Plumbing and domestic heating technician - Domestic gas fired hot water heating appliances technician

Key information

  1. Reference: OCC0303F
  2. Date updated: 17/06/2024
  3. Level: 3
  4. Route: Construction and the built environment
  5. Regulated occupation: No

Details of the occupational standard

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Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the building services sector of the construction industry.

Plumbing & domestic heating technicians size and select, plan and install, service, maintain and commission plumbing and domestic heating systems.

All technicians will be required to work on typical plumbing elements such as hot and cold water systems and storage, supplies to dwellings and associated pipework, above-ground pipework, connection to below-ground, sanitary pipework, fittings and furniture. Appliances and equipment can include central heating boilers, bathroom furniture, sanitary appliances, drainage and rainwater systems. Further to that, technicians will specialise in one of three areas:

Domestic gas fired hot water heating appliances technician: installation and maintenance of domestic natural gas systems and central heating and hot water appliances.

Domestic air source heat pumps & solar thermal systems technician: installation and maintenance of air source heat pumps and solar thermal hot water systems in domestic premises.

Non-domestic plumbing technician: installation and maintenance of plumbing systems in premises such as hospitals and healthcare premises, schools, high rise buildings, public buildings, industrial and commercial premises, etc.

In their daily work an employee in this occupation interacts with customers and end users, and as such require a high level of customer service. Technicians can find themselves working inside or outside a customers’ property as well as on building sites.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for working both independently with a minimum of supervision and also as a member of a team involving close liaison and cooperation with site and line management, colleagues and other trades. 

Typical job titles include:

Domestic heating engineer Domestic heating installer Plumber

Core occupation duties

Duty KSBs
Duty 1 Plan core plumbing and domestic heating systems to meet customers’ needs and in accordance with manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13
B1 B2 B3 B4
Duty 2 Select and size core plumbing and domestic heating systems to meet customers’ needs and in accordance with manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13
B1 B2 B3 B4
Duty 3 Carry out preparatory work for the Installation of core plumbing and domestic heating systems.
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13
B1 B2 B3 B4
Duty 4 Install core plumbing and domestic heating systems in accordance with design criteria, manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13
B1 B2 B3 B4
Duty 5 Test and commission core plumbing and domestic heating system installations in accordance with manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13
B1 B2 B3 B4
Duty 6 Carry out appropriate handover procedures for core plumbing and domestic heating systems to customers and or end users including the provision of written information, diagrammatic information, verbal information and demonstration regarding system operation and use.
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13
B1 B2 B3 B4
Duty 7 Carry out routine service and maintenance procedures on core plumbing and domestic heating systems.
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13
B1 B2 B3 B4
Duty 8 Perform fault finding, diagnosis and rectification procedures on core plumbing and domestic heating systems.
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13
B1 B2 B3 B4
Duty 9 Decommission core plumbing and domestic heating systems.
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13
B1 B2 B3 B4
Duty 10 Conform to all health, safety and welfare in the workplace requirements.
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13
B1 B2 B3 B4
×

Required knowledge

    Required skill

      Required behaviour

        Option duties

        Domestic gas fired hot water heating appliances technician duties

        Duty KSBs
        Duty 11 Plan low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) to include natural gas fired central heating and hot water appliances (up to 70kW net heat input) to meet customers’ needs and in accordance with manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
        K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26
        S14 S15 S16 S17 S18
        B1 B2 B3 B4
        Duty 12 Select and size low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) to include natural gas fired central heating and hot water appliances (up to 70kW net heat input) to meet customers’ needs and in accordance with manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
        K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26
        S14 S15 S16 S17 S18
        B1 B2 B3 B4
        Duty 13 Carry out preparatory work for the Installation of low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) to include natural gas fired central heating and hot water appliances (up to 70kW net heat input).
        K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26
        S14 S15 S16 S17 S18
        B1 B2 B3 B4
        Duty 14 Install low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) to include natural gas fired central heating and hot water appliances (up to 70kW net heat input) in accordance with design criteria, manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
        K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26
        S14 S15 S16 S17 S18
        B1 B2 B3 B4
        Duty 15 Test and commission low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) to include natural gas fired central heating and hot water appliances (up to 70kW net heat input) in accordance with manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
        K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26
        S14 S15 S16 S17 S18
        B1 B2 B3 B4
        Duty 16 Carry out appropriate handover procedures for low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) to include natural gas fired central heating and hot water appliances (up to 70kW net heat input) to customers and or end users including the provision of written information, diagrammatic information, verbal information and demonstration regarding system operation and use.
        K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26
        S14 S15 S16 S17 S18
        B1 B2 B3 B4
        Duty 17 Carry out routine service and maintenance procedures on low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) to include natural gas fired central heating and hot water appliances (up to 70kW net heat input).
        K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26
        S14 S15 S16 S17 S18
        B1 B2 B3 B4
        Duty 18 Perform fault finding, diagnosis and rectification procedures on low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) to include natural gas fired central heating and hot water appliances (up to 70kW net heat input)
        K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26
        S14 S15 S16 S17 S18
        B1 B2 B3 B4
        Duty 19 Decommission low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) to include natural gas fired central heating and hot water appliances (up to 70kW heat input)
        K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26
        S14 S15 S16 S17 S18
        B1 B2 B3 B4
        ×

        Required knowledge

          Required skill

            Required behaviour

              KSBs

              Knowledge

              K1: The health and safety legislation, approved Codes of Practice and guidance and safe working practices applicable to work in the building services and wider construction industry. Back to Duty

              K2: The common processes and techniques used in the installation and test of plumbing and domestic heating systems (cold water systems, hot water systems, domestic wet central heating systems, sanitation systems). Back to Duty

              K3: The common processes and techniques used in the installation and test of rainwater systems. Back to Duty

              K4: Scientific and mechanical principles applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems work. Back to Duty

              K5: The roles and responsibilities of persons within the plumbing and domestic heating systems and wider construction industry. Back to Duty

              K6: The legislative requirements and sources of information applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems system installation, service and repair. Back to Duty

              K7: How to communicate with customers, suppliers, co-workers and members of the public who may come into contact with the work area. Back to Duty

              K8: The layout features, working principles and legislative requirements of plumbing and domestic heating systems. Back to Duty

              K9: The basic factors which influence system choice for particular applications with regard to the installation of plumbing and domestic heating systems. Back to Duty

              K10: The installation and testing requirements applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems and components (cold water, hot water, central heating, sanitary appliances and pipework). Back to Duty

              K11: The installation and testing requirements applicable to rainwater systems and components. Back to Duty

              K12: The commissioning requirements applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems and components. Back to Duty

              K13: The testing and commissioning requirements applicable to electrical control systems and components. Back to Duty

              K14: The decommissioning procedures applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems. Back to Duty

              K15: The routine service and maintenance procedures applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems. Back to Duty

              K16: The fault finding, diagnosis and rectification procedures applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems. Back to Duty

              K17: The procedures for sizing and selecting plumbing and domestic heating systems and components to meet customer’s needs. Back to Duty

              K18: The legislative requirements, processes and procedures of electrical supply and control systems applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems and work including limits to operative competence. Back to Duty

              K19: The common processes and techniques used in the installation and maintenance of natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and natural gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              K20: The legislative requirements, approved codes of practice and guidance and sources of information applicable to the installation, service and repair of low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and natural gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              K21: The installation requirements (including system modification and extension) applicable to low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and natural gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              K22: The purging, testing and commissioning requirements applicable to low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and natural gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              K23: The decommissioning procedures (including disconnection and dismantling) applicable to low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and natural gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              K24: The routine service and maintenance procedures applicable to low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and natural gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              K25: The fault finding, diagnosis and rectification procedures applicable to low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and natural gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              K26: The procedures for sizing and selecting low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and natural gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input) to meet customer’s needs, statutory legislation and approved codes of practice and guidance. Back to Duty

              Skills

              S1: Operate in a safe working manner by adhering to health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice and guidance and applying safe working practices. Back to Duty

              S2: Carry out and apply the common processes and techniques used in the installation and test of plumbing and domestic heating systems (cold water, hot water, central heating and sanitary appliances and pipework). Back to Duty

              S3: Carry out and apply the common processes and techniques used in the installation and test of rainwater systems. Back to Duty

              S4: Plan tasks within plumbing and domestic heating systems industry. Back to Duty

              S5: Identify and document hazards for the plumbing and domestic heating systems work. Apply control measures. Back to Duty

              S6: Carry out commission and handover procedures and techniques on plumbing and domestic heating systems (cold water, hot water, central heating, sanitary appliances, and rainwater). Back to Duty

              S7: Install, test, and commission, electrical and electrical control systems applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems. Back to Duty

              S8: Perform routine service, maintenance, fault diagnosis and rectification procedures and techniques on the non-electrical components of plumbing and domestic heating systems. Back to Duty

              S9: Perform routine service, maintenance, fault diagnosis and rectification procedures and techniques on electrical and electrical control systems applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems including industry safe isolation procedures. Back to Duty

              S10: Decommission plumbing and domestic heating systems. Back to Duty

              S11: Decommission electrical and electrical control systems applicable to plumbing and domestic heating systems. Back to Duty

              S12: Plan, size and select cold and hot systems to meet customer’s needs in accordance with manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures. Back to Duty

              S13: Plan, size and select domestic heating and rainwater systems to meet customers' needs in accordance with manufacturers' guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures. Back to Duty

              S14: Carry out and apply the common installation processes and techniques used in the installation and maintenance of natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and natural gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input) in the workplace. Back to Duty

              S15: Install, purge, test, commission and handover low pressure natural gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and natural gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              S16: Perform routine service, maintenance, fault diagnosis and rectification procedures and techniques on low pressure Natural Gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and Natural Gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              S17: Decommission (including disconnection and dismantling) low pressure Natural Gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and Natural Gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              S18: Plan, size and select low pressure Natural Gas systems (up to 35mm R1¼) and Natural Gas fired hot water and central heating appliances (up to 70kW net heat input). Back to Duty

              Behaviours

              B1: Acts professionally and ethically to collaborate with colleagues and customers. Back to Duty

              B2: Takes ownership of work within limits of own competence, knowing when to seek advice or assistance. Back to Duty

              B3: Committed to continuous professional development. Back to Duty

              B4: Committed to keeping up to date with industry best practice. Back to Duty

              T Level in building services engineering for construction

              Awarding organisation: City & Guilds

              Qualification type: T Level Qualification level: 3 Qualification approved: 17/12/2020

              City & Guilds Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Plumbing and Heating (Diploma)

              Awarding organisation: City and Guilds of London Institute

              Qualification type: TQ Qualification level: 3 Qualification approved: 07/03/2024

              EAL level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Plumbing and Domestic Heating (Diploma)

              Awarding organisation: Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited

              Qualification type: TQ Qualification level: 3 Qualification approved: 07/03/2024
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