UTL/Water/TBT-UTL-024
Water Service Connection Safety
Utilities & Network Infrastructure › Water › Water Service Connection Safety
Toolbox Talk
Water Service Connection Safety
Making a water service connection involves tapping into a live water main under pressure and connecting the new service pipe to the supply network. The work is carried out in excavations near other buried services and involves pressurised systems that can release water with significant force. This talk covers the hazards and the safe working procedures for water service connections on site.
Key Hazards
Uncontrolled water release from the main during tapping under pressure
Striking adjacent buried services such as gas or electricity during excavation
Flooding of the excavation creating drowning and instability hazards
Contamination of the water supply due to poor hygiene or incorrect procedures
Control Measures
- Ensure the operative making the connection is trained and approved by the water company.
- Carry out a CAT and Genny survey to locate all nearby buried services before excavation.
- Use the correct tapping equipment rated for the main pressure and pipe material.
- Support the excavation walls to prevent collapse during the connection operation.
- Have a valve key and isolation plan ready in case of uncontrolled water release from the main.
- Maintain strict hygiene standards to prevent contamination of the potable water supply.
- Flush and disinfect the new service pipe before making the final connection to the main.
- Backfill and reinstate the excavation promptly after the connection is completed and tested.
- Record the connection details including location, depth, and pipe size on the as-built drawings.
Remember
- Only operatives trained and approved by the water company may make live service connections
- Locate all nearby buried services with a CAT and Genny survey before excavating
- Use tapping equipment rated for the actual main pressure and pipe material in use
- Have a valve key and isolation plan ready in case of uncontrolled water release
- Maintain strict hygiene to prevent contamination of the potable water supply throughout
- Flush and disinfect the new service pipe before making the final connection to the main
Applicable Legislation: Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 · CDM Regulations 2015 · HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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