This is a guide to the activities that competent persons would be expected to be able to perform in order to receive a card from the Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR). This list is not exhaustive and extra modules may be completed as part of the NVQ process:

Water Assistant

The following is a guide to the activities a competent water Assistant would be expected to be able to perform:

• Work as part of a team under the direction of a team leader
• Work as an individual
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly and safely
• Use hand tools in a safe and effective manner
• Use power tools in a safe and effective manner
• Care for and maintain tools and equipment
• Meet work deadlines
• Identify and select materials and components relevant to Network activities
• Handle materials and components using accepted and safe methods and procedures
• Follow instructions for maintaining a clean and secure workplace
• Follow company guidelines and procedures for accident and emergency situations
• Maintain personal cleanliness in accordance with best hygiene practice
• Follow organisational policy on personal behaviour
• Follow organisational requirements for current legislation and official guidance

Mains/ Service Layer

The following is a guide to the activities a competent Water Mains/ Service Layer would be expected to be able to perform:

• Contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of the work environment - The operative should consistently work tidily and efficiently while carrying out their duties, maintaining an orderly work area, tools and equipment, and have the ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues and others.
• Contributing to health and safety in the workplace - The operative should be aware of their responsibility in respect of health and safety practices and procedures. They should be on the look out for hazards, and when identified deal with them as appropriate. They will be expected to have an understanding of emergency procedures and be able to respond.
• Operating powered tools and equipment - The operative should be able to operate powered tools and small plant in a safe and effective manner.
• Preparing and maintaining the site on the public highway - The operative must be capable of establishing and maintaining the work site on the public highway, including signing, lighting and guarding as covered in Unit 2 of the NRSWA.
• Locating and avoiding service apparatus and substructures - The operative must be capable of interpreting utility plans, identifying utility apparatus, locating underground apparatus using cable location equipment, appreciating the effects of damage to the apparatus and working around the apparatus safely as covered in Unit 1 of the NRSWA.
• Excavating holes and trenches in ground and pavement structures - The operative must be capable of cutting/ sawing/ lifting various surfaces, excavating and supporting pits and trenches, supporting other services crossing the excavation and identifying and selecting suitable materials for reuse as covered in Unit 3 of the NRSWA.
• Reinstating excavations and pavement surfaces - The operative must be capable of identifying soils, identifying road construction layers, reinstating excavations and construction layers for the various types of road construction and clearing site as covered in Units 4, 5, 6 and 9 of the NRSWA.
• Installing Water Mains and/ or Services and ancillary structures - The operative must be capable of preparing for and installing either mains or services in a variety of materials and using a variety of jointing techniques all in a satisfactory manner, whilst paying due regard to hygiene best practice, and must also have the necessary skills to construct meter/ stop valve chambers in pre-cast/ pre-formed materials.
• Repairing faults/ damage to Water Mains/Services - the operative should be capable of repairing leaks/ damage to existing water Mains/ Services.

The Mains or Services card is for a 3 year period and is not renewable unless a NCO (Water) Level 2 qualification in Mains or Services is achieved.