Major Work Activity H – Installs, Tests And Services Specialized Plumbing Systems

Task H-22 Installs, tests and services specialized systems

Task Descriptor

There are a number of specialized systems that, depending on the provincial jurisdictional regulations, may be worked on in the plumbing trade. Additional certification may be required in some jurisdictions to allow plumbers to work on these systems.

Natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petroleum products are specialized piping installations. Plumbers install the piping from point of supply to the appliance isolation valve.

Plumbers install specialized piping and related equipment to provide medical gases in institutions such as hospitals, dental offices and clinics.

Residential irrigation systems provide water to lawns, gardens and flowerbeds. Commercial applications may include high volume installations for large areas such as farms, municipal parks and other public green spaces.

Ground source loops are essential components of a ground source heat pump system (geothermal). De‑superheaters are components of the heat pump, used to provide heat supplementation to the domestic hot water supply.

Radon mitigation to systems are installed by plumbers to prevent the entry of harmful radon gas into buildings.

Solar thermal systems are used to transfer heat for potable water and space heating supplementation as well as pool heating. Industrial installations also apply and may include low and high temperature applications.

Drain pipe heat recovery systems reclaim otherwise lost heat content from drains such as shower, sink and lavatory drains.

Compressed air systems provide filtered and dry compressed air for a variety of purposes.

Non-potable water systems would include green initiative items like grey water reuse and rainwater harvesting applications for irrigation and firefighting purposes. Plumbers would install collection and distribution piping and equipment for these systems. For the purpose of this standard, service includes troubleshooting, diagnosing, maintenance and repair.

Additional certification may be required in some jurisdictions to allow plumbers to install, test and service these systems.

H-22.01 Installs piping for specialized systems

Essential Skills

Reading, Document Use, Numeracy

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Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

H-22.01.01P

confirm materials required to install piping

materials required to install piping are confirmed according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.01.02P

confirm routing

routing is confirmed according to specifications, site conditions and equipment location

H-22.01.03P

lay out and assemble pipe

pipe is laid out and assembled according to codes, AHJ, specifications, site conditions and equipment location

H-22.01.04P

select and use tools and equipment

tools and equipment are selected and used according to applications

H-22.01.05P

plumb and level or grade pipe

pipe is plumb and level or graded according to codes and AHJ

H-22.01.06P

install approved piping components

approved piping components are installed according to codes, AHJ and specifications

Range of Variables

codes include: NPC, CSA B149, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications and shop drawings

tools and equipment include: threading equipment, cutters, soldering and brazing equipment, flaring tools

piping components include: drip leg, swing joints, flexible connectors

Knowledge

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

H-22.01.01L

demonstrate knowledge of piping for specialized systems, their applications and operation

identify types of piping for specialized systems and describe their properties, characteristics and applications

interpret information pertaining to specialized systems found in specifications

interpret codes and regulations pertaining to piping for specialized systems

H-22.01.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to install piping for specialized systems

identify the factors to consider for determining pipe sizing in specialized systems

identify tools and equipment for installing piping of specialized systems and describe their applications and procedures for use

describe the procedures used to install piping for specialized systems

Range of Variables

specialized systems include: compressed air, natural gas, propane, inert gas, medical gas, utility, process, radon

properties and characteristics include: physical characteristics, composition, toxicity, heating value, certification requirements

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications and shop drawings

tools and equipment include: threading equipment, cutters, soldering and brazing equipment, flaring tools

codes include: NPC, CSA B149, ASME

H-22.02 Installs equipment and components for specialized systems

Essential Skills

Document Use, Reading, Thinking

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yes

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yes

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Skills

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

H-22.02.01P

confirm materials required to install equipment and components

materials required to install equipment and components are confirmed according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.02.02P

confirm location and installation sequence of equipment and components

location and installation sequence of equipment and components are confirmed according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.02.03P

select and use tools and equipment

tools and equipment are selected and used according to applications

H-22.02.04P

place and secure equipment and components

equipment and components are placed and secured according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.02.05P

install materials to compensate for movement and vibration

equipment and components do not move or vibrate

H-22.02.06P

verify type of liquid or gas and supply pressure/vacuum

type of liquid or gas being used is verified and pressure/vacuum is supplied according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.02.07P

connect piping to equipment and components

equipment and components are connected to piping according to codes, AHJ and specifications

Range of Variables

equipment and components include: tanks, pumps, valve boxes, zone valves, sprinkler heads, pressure gauges, backflow preventers, neutralizers, interceptors

codes include: NPC, CSA B149, ASME

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings, standards

tools and equipment include: wrenches, chain-falls, cutting equipment, come-alongs

materials include: housekeeping pads, spring isolators, flexible connections, anchor points, expansion joints

Knowledge

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

H-22.02.01L

demonstrate knowledge of equipment and components for specialized systems and their applications and operation

define terminology associated with equipment and components for specialized systems

identify equipment and components of specialized systems and describe their purpose and operation

identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to equipment and components of specialized systems

identify handling, storage and transportation of equipment and components for specialized systems

interpret codes and regulations pertaining to equipment and components of specialized systems

interpret information found in specifications for equipment and components of specialized systems

H-22.02.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to install equipment and components of specialized systems

identify tools and equipment used to install equipment and components of specialized systems and describe their applications and procedures for use

describe the procedures used to install equipment and components of specialized systems

Range of Variables

equipment and components include: tanks, pumps, valve boxes, zone valves, sprinkler heads, pressure gauges, backflow preventers

specialized systems include: compressed air, natural gas, propane, inert gas, medical gas, utility, process, radon

codes include: NPC, CSA B149, ASME

tools and equipment include: wrenches, chain-falls, cutting equipment, come-alongs

H-22.03 Tests specialized systems

Essential Skills

Document Use, Thinking, Writing, Reading

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yes

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Skills

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

H-22.03.01P

use testing equipment

testing equipment is used to detect faults and to confirm operation

H-22.03.02P

perform sensory inspection

sensory inspection is performed to detect specialized system problems

H-22.03.03P

perform tests according to specialized system

tests are performed according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.03.04P

verify integrity of piping, equipment and components of specialized systems

integrity of piping, equipment and components is tested according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.03.05P

isolate piping, equipment and components not required in advance of test to prevent damage

sensitive equipment and components are isolated

H-22.03.06P

record test results upon completion

test results are verified and recorded based on codes, AHJ and specifications

Range of Variables

testing equipment includes: inflatable test balls, test plugs, mandrels, compressors, hydrostatic pumps

faults include: cracks, corrosion, inadequate flow, poor workmanship

sensory inspection includes: audio, visual, smell, touch

specialized systems include: compressed air, natural gas, propane, inert gas, medical gas, utility, process, radon

tests include: hydrostatic, smoke, dye testing, nitrogen, air testing, pin index safety system, disc index safety system

codes include: NPC, CSA B149, ASME

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings, standards

equipment and components include: tanks, pumps, valve boxes, zone valves, sprinkler heads, pressure gauges, backflow preventers, compressors, vacuum pumps

isolation includes: tag-out/lock-out, valves in closed position, caps, plugs, blanks

Knowledge

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

H-22.03.01L

demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to test specialized systems

identify testing equipment for each specialized system and describe their applications and procedures for use

identify potential problems and faults with each specialized system

describe the procedures used to test each specialized system

identify codes and regulations pertaining to specialized system

Range of Variables

testing equipment includes: inflatable test balls, test plugs, mandrels, compressors, hydrostatic pumps

specialized systems include: compressed air, natural gas, propane, inert gas, medical gas, utility, process, radon

codes include: NPC, CSA B149, ASME

H-22.04 Services specialized systems

Essential Skills

Thinking, Document Use, Working with Others

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PE

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QC

ON

MB

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AB

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YT

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yes

yes

yes

yes

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yes

yes

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yes

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Skills

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

H-22.04.01P

interpret client’s information

client’s information is interpreted to assist in the diagnostic process

H-22.04.02P

inspect piping, equipment, components and the operation of specialized system

piping, equipment, components and the operation of specialized systems is inspected to determine conditions requiring service

H-22.04.03P

clean, lubricate, repair or replace equipment and components

equipment and components are cleaned, lubricated, repaired or replaced according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.04.04P

calibrate equipment and components

equipment and components are calibrated according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.04.05P

check and adjust levels and conditions of media

levels and conditions of media are adjusted according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.04.06P

check and adjust pressures

pressures are checked and adjusted according to codes, AHJ and specifications to maintain system performance

H-22.04.07P

complete service and maintenance records

service and maintenance records are completed according to company policy, codes, AHJ and specifications to indicate status of current system and follow-up actions required

H-22.04.08P

verify operation of safety devices

operation of safety devices is verified according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.04.09P

select and use tools and equipment

tools and equipment are selected and used according to applications

H-22.04.10P

perform scheduled maintenance of system

maintenance of system is performed according to schedule and codes, AHJ and specifications

H-22.04.11P

isolate system and notify building occupants

system is isolated according to the application codes, AHJ and specifications and building occupants are notified

H-22.04.12P

return system to service and verify correct system operation

system is returned to service and operation is verified

Range of Variables

specialized systems include: compressed air, natural gas, propane, inert gas, medical gas, utility, process, radon

conditions requiring service includes: wear, noise, leaks, corrosion, failure

equipment and components include: tanks, pumps, valve boxes, zone valves, sprinkler heads, pressure gauges, backflow preventers

codes include: NPC, CSA B149, ASME

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings

media includes: glycol, medical gas, natural gas

Knowledge

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

H-22.04.01L

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to service specialized systems

identify tools and equipment used to service specialized systems and describe their applications and procedures for use

describe the procedures used to service specialized systems and their equipment and components

identify codes and regulations pertaining to servicing specialized system

Range of Variables

specialized systems include: compressed air, natural gas, propane, inert gas, medical gas, utility, process, radon

equipment and components include: tanks, pumps, valve boxes, zone valves, sprinkler heads, pressure gauges, backflow preventers

codes include: NPC, CSA B149, ASME

Task H-23 Installs, tests and services process piping systems

Task Descriptor

Process piping allows for a wide variety of applications. These piping systems may convey materials or fluids for applications such as manufacturing or treatment processes. These systems are installed in locations ranging from small businesses to large factories. For the purpose of this standard, service includes troubleshooting, diagnosing, maintenance and repairs.

H-23.01 Installs piping for process piping systems

Essential Skills

Reading, Document Use, 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

H-23.01.01P

confirm materials required to install piping

materials required to install piping are confirmed according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.01.02P

confirm routing

routing is confirmed according to codes, AHJ, specifications, site conditions and equipment location

H-23.01.03P

lay out and assemble pipe

pipe is laid out and assembled according to codes, AHJ and specifications, site conditions and equipment location

H-23.01.04P

select and use tools and equipment

tools and equipment are selected and used according to applications

H-23.01.05P

plumb and level or grade pipe

pipe is plumb and level or graded according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.01.06P

install, label and identify approved piping components

approved piping components are installed, labelled and identified according to codes, AHJ and specifications

Range of Variables

codes include: NPC, CSA, Canadian Food and Drugs Act (CFDA), ASME

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings, standards

piping components include: flexible connectors, vibration isolators, expansion joints

tools and equipment include: threading equipment, cutters, torches, grooving equipment, flaring tools, welding equipment

Knowledge

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

H-23.01.01L

demonstrate knowledge of process piping systems, their applications and operation

identify types of process piping systems and describe their properties, characteristics and applications

interpret information pertaining to process piping systems found in specifications

interpret codes and regulations pertaining to piping for process piping systems

H-23.01.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to install piping for process piping systems

identify tools and equipment relating to process piping systems and describe their applications and procedures for use

describe the procedures used to install piping for process piping systems

describe the procedures used to protect piping for process piping systems

Range of Variables

types of process piping systems include: food processing (food grade, non-food grade), reverse-osmosis, high purity water, water treatment plant, waste water treatment plant, non-potable water (reclaim)

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings, standards

codes include: NPC, CSA, CFDA, ASME

tools and equipment include: threading equipment, cutters, torches, grooving equipment, flaring tools, welding equipment

procedures used to protect include: installing guards, installing anchor points, installing expansion joints

H-23.02 Installs equipment and components for process piping systems

Essential Skills

Document Use, Reading, Thinking

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yes

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yes

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Skills

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

H-23.02.01P

confirm materials required to install equipment and components

materials required to install equipment and components are confirmed according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.02.02P

confirm location and installation sequence of equipment and components

location and installation sequence of equipment and components are confirmed according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.02.03P

select and use tools and equipment

tools and equipment are selected and used according to applications

H-23.02.04P

place and secure equipment and components

equipment and components are placed according to codes, AHJ and specifications and are secured

H-23.02.05P

install materials to compensate for movement and vibration

equipment and components do not move or vibrate

H-23.02.06P

connect piping to equipment and components

equipment and components are connected to piping according to codes, AHJ and specifications

Range of Variables

equipment and components include: tanks, pumps, specialty valves, valve boxes, zone valves, pressure gauges, backflow preventers

codes include: NPC, CSA, CFDA, ASME

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings, standards

tools and equipment include: threading equipment, cutters, torches, grooving equipment, flaring tools, welding equipment

materials include: housekeeping pads, spring isolators, flexible connections

Knowledge

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

H-23.02.01L

demonstrate knowledge of types of process piping systems, equipment and components and their applications and operation

define terminology associated with process piping equipment and components

identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to process piping equipment and components

identify proper handling, storage and transportation of process piping equipment and components

interpret codes, specifications and regulations pertaining to process piping equipment and components

interpret information found in specifications for process piping equipment and components

identify process piping equipment and components and describe their purpose and operation

H-23.02.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to install process piping equipment and components

identify tools and equipment relating to process piping equipment and components and describe their applications and procedures for use

describe the procedures used to install process piping equipment and components

Range of Variables

types of process piping systems include: food processing (food grade, non-food grade), reverse-osmosis, high purity water, water treatment plant, waste water treatment plant, non-potable water (reclaim)

equipment and components include: tanks, pumps, valve boxes, zone valves, sprinkler heads, pressure gauges and backflow preventers

codes include: NPC, CSA, CFDA, ASME

tools and equipment include: threading equipment, cutters, torches, grooving equipment, flaring tools, welding equipment

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings, standards

H-23.03 Tests process piping systems

Essential Skills

Document Use, Writing, Thinking

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

H-23.03.01P

use testing equipment

testing equipment is used to detect faults and to confirm operation

H-23.03.02P

perform sensory inspection

sensory inspection is performed to detect problems

H-23.03.03P

perform tests

tests are performed according to the codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.03.04P

verify integrity of piping, equipment and components

integrity of piping, equipment and components is tested according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.03.05P

isolate piping, equipment and components not required in advance of test to prevent damage

sensitive equipment and components are isolated

H-23.03.06P

record test results upon completion

test results are verified and recorded based on codes, AHJ and specifications

Range of Variables

testing equipment includes: inflatable test balls, test plugs, compressors

faults include: cracks, corrosion, inadequate flow, poor workmanship

sensory inspection includes: audio, visual, smell, touch

tests include: hydrostatic, smoke, bending test, dye testing, nitrogen and air testing

codes include: NPC, CSA, CFDA, ASME

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings, standards

isolation include: tag-out/lock-out, valves in closed position, caps, plugs, blanks

Knowledge

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

H-23.03.01L

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to test process piping systems

identify testing equipment relating to process piping systems and describe their application

identify potential problems and faults with each process piping system

describe the procedures used to test and troubleshoot process piping systems

identify codes, specifications and regulations pertaining to process piping systems

Range of Variables

process piping systems include: food processing (food grade, non-food grade), reverse-osmosis, high purity water, water treatment plant, waste water treatment plant, non-potable water (reclaim)

testing equipment includes: inflatable test balls, test plugs, compressors

codes include: NPC, CSA, CFDA, ASME

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings, standards

H-23.04 Services process piping systems

Essential Skills

Thinking, Document Use, 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

H-23.04.01P

interpret client’s information

client’s information is interpreted to assist in the diagnostic process

H-23.04.02P

inspect piping, equipment, components and the operation of process piping systems

piping, equipment, components and the operation of process piping systems is inspected to determine conditions requiring service

H-23.04.03P

clean, lubricate, repair or replace equipment and components

equipment and components are cleaned, lubricated repaired or replaced according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.04.04P

adjust equipment and components

equipment and components are adjusted according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.04.05P

check and adjust levels and conditions of media

levels and conditions of media are adjusted according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.04.06P

check and adjust pressures

pressures are checked and adjusted according to codes, AHJ and specifications to maintain system performance

H-23.04.07P

complete service and maintenance records

service and maintenance records are completed according to company policy, codes, AHJ and specifications to indicate status of current system and follow-up actions required

H-23.04.08P

verify operation of safety devices

operation of safety devices is verified according to codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.04.09P

select and use tools and equipment

tools and equipment are selected and used according to applications

H-23.04.10P

perform scheduled maintenance of system

maintenance of system is performed according to schedule and codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.04.11P

notify building occupants and isolate system

building occupants are notified and system is isolated according to the application codes, AHJ and specifications

H-23.04.12P

return system to service and verify correct system operation

system is returned to service and correct system operation is verified

Range of Variables

process piping systems include: food processing (food grade, non-food grade), reverse-osmosis, high purity water, water treatment plant, waste water treatment plant, non-potable water (reclaim)

conditions requiring service includes: wear, noise, leaks, corrosion, failure

codes include: NPC, CSA, CFDA, ASME

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings, standards

equipment and components include: tanks, pumps, valve boxes, zone valves, specialty valves, pressure gauges, backflow preventers

media includes: glycol, pulp, chemicals, food and beverage

tools and equipment include: threading equipment, cutters, torches, grooving equipment, flaring tools, welding equipment

Knowledge

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

H-23.04.01L

demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to service process piping systems,

identify tools and equipment used to service process piping systems and describe their applications and procedures for use

describe the procedures used to service process piping systems and their equipment and components

identify codes, specifications and regulations pertaining to servicing process piping systems

Range of Variables

tools and equipment include: threading equipment, cutters, torches, grooving equipment, flaring tools, welding equipment

equipment and components include: tanks, pumps, valve boxes, zone valves, specialty valves, pressure gauges, backflow preventers

codes include: NPC, CSA, CFDA, ASME

specifications include: engineered drawings, manufacturers’ requirements, system requirements, job specifications, shop drawings, standards

process piping systems include: food processing (food grade, non-food grade), reverse-osmosis, high purity water, water treatment plant, waste water treatment plant, non-potable water (reclaim)

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