Expected Performance

All commissioning activities must be evidenced and documented correctly according to engineering, quality control and client requirements.

At a journeyperson level of performance, tasks are usually done in coordination with supervisors, engineers and quality control personnel.

G-25.01 Secures commissioning area.

Essential Skills

Writing, Oral Communication, Working with Others

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	NV	NV

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
G-25.01.01P	arrange for *approvals* to work in commissioning area	written documentation and permits are valid
G-25.01.02P	*communicate* and coordinate scheduled commissioning with others	other trades are given written documentation of scheduled commissioning
G-25.01.03P	rope off test area and clear area of personnel	area is cleared of unauthorized personnel after a walk-through inspection
G-25.01.04P	remove locks from system being commissioned	lock removal is documented

Range of Variables

approvals to be obtained include: operating permits, AHJ permission

communication includes: written, electronic, radio, cell phones

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
G-25.01.01K	demonstrate knowledge of system commissioning and its associated procedures	identify hazards and describe *safe work practices* pertaining to system commissioning
		identify *sources of information* pertaining to system commissioning
		identify tools and equipment relating to system commissioning and describe their applications and procedures for use

Range of Variables

safe work practices include: system re‑energizing, procedures for removal of lock-outs, safe handling of system medium

sources of information include: specifications, drawings, operating conditions

G-25.02 Pressurizes system.

Essential Skills

Document Use, Thinking Skills, Numeracy

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	NV	NV

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
G-25.02.01P	fill system and vent	drains are closed, air is removed and system is filled to the high point vent
G-25.02.02P	increase pressure in a controlled manner to operating pressure	*pressure measuring devices* show operating pressures are to engineering specifications and jurisdictional requirements

Range of Variables

pressure measuring devices include: pressure transducers, gauges

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
G-25.02.01K	demonstrate knowledge of system commissioning and its associated procedures	identify hazards and describe *safe work practices* pertaining to system commissioning
		identify *sources of information* pertaining to system commissioning
		identify tools and equipment relating to system commissioning and describe their applications and procedures for use
		identify permits and approvals required to perform pressurization
		describe the *procedures used to perform pressurization*

Range of Variables

safe work practices include: system re‑energizing, procedures for removal of lock-outs, safe handling of system medium

sources of information include: specifications, drawings, operating conditions

procedures used to perform pressurization include: filling, venting, increasing pressure in a controlled manner

G-25.03 Inspects system.

Essential Skills

Document Use, Thinking Skills, Writing

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	NV	NV

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
G-25.03.01P	perform visual inspection of system for *faulty conditions*	*faulty conditions* are identified, reported and documented
G-25.03.02P	detect *defects* in system	*defects* are identified, reported and documented
G-25.03.03P	analyze defect in order to recommend repair	required repairs to defects are identified and resolved

Range of Variables

faulty conditions include: leaks, freezing temperatures and overheating, improper pressure

defects include: faulty gaskets, loose packing nuts, missing or loose plugs, faulty valves

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
G-25.03.01K	demonstrate knowledge of system inspection and its associated procedures	identify hazards and describe *safe work practices* pertaining to system inspection
		identify *sources of information* pertaining to system inspection
		identify tools and equipment relating to system inspection and describe their applications and procedures for use
		identify piping and equipment in system being inspected

Range of Variables

safe work practices include: use of PPE (respirator, face shield), barricading, H₂S training

sources of information include: specifications, drawings, operating conditions

G-25.04 Corrects faulty conditions.

Essential Skills

Document Use, Thinking Skills, Numeracy

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	NV	NV

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
G-25.04.01P	lock out system prior to de-pressurizing	locks are placed on system or equipment being worked on according to work permit
G-25.04.02P	depressurize system	vents and drains are opened and pressure instruments read zero
G-25.04.03P	*repair leaks* using *procedures*	leak is repaired
G-25.04.04P	remove and replace faulty *components*	replaced *components* function to specification
G-25.04.05P	repair faulty *joints*	visual inspection of joints indicates that they are repaired

Range of Variables

leak repair procedures include: tightening and torquing flanges, cutting in unions, replacing pipe spools, changing gaskets

components to be replaced include: valves, flanges, gaskets, fittings

joints that can be repaired include: welded, mechanical, fused, threaded

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
G-25.04.01K	demonstrate knowledge of repair and replacement procedures	identify hazards and describe *safe work practices* pertaining to repair
		identify *sources of information* pertaining to repair
		identify tools and equipment relating to repair and describe their applications and procedures for use
		identify piping and equipment in system being repaired
		describe the procedures used to perform repairs

Range of Variables

safe work practices include: acquiring permits, applying lock-outs, using PPE

sources of information include: specifications, drawings, operating conditions

G-25.05 Participates in start-up and turnover procedures.

Essential Skills

Document Use, Oral Communication, Numeracy

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	NV	NV	NV

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
G-25.05.01P	select and use *tools and equipment* for start-up	*tools and equipment* are being used for their intended purpose and according to safe work practices
G-25.05.02P	follow start-up procedure list	equipment operates according to design and functional performance requirements
G-25.05.03P	check equipment/trim function and safety features	equipment and trim operational requirements are identified
G-25.05.04P	demonstrate system operation with the owner’s representative	documentation is completed and signed off by owner representative
G-25.05.05P	balance system by adjusting *components*	*components* meet operational requirements
G-25.05.06P	perform final *maintenance* of components at start-up	components are maintained for optimal operation of equipment
G-25.05.07P	remove *commissioning equipment*	commissioning equipment is removed without damage, leakage or spillage
G-25.05.08P	remove signage and barricades	signage and barricades are removed when work location is safe to access
G-25.05.09P	place and review valve identification tags	valve tag list is completed and tags hung on valves at correct locations
G-25.05.10P	apply pipe markings to identify flow and medium	pipe markings accurately indicate flow and medium

Range of Variables

tools and equipment used for start-up include: balancing equipment, laptops, radios, analysers

components include: flow control devices, pressure reducing valves, regulators, flow switches, level switches

maintenance includes: cleaning strainers, changing filters

commissioning equipment includes: balancing instruments, analysers

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
G-25.05.01K	demonstrate knowledge of start-up procedures	identify hazards and describe *safe work practices* pertaining to start-up
		identify *sources of information* pertaining to start-up
		identify tools and equipment relating to start-up and describe their applications and procedures for use
		identify piping and equipment in system being started up
		describe the *procedures* used to perform start-up

Range of Variables

safe work practices include: acquiring permits, removing lock-outs, using PPE

sources of information include: manufacturers’ recommendations, specifications, drawings, operating conditions

procedures for start-up include: organizing inspection date, notifying client, checking connections, verifying parameters, performing operational tests, making final adjustments

Date modified:: 2016-03-11