Main Layer

Overview

Main Layers are registered in one of three pipe size bands based on the job role that they carry out and the training and assessment that they have received. The pipe size category is selected at the point of registration and should be based on the portfolio of evidence that has been produced for the qualification.

The following registration categories are available within Main Layer:

Mains Layer Up to 180mm
Mains Layer Up to 315mm
Mains Layer 315mm and above (includes pipe sizes below 315mm)

Registration as Main Layer is intended for those individuals who are able to undertake the following activities:

Contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of the work environment – the individual 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 individual should be aware of their responsibility in respect of health and safety practices and procedures. They should be on the lookout 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 individual 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 individual 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 individual 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 individual 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 individual 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 ancillary structures – the individual 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 – the individual should be capable of repairing leaks/damage to existing water mains.

As well as the pre-requisite National Water Hygiene and Safety, Health & Environmental Awareness (SHEA) Water, an individual working in the public highway, carrying out Main Laying operations, would be expected to also hold NRSWA modules 1-6 and 9.

Evidence Requirements

The following evidence must be submitted (Note: please do not send in original certificates):

Certificate for qualification Level 2 Diploma in Network Construction Operations (Water) Mains Layer

Including the following units:

Mains Layer up to 180mm

Self-Lay pathway:

201 Create an efficient and effective environment in Utilities Network Construction
203 Establish and maintain effective and working relationships in utilities network construction
205 Install equipment for safe working on sites for utilities network construction
206 Locate and avoid supply apparatus for utilities network construction
207 Excavate and maintain holes and trenches for utilities network construction
209 Operate powered tools and equipment for routine and predictable requirements on utilities network construction
210 Join materials by electrofusion processes on utilities network construction
211 Joint materials by butt fusion processes on Utilities Network Construction, up to 180mm diameter
220 Maintain a safe and secure working environment on Water Network Construction
223 Join materials by mechanical means on Water Network Construction
225 Install water mains up to 150mm nominal bore or 180mm polyethylene

Mains Layer up to 180mm

Distribution pathway:

201 Create an efficient and effective environment in Utilities Network Construction
203 Establish and maintain effective and working relationships in utilities network construction
204 Install equipment for safe working on the highway for utilities network construction
205 Install equipment for safe working on sites for utilities network construction
206 Locate and avoid supply apparatus for utilities network construction
207 Excavate and maintain holes and trenches for utilities network construction
209 Operate powered tools and equipment for routine and predictable requirements on utilities network construction
210 Join materials by electrofusion processes on utilities network construction
211 Joint materials by butt fusion processes on Utilities Network Construction, up to 180mm diameter
220 Maintain a safe and secure working environment on Water Network Construction
223 Join materials by mechanical means on Water Network Construction
225 Install water mains up to 150mm nominal bore or 180mm polyethylene

Mains Layer up to 180mm

Repair & Maintenance pathway*:

201 Create an efficient and effective environment in Utilities Network Construction
203 Establish and maintain effective and working relationships in utilities network construction
204 Install equipment for safe working on the highway for utilities network construction
205 Install equipment for safe working on sites for utilities network construction
206 Locate and avoid supply apparatus for utilities network construction
207 Excavate and maintain holes and trenches for utilities network construction
209 Operate powered tools and equipment for routine and predictable requirements on utilities network construction
210 Join materials by electrofusion processes on utilities network construction
211 Joint materials by butt fusion processes on Utilities Network Construction, up to 180mm diameter
220 Maintain a safe and secure working environment on Water Network Construction
223 Join materials by mechanical means on Water Network Construction
224 Install water services up to 50mm nominal bore or 63mm polyethlene
225 Install water mains up to 150mm nominal bore or 180mm polyethylene
229 Restore water components to operational condition by repair

Mains Layer up to 315mm

Must include units listed above for the relevant pathway plus:

222 Joint materials by butt fusion processes between 180mm and 315mm for utilities network construction
226 Install water mains from 150mm – 300mm nominal bore or 180mm – 315 polyethylene

Mains Layer 315mm and above

Must include all units listed above for the relevant pathway plus:

221 Joint materials by butt fusion processes above 315mm for utilities network construction
227 Install water mains above 300mm nominal bore or 315mm polyethylene

*Completion of the Repair & Maintenance pathway for Mains Layer covers the requirements for Service Layer Repair & Maintenance pathway. Registration can be obtained for both categories for this pathway.

Find Out More

If you would like to get trained in this scheme, please see our schemes search. If you are a trainer and would like to deliver this scheme, please see our guidance in the Approval and Delivery section.

If you have any queries relating to EUSR or the evidence requirements for any of our schemes or programmes, please contact the EUSR Support team. We are available Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 5.00pm via email eusr@euskills.co.uk or tel: 0845 077 99 22.