Water

Connection of Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems (UHWSS) to the cold water mains has been allowed in the UK since 1989. These systems are radically different to traditional vented installations, particularly in terms of safety devices. The Building Regulations Approved Document G3 states that operatives who work with UHWSS must be competent in the installation and commissioning of such systems.

Who's it for?

If you come into contact with UHWSS as part of your duties you would benefit by holding registration. For example; plumbers; heating and ventilation operatives; gas operatives; electricians; building inspectors; designers/architects; site supervisors and manufacturers’ technical staff.

How to get an ‘UHWSS’ certificate and card

The scheme is split into three categories:

Applicants with a background in plumbing, heating and ventilation and/or gas who wish to install, commission and service UHWSS

Category 2

Applicants with a relevant allied trade background such as electrical who wish to inspect and commission only UHWSS

Category 3

Applicants with no formal relevant trade qualifications or experience, such as; building inspectors; designers/architects; site supervisors and manufacturers’ technical staff but as part of their duties are required to carry out inspections of UHWSS.

Successful completion of assessments in categories 1 and 2 will assist you in satisfying the competence requirements of Building Regulations Approved Document G3. Successful completion of category 3 assessment is for inspection only and does not entitle you to install, commission or service UHWSS.

Renewals and Conversions

UHWSS assessment needs to be undertaken only once to gain registration onto the ConstructionSkills UHWSS scheme.

Why have one?

Being qualified and working with UHWSS you;

• can provide evidence of holding an UHWSS certificate of achievement
• meet the requirements of the Building Regulations Approved Document G3
• can show employers/clients your ConstructionSkills UHWSS card which is a handy way for anyone seeking to clarify your qualifications whilst on-site.

Information for existing UHWSS operatives

It is good practice to keep abreast of new developments within the industry. Training and assessment should be considered especially if there has been an extended period of time since last working on UHWSS.

BES provides a range of publications used by approved ConstructionSkills training centres. These are used as part of training delivery and in some assessments. They can also be used for self-study and workplace reference.

Working to the correct industry standards is vital. Our publications are constantly updated to reflect changes to British Standards, Codes of Practices and industry regulations.

You can download the relevant list of all our available approved centres. This list is updated on a regular basis.