New Guide for Preventing Escape of Water on Construction Sites
A new Joint Code of Practice has been published to help reduce losses associated with escape of water events and the subsequent project delays it creates during both the pre-construction and construction phases.
As the number one cause of insurable loss during construction projects, the guidance outlines how escape of water incidents can be minimised and managed effectively.
The Code of Practice covers how water leak detection systems can provide an early warning alert to potential escape of water and how water management devices should be fitted at the earliest opportunity on a construction project. As leak detection system specialists, Diamond Controls is on hand to install, commission and service temporary and permanent water leak monitoring equipment including major water leak detection systems to conform to the new code.
Produced by RISCAuthority and the Construction Insurance Risk Engineers Group (CIREG), published by the Fire Prevention Association (FPA), and endorsed by the London Engineering Group (LEG) and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), this first edition of the Joint Code of Practice (JCoP) for Escape of Water Prevention and Management on Construction Sites is focused on permanent and temporary water systems within buildings.
Olly Wright from the Construction Insurance Risk Engineers Group (CIREG) explains how the new guidance can be used in the construction sector; “This new Joint Code of Practice expands on, and is intended to replace, the CIREG 5th Edition with a renewed focus on mitigating damage and subsequent project delays through designing out risk, incorporating technology to automatically isolate pipework outside project working hours, identifying anomalous flow rates, and informing an emergency response in the event of an escape of water.”
Risk Management
The guidance addresses a wide range of plumbing systems, including mains water, mechanical systems, and related water storage tanks. It offers industry best practices for diverse construction, renovation, and refurbishment projects. The guidance is intended for everyone involved in the supply chain from specifiers and designers right through to all contractors and emphasises a collaborative risk-based approach to tackle escape of water.
