Safe Control of Mains Connections (SCMC)

Who Should Attend

A recent OFWAT consultation took place to look at Self Lay Organisations (SLOs) making the final connection from their newly laid on-site mains and services to the existing Water Network. Up until this point this work was classed as non-contestable. From April 2010 it has become contestable work with water companies specifying the procedures and a scope being added to the Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) operated by Lloyd’s Register.  Water Companies want to make sure that the SLOs have a competent workforce before allowing them to connect to the network.

Prerequisites

When registration is requested for SCMC (W): Competent Person the individual must hold valid registrations for:

• National Water Hygiene
• Utility SHEA (Water)
• Network Construction Operations – Mainlayer (Water) in an appropriate category

• Senior Competent Person must hold valid registrations for:
  • National Water Hygiene
  • Utility SHEA (Water)

Aims

SLO workforce will need to briefed and assessed against a set standard. They will be expected to follow the processes, use the paperwork, understand the implications of not following the processes and understand and follow the procedures to deal with problems. The scheme is designed to brief all of the individuals involved in making mains connections of both their own roles and responsibilities, and those of others, when carrying out work.  It does not provide the skills required to carry out the connection and it would be expected that individuals involved would hold the necessary registrations such as National Water Hygiene, Utility SHEA (Water) and Network Construction Operations Mainlayer(Water) where appropriate.

Objectives

Apply for the industry recognised Energy and Environment Award Registration Scheme card.  The aim of the card schemes is to keep a record of supervisors and operatives who have achieved a recognised level of competence and to provide a means of identification.  The participants will be able to:

• List the scope of the connections that can be made
• Define the various roles that are involved in the process
• Describe the relationship between the roles
• Describe the role of the regulator within the process
• Know what accreditations are needed for the various roles
• Identify what applications need to be made to plan the job
• Identify the content of the work package
• Differentiate between the specific details of the job including the different connection types
• The ability to be aware of the considerations needed when carrying out the role.
• Demonstrate awareness of contingency plans and responsibilities if something goes wrong

How do I get an Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR) card?

There is a two stage registration process for Safe Control of Mains Connections (Water).

Registration is based upon the successful completion of an appropriate training course and the associated assessment. Once the necessary paperwork has been received then the appropriate SCMC (Water) registration card will be issued.

A job role must be specified by an authorised signatory of the Water Company or Self Lay Organisation (SLO).

Training is delivered through Recognised Learning Program.

Duration

½ Day