Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating
Unit 010 No 1
Introduction to sanitation
Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:
Explain why sanitation is essential Identify the relevant Building Regulations in the UK and Northern Ireland Describe the purpose of the British Standards Explain the role of a Building Control Officer
Cholera
The main reason for the outbreak of Cholera in London in 1854 London was down to awful sanitary systems. Imagine drinking water from a sewer, because this in fact was what was happening. It started in Broad Street where the foul water containing human solids and fluids (excrement and urine), mixed with the drinking water which was being pumped from a water fountain in the street. This was the source of the hideous cocktail that poisoned the people of the city of London and led to many deaths.
Water has solvent power and can absorb almost anything!
HOT
Sanitation problems around the world
Whenever there is a humanitarian crisis and wherever there is a refugee camp there is often a problem with disease and this is often down to poor sanitation created by the mixing of drinking and foul waters. A recent event in New Orleans in the USA created a similar crisis situation for the residents where the sewers overflowed into the streets.
HOT
Disease
Disease from foul water can be transmitted by drinking it (waterborne) or by breathing in the vapour (airborne). This is why the Building Regulations stipulate that the installation of sanitaryware must be to the correct standard to prevent the ingress of foul smells into a dwelling.
Keeping different types of water apart
When we studied cold water we found that the Water Regulations classified water in 5 different sections from 1, which is drinking water to 5 which is excrement, urine and poisons.
The Water Regulations 1999 require plumbers to be approved contractors so that they can install systems and avoid contamination of water as hot and cold water services are used in connection with waste and foul water. The Building Regulations require that no foul smells enter a building and that sanitation installations do not flood or create blockages.
Quick questions
What was the main reason for the outbreak of cholera in London? What is the aim of the Building Regulations regarding sanitation? Which two ways can disease be carried? Explain category 5 water. What does solvent power of water mean?
Building Regulations
Building Regulations are statutory instruments (passed in Parliament and enforceable by law) which seek to ensure that the policies set out in the relevant legislation are carried out. Building Regulations Approval is required for most building work in the UK.
Building Regulations
Building Regulations that apply across England and Wales are set out in the Building Act 1984. The regulations that apply across Scotland are set out in the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
Building Regulations
The UK Government is responsible for the relevant legislation and administration in England and Wales. The Scottish Government has responsibility for the Regulations in Scotland. The Northern Ireland (NI) Executive has responsibility within its own jurisdiction.
Building Regulations
The Building Regulations that apply to sanitary installations in the UK are: Part G Sanitary Appliances (Part P in Northern Ireland)* Part H Drainage (Part N in Northern Ireland)*
* from 31 10 2012
Building Control Officer
A Building Control Officer (BCO) (aka Building Inspector), is now generally known as a Building Control Surveyor in the UK. Their main function is to ensure that the requirements of the Building Regulations are met. The local authority council will send such an official to inspect newly installed sanitary pipework or even be present at the planning and design stage to ensure the sanitary installation complies.
The British Standards
BS 12056 2000 is the current British Standard for sanitation. It is in five parts. Part 5 gives guidance on the installation and maintenance of waste water gravity drainage systems. It also gives information of suitable materials that can be used.
British Standards
BS 8000-13 1989 This is the code of practice for above ground and drainage and sanitary appliances. Recommendations for basic workmanship are covered and basic tasks associated with the installation of above ground drainage and sanitary appliances.
Quick questions
Which British Standard deals with sanitation? Which British Standard gives guidance on workmanship? Which Building Regulations deal with sanitation? What is the main purpose of the Regulations? What are the equivalent regulations in Northern Ireland? What is the role of a Build Control Surveyor? Does such a such a person have any authority?
