Safe Control Mains Connections

Self-Lay Providers (SLPs) lay mains for new services on new development sites – ‘contestable’ works – and this scheme provides all the individuals involved in making mains connections, the knowledge and understanding 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 the individuals involved with the connection will hold EUSR registrations for National Water Hygiene, Utility SHEA (Water) and Level 2 Network Construction Operations (Water) where specified.

The standard for this scheme was developed in collaboration with Water Companies, Self-Lay Providers and Lloyds Register. The scheme is delivered and assessed by Energy & Utility Skills Approved Providers through their approved SCMC (Water) training programme. Training and assessment against the standard gains an individual a registration on EUSR.

The scheme falls under the scope of the Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) – operated by Lloyd’s Register.

After successfully completing an approved SCMC (Water) training programme and assessment, individuals will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of:

• The scope of the connections that can be made
• The various roles that are involved in the process; the accreditations needed for the various roles and the relationship between the roles
• The role of the regulators in the process
• What applications need to be made to plan the job
• The content of the Work package
• The specific details of the job including the different connection types
• The considerations needed when carrying out the role
• What to do if something goes wrong
• What information needs to be provided to the Water Company once the connection has been made
• How to complete relevant paperwork at the appropriate time within the process
• How and when to liaise with other relevant individuals in the process