Safe Control of Mains Connections (SCMC) - Water - E-Classroom
Description
The Safe Control of Mains Connections (Water) scheme is designed to ensure that Self-Lay Providers (SLPs) and Water Company workforces have the knowledge and understanding required before being permitted to connect to the water network. Developed in collaboration with Water Companies, Self-Lay Providers and LRQA, the scheme covers the minimum training and assessment required and incorporates the relevant requirements of the Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS). The scheme covers the roles and responsibilities of the Competent Person (CP), Senior Competent Person (SCP), and Water Company Controller (WCC) in planning, controlling, and carrying out mains connection work. It has been developed through careful consultation with the water industry to provide a consistent standard of training and assessment across the sector.
Aims & Objectives
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Understand the scope of work that Self-Lay Providers can undertake, including what activities are classed as contestable and non-contestable in relation to the safe control of mains connections.
- Know the specific roles involved in the mains connections process — including the Competent Person (CP), Senior Competent Person (SCP) and Water Company Controller (WCC) — and understand their responsibilities and relationship to each other.
- Know the key personal considerations when carrying out each role, including health and safety requirements, working in confined spaces, and appropriate PPE, as well as the EUSR registrations required for each role.
- Understand the relevant regulation, legislation and codes of practice that govern mains connection work, including requirements of the Water Industry Act, WIRS, and applicable guidance for England, Wales and Scotland.
- Know the types of water mains connections and the associated materials, components and equipment used in routine in-line and under-pressure connections to the water network.
- Understand how to plan connection work, including site assessment, risk assessment, required notifications, permits, and documentation needed before, during, and after the connection.
- Understand the full connection and transfer of ownership process, including commissioning, compliance checks, completion documentation, and handover to the Water Company or NAV.
Assessment
The programme is assessed through a 20-question Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) assessment, set by EUSR and marked by the Approved Trainer. The assessment must be taken at the end of the training programme and takes approximately 30 minutes. A pass mark applies; individuals who do not pass may re-sit the assessment.
Prerequisites
All individuals must hold valid EUSR registrations for National Water Hygiene and SHEA Water before enrolling. Individuals being registered as Competent Person must also hold Network Construction Operations (Water) — Mains Layer registration, and Scottish Water DOMS (Modules 1–12) for work in Scotland.
Mode for Delivery
This course requires a suitable training room with sufficient space for all individuals, good lighting, and welfare facilities. The minimum guided learning hours is 3.0 hours, followed by a 30-minute Multiple Choice Question assessment. Remote delivery is also permitted, subject to EUSR approval.
Intended For
This course is relevant to employees of Self-Lay Providers (SLPs), Water Companies, and New Appointments and Variations (NAVs) involved in planning, organising, and making the final mains connection from new development sites to the existing water network.
Costing Information
Cost includes EUSR Registration and Virtual Card fee.