Standardization News

A new standard will help train workers who operate heat fusion equipment (HFE) to fuse plastic pipes. This standard could help enhance safety for workers, ensure longevity of pipes, and strengthen infrastructure overall.

Until now, there was not a guideline for properly training workers nor a description of requirements to qualify as an operator. (Many companies relied on HFE manufacturers for training.)

Past ASTM F17.20 Subcommittee on Joining Chairman Jim Craig, of Jim Craig Consulting, LLC, says, "The goal is to have strong, leak-free plastic piping systems installed that will last 50 years or more. The main way to accomplish this is by ensuring that the people who are heat fusing the pipes are qualified to do the work properly to the specified joining standard."

The standard (F3190, Practice for Heat Fusion Equipment (HFE) Operator Qualification on Polyethylene (PE) and Polyamide (PA) Pipe and Fittings) outlines a specific program to ensure that operators who pass have been properly trained on the equipment and tools.

Pipeline owners, equipment manufacturers, regulators, and workers will benefit most from the standard.

In the future, other thermoplastic materials could be added to this standard.

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CONTACT Technical Information: Jim Craig, Jim Craig Consulting LLC • Broken Arrow, Okla. • tel +1.918.720.3670 | ASTM Staff: Robert Morgan • tel +1.610.832.9732 | Upcoming Meeting: Nov. 14-17 • November Committee Week • Orlando, Fla.