What training is necessary for operatives to assemble PE pipe networks?
All operatives making use of butt fusion and electrofusion jointing systems for PE pipes and fittings should have undergone a training course and, upon passing an exam, be certified as an approved operator and issued with an operator’s badge. In general such training courses and their assessment should comply with the requirements of ISO/TR 19480:2005.
The badge must conform with ISO 12176-3:2001 and in most countries the badge has a validation period of 1 to 2 years after which it must be renewed by repeating the examination or undertaking a shorter refresher course.
A typical badge is shown below. Every fusion operator must carry his badge at all times when undertaking fusion work.
In Europe there are several training procedures and codes of practice concerning the training and certification of operators. These include:
|
Country |
Procedure |
|
Austria |
ÖVGW W 106: Training and examination of
Plastic Tube Fitters – Water ÖVGW G 0322: Training and examination of
Plastic Tube Fitters – Gas |
|
Norway |
NS
416-2: Operators for welding of PE and PP for pipes and fittings - Part 2:
Training schedule |
|
Netherlands |
Welding certificate according to requirement
of NEN 7200 |
|
UK |
Courses
must comply with ISO/TR 19480:2005 |
|
Germany |
PE-HD welder according to DVGW
worksheet GW 330 Welding supervision according to DVGW worksheet
GW 331 |
|
Italy |
UNI
9737:2021: Qualification of plastic welders: welders of PE and/or PP
components, for the conveyance of combustible gases, water and/or other
fluids under pressure, who use contact thermal element and electrofusion
processes |
|
Spain |
Qualification process for welders
according to EN 13067:2021 |
References
ISO 12176-3:2001 Plastics pipes and fittings - Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylene systems - Part 3: Operator's badge
ISO/TR
19480:2005 Polyethylene pipes and
fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels or water - Training and assessment of
fusion operators
Members of the Association
