Health and safety
What does PPE stand for?
Personal Protective Equipment.
Which hammer is used to drive nails into wood and remove them?
A claw hammer.
What document lists the materials required to complete a plumbing job?
A materials list.
What is the most commonly used grade of copper tube for domestic plumbing?
R250, also known as half-hard copper tube.
What does MDPE stand for?
Medium Density Polyethylene.
What does COSHH stand for?
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Which specialist spanner is used to tighten tap connections behind a wash hand basin?
A basin wrench.
What tool can be used to locate hidden pipes and cables before drilling?
A pipe or cable detector.
Name two methods of jointing copper pipe.
Any two: capillary, compression, push-fit or press-fit.
What type of plastic pipe is commonly used for underground water mains and is coloured blue?
MDPE.
What is the correct angle for positioning a leaning ladder?
Approximately 75°, or the 4-up-to-1-out rule.
What is the difference between a masonry drill bit and a spade drill bit?
A masonry bit has a tungsten carbide tip for masonry, concrete and stone. A spade bit is used for drilling timber.
What is the purpose of a job schedule? Give two examples.
To plan and monitor work, including start and finish dates, labour and equipment requirements, and the sequence of tasks.
What is the difference between an end-feed fitting and an integral solder-ring fitting?
An end-feed fitting requires solder to be added during heating. An integral solder-ring fitting already contains solder in a raised ring.
Why must a pipe insert be used when connecting polybutylene pipe with suitable push-fit or compression fittings?
To support the inside of the pipe and help prevent deformation, allowing a secure joint.
Name four checks that should be carried out before using oxyacetylene equipment.
Inspect hoses, valves, pressure gauges and threaded connectors for damage. Check joints using leak detection fluid.
What is a core drill used for in plumbing installations?
Drilling large, clean holes through masonry or concrete for boiler flues, waste pipes and soil pipes.
Why are copper nails used when fixing sheet lead?
To help prevent corrosion between the nail and the lead, giving a durable fixing.
What are the three grades of low carbon steel pipe and their colour codes?
Light – brown; Medium – blue; Heavy – red.
Name two plastic pipe materials that are suitable for solvent welding and one that is not.
PVCu and ABS can be solvent welded. Polypropylene or polybutylene cannot.
A plumber discovers a damaged electrical cable in a wet working area. Explain the safe procedure.
Stop work, keep people away, arrange safe isolation by a competent person, report the damage and ensure the equipment is repaired or replaced before work resumes.
A plumber needs to make a joint where a blowtorch cannot be used. Which powered tool and jointing method can be used, and how does it work?
An electrical or hydraulic press tool with a press-fit fitting. The tool crimps the fitting onto the tube, creating a secure joint.
A plumber is preparing to replace a radiator in an occupied house. Name four precautions to protect the customer's property.
Check and report existing damage; protect carpets and furniture with dust sheets; move or protect breakable items; agree radiator and visible pipework positions with the customer before starting.
how far back should you measure when producing a 90° bend in 22mm copper tube?
100mm
According to the training table, what are the maximum horizontal and vertical clipping distances for 15mm polybutylene pipe?
Horizontal: 0.3m (300mm). Vertical: 0.5m (500mm).