Water Regulations (England and Wales) and Water Byelaws (Scotland and NI)

Course update to changes applied by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme – Approved Contractor Training and Assessment.

Water Regulations & Byelaws

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009

Water Regulations and Byelaws in the UK have been a fact of life for as long as most of us can remember. Although the four nations of the UK have different legislation covering this important area of public health, the industry works closely on the training requirements for Approved Contractors. As a result, it has agreed a common training (see Learning Outcomes) and assessment strategy for those wishing to apply for Approved Contractor status.

With this in mind, BPEC has updated its material to cover all the learning Outcomes (LO) while including all nations within the training material of manual and PowerPoint presentations.

The content of each module (LO) within the training manual is as follows: 

•       Introductory module: Introduction, background and legislation

•       Module 1 (LO1): Understand the requirements of Part 1 of the Regulations/Byelaws Materials and substances in contact with water.

•       Module 2 (LO2): Understand the requirements of Part 2 of the Regulations/Byelaws

•       Module 3 (LO3): Understand the requirements of Part 3 of the Regulations/Byelaws

•       Module 4 (LO4): Understand the fluid categories as set out in Schedule 1 of the Regulations/Byelaws

•       Module 5 (LO5): Understand terminology used to understand requirements of Schedule 2 of the Regulations/Byelaws (schedule 2, paragraph 1)

•       Module 6 (LO6): Understand the requirements for materials and substances in contact with wholesome water (schedule 2 paragraph 2)

•       Module 7 (LO7): Understand the requirements for water fittings (schedule 2, paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6 &

•       Module 8 (LO8): Know the design and installation requirements for water systems (Schedule 2, paragraphs 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)

•       Module 9 (LO9): Understand the requirements for the prevention of cross connection to unwholesome water (Schedule 2, paragraph 14)

•       Module 10 (LO10): Understand the requirements for backflow prevention (schedule 2, paragraph 15)

•       Module 11 (LO11): Understand the requirements for cold water services (Schedule 2, paragraph 16)

•       Module 12 (LO12): Know the requirements for hot water services (Schedule 2, paragraphs 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24)

•       Module 13 (LO13): Know the installation requirements for WC’s, flushing devices and urinals approved for use (Schedule 2, paragraph 25)

•       Module 14 (LO14): Know the types of bath, sink, showers and taps and their location and installation Requirements (Schedule 2, paragraphs 26, 27 & 28)

•       Module 15 (LO15): Know the consumption limitations for washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances (Schedule 2, paragraph 29)

•       Module 16 (LO16): Know the requirements for water supplied for outside use (Schedule 2 paragraph 12)

•       Module 17 (LO17): Understand the requirements for hygienic working practices

•       Module 18 (LO18): Understand other legislation surrounding the installation of supply pipes.

•       Module 19 (LO19): Learning Outcome 19. Understand how to become an Approved Contractor

Admin changes:

•       Candidate Application and Result Form – Water Regulations and Byelaws

•       Open Book Assessment Versions 1, 2 and 3

•       Open Book Assessment Rationale Versions 1, 2 and 3

•       Open Book Assessment Mark Sheet (overlay) Versions 1, 2 and 3

•       Learner Answer Sheet Version

•       New Centre Guidance

Assessment changes:

All version 1,2 and 3 are Open Book, of which the candidates have to complete only one version. They can do this with the aid of their training manual and course notes. The three assessments contain 52 questions, which are multiple choice questions. Each multiple choice question has options, of which one is correct.

The time allocation and pass rate is as follows: 

         Open Book Assessment 104 mins /1hr 44mins.     Pass mark 42 / 80% 

Each question answered correctly is worth 1 mark with the pass mark 42/80%. Candidates achieving less than 37/70% marks on the first attempt are deemed to have failed the assessment and are not allowed a second attempt (see note regarding failing the assessment below)

Candidates achieving less than 42/80% marks but 37/70% or more marks on the first attempt are allowed a second attempt.

        o Second attempts should be completed on a separate answer sheet with the questions       answered incorrectly on the first attempt highlighted. The candidate should only answer those questions highlighted and allowed 2 minutes per question to complete.

        o If the candidate scores 42/80% or more marks combining the first and second attempt marks, then they are deemed to have passed

        o If the candidate scores less than 42/80% marks when the first and second attempt marks are combined, then they are deemed to have failed the assessment

PowerPoint changes:

These are now individual PowerPoints for each learning outcome with only one version. All material is available on the BPEC secure login area for downloading

For more information contact services@bpec.org.uk