Pressure Test

[Kimou]

My god. I'm not rude. I always keep my posts either light hearted or to the point, but I asked a genuine question and got told I'm talking sh** or my old tutor is a know-nothing when he was probably more qualified than most fellas on here. I just hope someone here can verify what I said in a better way than I can. I stand by my tuition and my tutors of days gone. And thanks to the helpful posts so far. Especially Keefy...that is funny
I believe there is something that there is a danger, and the guy I initially referred to was talking about a compressor whacked up high to test pipework.


I just hope the naysayers don't let their smarmy self-confidence get someone hurt cz they think they're right. "Facts do not cease to exist just because ignorance is prevalent."

 

[gassafe]

Type in uk copperboard pressure testing piping systems on google! It's a PDF file

It says air testing can create compressed pressures that should a component fail could be deadly etc... Sounds like the info your after!

 

[Keefy]

@Kimou - I'm going to allow you the benefit of the doubt in respect that your original post came across completely wrong so can you completely rephrase what you initially said in the OP so it makes sense? Then, and only then, will people understand exactly what you're talking about.

 

[Kimou]

Sorry, I don't have an attitude. I'm allowed to stick up for myself. If people reply respectfully then I will reply accordingly, if not, then I'm not interested. If someone has an issue with that, then don't post.
Furthermore, if certain members on here do tell me that it's ok and no such reg exists then I will believe them. So I'll await their response in due course if they wish to enlighten me.

 

[Kimou]

I'm having a dispute with a gas engineer who insists that it is ok to pressure test pipework with air. I told him it's extremely dangerous. He has since asked Gas Safe and they've told him, apparently, that it's ok too.
Now I know that it is illegal unless it is done under certain conditions such as everyone has to leave the building and a complete risk assessment has to be carried out.

Does anyone know what regulation covers this so I can prove to him once and for all? I can't seem to find it anywhere but I know it exists.

@Keefy. I'm not sure what's confusing. I say you're not supposed to pressure test with air unless certain safety criteria is met and that there's some kind of reg to state that. I would like help in finding that reg or some clarity on the matter.
btw thanks for the civility. I'm not a troublemaker not by any stretch.

 

[gassafe]

Type in uk copperboard pressure testing piping systems on google! It's a PDF file

 

[Kimou]

Ok, so I wasn't wrong and there is a real danger. Thanks gas safe. I guess I don't need to call my friend. And maybe my poor old 1000 year old tutor wasn't so wrong in the end.

 

[Keefy]

With all respect I still don't have a clear idea of what you're asking, probably due to certain things you said since the OP:

When I was in college the tutor wouldn't divulge too much about it because of certain reactions between copper and air goes into the realms of explosives and it wouldn't be prudent of him to give too much away.

Basically because air can compress and it takes a lot more air to raise the gauge, if there was a sudden drop then it can explode.

And it was in reference to high pressures and elements within copper.

I'm not really interested in anybody else's nonsense on what they 'think'.

I just hope someone here can verify what I said in a better way than I can. I stand by my tuition and my tutors of days gone.

I don't even know if it's me who's confused or it's you. Don't take any of this as me trying to take the Michael I'm just trying to show you the bits which need more clarification.

Please explain, it's doing my barnet in.

 

[nicro3]

To use compressed air to test hydraulic pipework at 1.5 working pressure is a no no a small pressure ie half a bar is fine.
A lot of companies use compressed air tests all the time to 1.5 working pressure, which would invalidate any warranty on fittings or pipe.

 

[Keefy]

Okay, after re-reading the whole topic several times over I think the question is:

"Is it illegal and dangerous to pressure test domestic pipework with air?"

 

[nicro3]

Okay, after re-reading the whole topic several times over I think the question is:

"Is it illegal and dangerous to pressure test domestic pipework with air?"

Any thing over one bar yes.

 

[tamz]

It is not illegal but it is dangerous and should only be done after a thorough risk assessment and method statement are prepared.

 

[Kimou]

Keefy- you've already established yourself as helpful. I am sorry if I've confused things. All I said in your highlights is; my tutor said you should not dry test with air, he then went on in his charming way of teaching, which made certain issues memorable, why he couldn't elaborate on the entire chemically related issues of why it's dangerous because his knowledge extends into many subjects and he has a responsibility to not discuss potential explosive manufacture with plumbing students for obvious reasons. Perhaps, in hindsight, I shouldn't have mentioned that anecdote. I just thought I'd put a little character in the post.


the 'nonsense' bit was due to someone not giving me a chance and slating me off unfairly. Perhaps I should've just tolerated that, too- I know people have to deal with a lot of stupidness on here at times and cz he doesn't know me, probably wanted to vent a little. I know we can get a little too involved with this site. I just don't come on much anymore. But in fairness, that reply to me could've been a little less harsh.


the last bit was about hoping someone could give me an answer.


i hope your hair's alright now

 

[tamz]

There is no chemical reaction. Copper can be used in compressed air lines.

Testing existing gas pipes using compressed air is different as it could create an explosive gas air mix inside the pipe therefore it would need purged of the gas first.

 

[Kimou]

Nicro- good man...cheers

Tamz- that's one the chaps was waiting to verify... Thanks. So if anything happened, if you didn't follow that procedure would I be correct in saying you could get done for corporate manslaughter?

 

[billybob150811]

you don't have to test with air no one can force you just don't but your desire to prove the rgi wrong does you no credit he is probably talking about gas pipes which he would test with air your thread seems to change then to water which again can be air tested you then move on to oxygen which you cant use because it would create a potential bomb

 

[Kimou]

There is no chemical reaction. Copper can be used in compressed air lines.

Testing existing gas pipes using compressed air is different as it could create an explosive gas air mix inside the pipe therefore it would need purged of the gas first.

Ok, I must've mixed something up then. Maybe he was referring to that and I got lost somewhere and confused the two.

 

[tamz]

There is a very real danger of injury or even god forbid, death in testing with air at higher pressures.
That is why a risk assessment and method statement should be prepared and strictly adhered to including setting up exclusion zones.
If these steps were not taken and documented and something were to happen then yes you would be liable.

 

[nicro3]

I think an easy way to explain why compressed air is dangerous. Get two balloons blow air into one and fill the other with water, stick in a pin in each, one will go bang and the other dribble

 

[Kimou]

Billy bob- the rgi told me about his practise of putting a compressor on to test for leak before he filled with water. My desire is not to prove him wrong, moreover, to educate him. I clearly believed he was unknowingly creating a huge danger for himself and others around. The potential could even be kids living next door. What would you do if you honestly believed someone was putting themselves in a life threatening situation and never realised?
would you consider yourself trying to be a knowitall or genuinely helping that person?

Which is why I'm taking the time and suffering abuse to try and get some advice from people much more informed and experienced than I am.

it does seem that if I never mentioned that he was RGI I doubt I'd have such a hard time. Not all gas installers know everything.