ISO/TS 16486-8:2022
(Main)Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 8: Training and assessment of fusion operators
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 8: Training and assessment of fusion operators
This document specifies the training, assessment and approval of fusion operators, with the aim of establishing and maintaining their competency in the construction of unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels in accordance with ISO 16486‑6. It covers the butt fusion and electrofusion fusion jointing techniques and considers both the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for making high-quality fusion joints.
Systèmes de canalisations en matières plastiques pour la distribution de combustibles gazeux — Systèmes de canalisations en polyamide non plastifié (PA-U) avec assemblages par soudage et assemblages mécaniques — Partie 8: Formation et évaluation des opérateurs de soudage
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TECHNICAL ISO/TS
SPECIFICATION 16486-8
First edition
2022-09
Plastics piping systems for the supply
of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized
polyamide (PA-U) piping systems
with fusion jointing and mechanical
jointing —
Part 8:
Training and assessment of fusion
operators
Systèmes de canalisations en matières plastiques pour la distribution
de combustibles gazeux — Systèmes de canalisations en polyamide
non plastifié (PA-U) avec assemblages par soudage et assemblages
mécaniques —
Partie 8: Formation et évaluation des opérateurs de soudage
Reference number
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
© ISO 2022
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2022
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Training organization .2
4.1 Training course . 2
4.2 Operator assessment . . 3
5 Training . 3
5.1 Training curriculum . 3
5.2 Courses . 3
5.2.1 General . 3
5.2.2 Theoretical course on general information. 4
5.2.3 Theoretical and practical courses on fusion jointing techniques . 5
6 Assessment . .7
6.1 Valid fusion operator certificate . 7
6.2 Re-assessment . . 7
7 Periodic operator certificate renewal . 8
Annex A (normative) Examination .9
Bibliography .10
iii
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 138 Plastics pipes, fittings and valves for
the transport of fluids, Subcommittee SC 4, Plastics pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels.
A list of all parts in the ISO 16486 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Introduction
The quality of a piping system for the supply of gaseous fuels is to a large extent determined by the
skills of the operators involved in installing the network. When installing unplasticized polyamide (PA-
U) pipes, the quality of the fusion joints is essential for the integrity of the piping system.
Since fusion joints in PA-U piping systems can be made using various technologies, it is important that
the fusion operators are trained and competent in the fusion technology employed in constructing PA-U
networks.
Continued competence of the fusion operator is covered by periodic re-training and re-assessment.
For the training and assessment or re-training and re-assessment of fusion operators in accordance
with this document, a valid operator certificate in accordance with ISO/TR 19480 is required.
v
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels —
Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion
jointing and mechanical jointing —
Part 8:
Training and assessment of fusion operators
1 Scope
This document specifies the training, assessment and approval of fusion operators, with the aim of
establishing and maintaining their competency in the construction of unplasticized polyamide (PA-
U) piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels in accordance with ISO 16486-6. It covers the butt
fusion and electrofusion fusion jointing techniques and considers both the theoretical and practical
knowledge necessary for making high-quality fusion joints.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 12176-1, Plastics pipes and fittings — Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylene systems — Part 1:
Butt fusion
ISO 12176-2, Plastics pipes and fittings — Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylene systems — Part 2:
Electrofusion
ISO 16486-1, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 1: General
ISO 16486-2, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 2: Pipes
ISO 16486-3, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 3: Fittings
ISO 16486-4, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 4: Valves
ISO 16486-5, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 5: Fitness for purpose of the system
ISO 16486-6, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels - Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping
systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 6: Code of practice for design, handling and
installation
ISO/TR 19480, Polyethylene pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels or water — Training and
assessment of fusion operators
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
1
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
butt fusion cycle
pressure/time relationship for a defined fusion temperature, representing the butt fusion operation
3.2
drag pressure
gauge pressure required to overcome, on a given butt fusion machine, the sliding frictional drag force of
the machine and pipe
Note 1 to entry: Drag pressure, if present, can be a positive or negative value.
3.3
frictional resistance
force necessary to overcome friction in the whole mechanism of the machine
3.4
fusion operator
person trained to carry out fusion jointing between unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) pipes and/or
fittings based on a fusion procedure (3.6)
Note 1 to entry: The fusion operator is trained for one or more fusion procedures, involving the operation of
manual and/or automatic fusion-jointing machines.
3.5
valid fusion operator certificate
approval certificate issued by the examiner/assessor stating that the knowledge and skill of the fusion
operator (3.4) is sufficient to produce fusion joints following a given fusion procedure (3.6)
3.6
fusion procedure
document agreed by the pipeline operator (3.7) providing in detail the required variables and values for
a specific fusion process, in order to ensure repeatability
EXAMPLE Butt fusion procedure, electrofusion procedure.
3.7
pipeline operator
private or public organization authorized to design, construct and/or operate and maintain the supply
system
3.8
training centre
establishment for the training of fusion operators (3.4)
4 Training organization
4.1 Training course
A valid operator certificate in accordance with ISO/TR 19480 is required prior to obtaining PA-U
training in accordance with this document.
For underground PA-U systems, a trainee fusion operator shall follow a supplemental training course at
a training centre. The training centre shall provide a supplemental training course under the conditions
described in this document.
2
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
The courses shall be delivered by a competent trainer having the required experience of fusion
processes and mastery of the fusion technique involved.
The training centre shall have a range of fusion machines and related equipment (e.g. re-rounding
clamps, scraper tools, roller supports), representative of the equipment encountered on worksites
for installing pipes, in order for the trainee fusion operator to become acquainted with the fusion
equipment commonly used. The trainee fusion operator may be trained on one of these fusion machines
or on a machine from his or her own company if accepted by the training centre. The fusion equipment
shall conform to ISO 12176-1 for butt fusion equipment and ISO 12176-2 for electrofusion equipment.
Preferably, a training centre shall not carry out activities related to contracting, supervision of
construction work or inspection of fusion joints.
4.2 Operator assessment
A trainee fusion operator for PA-U shall own a valid operator certificate in accordance with
ISO/TR 19480. The trainee shall follow a supplemental training course as described in 4.1. Then the
trainee shall pass a theoretical and practical assessment in order to be qualified as a fusion operator for
PA-U systems.
The assessor shall not be the trainer and shall have appropriate assessment qualifications.
NOTE The assessor is a person accepted by the contracting parties.
5 Training
5.1 Training curriculum
The supplemental training course for PA-U shall consist of any combination of fusion packages based
on the requirements of the pipeline operators. These packages may be given as individual modules or
combined to suit requirements.
During the training, attention shall also be drawn to safety. The course curriculum shall address safety
related to the fusion process.
5.2 Courses
5.2.1 General
The training shall be provided by a trainer having the qualification described in 4.1.
All consumables and tools necessary for the training package shall be available during the training
session.
The pipes, fittings and valves to be used shall be those in accordance with ISO 16486-2, ISO 16486-3
and ISO 16486-4 for the supply of gaseous fuels, and shall correspond to what is normally used locally
for the construction of PA-U piping systems.
Operators previously certified in accordance with ISO/TR 19480 have received training to master the
fusion technique and also to master the thermoplastic materials and practical problems involved in
laying a pipe in a trench, with or without obstacles. The training in accordance with this document shall
cover all aspects specif
...
TECHNICAL ISO/TS
SPECIFICATION 16486-8
First edition
Plastics piping systems for the supply
of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized
polyamide (PA-U) piping systems
with fusion jointing and mechanical
jointing —
Part 8:
Training and assessment of fusion
operators
Systèmes de canalisations en matières plastiques pour la distribution
de combustibles gazeux — Systèmes de canalisations en polyamide
non plastifié (PA-U) avec assemblages par soudage et assemblages
mécaniques —
Partie 8: Formation et évaluation des opérateurs de soudage
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
© ISO/TS 2022
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2022
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Training organization .2
4.1 Training course . 2
4.2 Operator assessment . . 3
5 Training . 3
5.1 Training curriculum . 3
5.2 Courses . 3
5.2.1 General . 3
5.2.2 Theoretical course on general information. 4
5.2.3 Theoretical and practical courses on fusion jointing techniques . 5
6 Assessment . .7
6.1 Valid fusion operator certificate . 7
6.2 Re-assessment . . 7
7 Periodic operator certificate renewal . 8
Annex A (normative) Examination .9
Bibliography .10
iii
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved PROOF/ÉPREUVE
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 138 Plastics pipes, fittings and valves for
the transport of fluids, Subcommittee SC 4, Plastics pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels.
A list of all parts in the ISO 16486 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Introduction
The quality of a piping system for the supply of gaseous fuels is to a large extent determined by the
skills of the operators involved in installing the network. When installing unplasticized polyamide (PA-
U) pipes, the quality of the fusion joints is essential for the integrity of the piping system.
Since fusion joints in PA-U piping systems can be made using various technologies, it is important that
the fusion operators are trained and competent in the fusion technology employed in constructing PA-U
networks.
Continued competence of the fusion operator is covered by periodic re-training and re-assessment.
For the training and assessment or re-training and re-assessment of fusion operators in accordance
with this document, a valid operator certificate in accordance with ISO/TR 19480 is required.
v
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved PROOF/ÉPREUVE
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels —
Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion
jointing and mechanical jointing —
Part 8:
Training and assessment of fusion operators
1 Scope
This document specifies the training, assessment and approval of fusion operators, with the aim of
establishing and maintaining their competency in the construction of unplasticized polyamide (PA-
U) piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels in accordance with ISO 16486-6. It covers the butt
fusion and electrofusion fusion jointing techniques and considers both the theoretical and practical
knowledge necessary for making high-quality fusion joints.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 12176-1, Plastics pipes and fittings — Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylene systems — Part 1:
Butt fusion
ISO 12176-2, Plastics pipes and fittings — Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylene systems — Part 2:
Electrofusion
ISO 16486-1, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 1: General
ISO 16486-2, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 2: Pipes
ISO 16486-3, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 3: Fittings
ISO 16486-4, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 4: Valves
ISO 16486-5, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 5: Fitness for purpose of the system
ISO 16486-6, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels - Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping
systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 6: Code of practice for design, handling and
installation
ISO/TR 19480, Polyethylene pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels or water — Training and
assessment of fusion operators
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
1
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved PROOF/ÉPREUVE
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
butt fusion cycle
pressure/time relationship for a defined fusion temperature, representing the butt fusion operation
3.2
drag pressure
gauge pressure required to overcome, on a given butt fusion machine, the sliding frictional drag force of
the machine and pipe
Note 1 to entry: Drag pressure, if present, can be a positive or negative value.
3.3
frictional resistance
force necessary to overcome friction in the whole mechanism of the machine
3.4
fusion operator
person trained to carry out fusion jointing between unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) pipes and/or
fittings based on a fusion procedure (3.6)
Note 1 to entry: The fusion operator is trained for one or more fusion procedures, involving the operation of
manual and/or automatic fusion-jointing machines.
3.5
valid fusion operator certificate
approval certificate issued by the examiner/assessor stating that the knowledge and skill of the fusion
operator (3.4) is sufficient to produce fusion joints following a given fusion procedure (3.6)
3.6
fusion procedure
document agreed by the pipeline operator (3.7) providing in detail the required variables and values for
a specific fusion process, in order to ensure repeatability
EXAMPLE Butt fusion procedure, electrofusion procedure.
3.7
pipeline operator
private or public organization authorized to design, construct and/or operate and maintain the supply
system
3.8
training centre
establishment for the training of fusion operators (3.4)
4 Training organization
4.1 Training course
A valid operator certificate in accordance with ISO/TR 19480 is required prior to obtaining PA-U
training in accordance with this document.
For underground PA-U systems, a trainee fusion operator shall follow a supplemental training course at
a training centre. The training centre shall provide a supplemental training course under the conditions
described in this document.
2
PROOF/ÉPREUVE © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO/TS 16486-8:2022(E)
The courses shall be delivered by a competent trainer having the required experience of fusion
processes and mastery of the fusion technique involved.
The training centre shall have a range of fusion machines and related equipment (e.g. re-rounding
clamps, scraper tools, roller supports), representative of the equipment encountered on worksites
for installing pipes, in order for the trainee fusion operator to become acquainted with the fusion
equipment commonly used. The trainee fusion operator may be trained on one of these fusion machines
or on a machine from his or her own company if accepted by the training centre. The fusion equipment
shall conform to ISO 12176-1 for butt fusion equipment and ISO 12176-2 for electrofusion equipment.
Preferably, a training centre shall not carry out activities related to contracting, supervision of
construction work or inspection of fusion joints.
4.2 Operator assessment
A trainee fusion operator for PA-U shall own a valid operator certificate in accordance with
ISO/TR 19480. The trainee shall follow a supplemental training course as described in 4.1. Then the
trainee shall pass a theoretical and practical assessment in order to be qualified as a fusion operator for
PA-U systems.
The assessor shall not be the trainer and shall have appropriate assessment qualifications.
NOTE The assessor is a person accepted by the contracting parties.
5 Training
5.1 Training curriculum
The supplemental training course for PA-U shall consist of any combination of fusion packages based
on the requirements of the pipeline operators. These packages may be given as individual modules or
combined to suit requirements.
During the training, attention shall also be drawn to safety. The course curriculum shall address safety
related to the fusion process.
5.2 Courses
5.2.1 General
The training shall be provided by a trainer having the qualification described in 4.1.
All consumables and tools necessary for the training package shall be available during the training
session.
The pipes, fittings and valves to be used shall be those in accordance with ISO 16486-2, ISO 16486-3
and ISO 16486-4 for the supply of gaseous fuels, and shall correspond to what is normally used locally
for the construction of PA-U piping systems.
Operators previously certified in accordance with ISO/TR 19480 have received training to master the
fusion technique and also to master the thermoplastic materials and practical problems involved in
laying a pipe in a trench, with or without obstacles. The training in accordance with this document shall
cover all aspects specific to PA-U.
In
...
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
ISO DTS/PRF TS 16486-8:2022(E)
ISO TC 138/SC4
Date: 2022-07-2008-30
ISO/TC 138/SC 4/WG 7
Secretariat: NEN
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels —
Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion
jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 8: Training and
assessment of fusion operators
Systèmes de canalisations en matières plastiques pour la distribution de combustibles gazeux —
Systèmes de canalisations en polyamide non plastifié (PA-U) avec assemblages par soudage et
assemblages mécaniques — Partie 8: Formation et évaluation des opérateurs de soudage
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/PRF TS 16486-8:2022(E)
© ISO 2022
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of
this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written
permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the
country of the requester.
ISO Copyright Office
CP 401 • CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland.
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
ii © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/PRF TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Contents
Foreword .iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Training organization . 3
4.1 Training course . 3
4.2 Operator assessment . 3
5 Training . 4
5.1 Training curriculum . 4
5.2 Courses . 4
5.2.1 General . 4
5.2.2 Theoretical course on general information . 4
5.2.3 Theoretical and practical courses on fusion jointing techniques . 6
6 Assessment . 8
6.1 Valid fusion operator certificate . 8
6.2 Re-assessment . 9
7 Periodic operator certificate renewal . 9
Annex A (normative) Examination . 10
Bibliography . 11
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved © ISO 2022 – All rights iii
reserved
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/PRF TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any
patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on
the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World
Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 138 Plastics pipes, fittings and valves for
the transport of fluids, Subcommittee SC4SC 4, Plastics pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels.
A list of all parts in the ISO 16486 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
iv © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/PRF TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Introduction
The quality of a piping system for the supply of gaseous fuels is to a large extent determined by the skills
of the operators involved in installing the network. When installing unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
pipes, the quality of the fusion joints is essential for the integrity of the piping system.
Since fusion joints in PA-U piping systems can be made using various technologies, it is important that
the fusion operators are trained and competent in the fusion technology employed in constructing PA-U
networks.
Continued competence of the fusion operator is covered by periodic re-training and re-assessment.
For the training and assessment or re-training and re-assessment of fusion operators according toin
accordance with this standarddocument, a valid operator certificate according toin accordance with
ISO/TR 19480 is required.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/PRF TS 16486-8:2022(E)
Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels —
Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems with fusion
jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 8: Training and
assessment of fusion operators
1 Scope
This Technical Specificationdocument specifies the training, assessment and approval of fusion
operators, with the aim of establishing and maintaining their competency in the construction of
unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels in accordance with
ISO WD 16486-6. It covers the butt fusion and electrofusion fusion jointing techniques and considers
both the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for making high-quality fusion joints.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 12176-1, Plastics pipes and fittings — Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylene systems — Part 1:
Butt fusion
ISO 12176-2, Plastics pipes and fittings — Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylene systems — Part 2:
Electrofusion
ISO 16486-1, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 1: General
ISO 16486-2, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels — Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 2: Pipes
ISO 16486-3, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels -— Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 3: Fittings
ISO 16486-4, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels -— Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 4: Valves
ISO 16486-5, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels -— Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U)
piping systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 5: Fitness for purpose of the system
ISO 16486-6, Plastics piping systems for the supply of gaseous fuels - Unplasticized polyamide (PA-U) piping
systems with fusion jointing and mechanical jointing — Part 6: Code of practice for design, handling and
installation
ISO 12176-1, Plastics pipes and fittings — Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylene systems — Part 1:
Butt fusion
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ISO/PRF TS 16486-8:2022(E)
ISO 12176-2, Plastics pipes and fittings — Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylene systems — Part 2:
Electrofusion
ISO 13953, Polyethylene (PE) pipes and fittings — Determination of the tensile strength and failure mode
of test pieces from a butt-fused joint
ISO 13954, Plastics pipes and fittings — Peel decohesion test for polyethylene (PE) electrofusion assemblies
of nominal outside diameter greater than or equal to 90 mm
ISO 13955, Plastics pipes and fittings — Crushing decohesion test for polyethylene (PE) electrofusion
assemblies
ISO 13956, Plastics pipes and fittings — Decohesion test of polyethylene (PE) saddle fusion joints —
Evaluation of ductility of fusion joint interface by tear test
ISO/TR 19480, Polyethylene pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels or water — Training and
assessment of fusion operators
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
butt fusion cycle
pressure/time relationship for a defined fusion temperature, representing the butt fusion operation
3.2
drag pressure
gauge pressure required to overcome, on a given butt fusion machine, the sliding frictional drag force of
the machine and pipe
Note 1 to entry: Drag pressure, if present, can be a positive or negative value.
3.3
frictional resistance
〈 force necessary to overcome friction in the whole mechanism of the machine
3.4
fusion operator
person trained according to this standard to carry out fusion jointing between unplasticized polyamide
(PA-U) pipes and/or fittings based on a fusion procedure (3.6)
Note 1 to entry: The fusion operator is trained for one or more fusion procedures, involving the operation of
manual and/or automatic fusion-jointing machines.
3.5
valid fusion operator certificate
approval certificate issued by the examiner/assessor stating that the knowledge and skill of the fusion
operator (3.4) is sufficient to produce fusion joints following a given fusion procedure (3.6)
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ISO/PRF TS 16486-8:2022(E)
3.6
fusion procedure
document agreed by the pipeline operator (3.7) providing in detail the required variables and values for
a specific fusion process, in order to ensure repeatability
EXAMPLE Butt fusion procedure, electrofusion procedure.
3.7
pipeline operator
private or public organization authorized to design, construct and/or operate and maintain the supply
system
3.8
training centre
establishment for the training of fusion operators (3.4)
4 Training organization
4.1 Training course
A valid operator certificate according toin accordance with ISO/TR 19480 is required prior to obtaining
PA-U training according toin accordance with this document.
For underground PA-U systems, a trainee fusion operator shall follow a supplemental training course at
a training centre. The training centre shall provide a supplemental training course under the conditions
described in this document.
Where applicable, the training centre shall fulfil requirements of the national authorities.
The courses shall be delivered by a competent trainer having the required experience of fusion processes
and mastery of the fusion technique involved.
Where applicable, the trainer shall have a level of qualification as required by national authorities.
The training centre shall have a range of fusion machines and related equipment (e.g. re-rounding clamps,
scraper tools, roller supports), representative of the equipment encountered on worksites for installing
pipes, in order for the trainee fusion operator to become acquainted with the fusion equipment
commonly used. The trainee fusion operator may be trained on one of these fusion machines or on a
machine from his or her own company if accepted by the training centre. The fusion equipment shall
comply withconform to ISO 12176-1 for butt fusion equipment and ISO 12176-2 for electrofusion
equipment.
Preferably, a training centre shall not carry out activities related to contracting, supervision of
construction work, or inspection of fusion joints.
4.2 Operator assessment
A trainee fusion operator for PA-U shall own a valid operator certificate according toin accordance with
ISO/TR 19480. The trainee shall follow ana supplemental training course as described abovein 4.1. Then
the trainee shall pass a theoretical and practical assessment in order to be qualified as a fusion operator
for PA-U systems.
The assessor shall not be the trainer and shall have appropriate assessment qualifications.
NOTE The assessor is a person accepted by the contracting parties or an accredited body.
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ISO/PRF TS 16486-8:2022(E)
5 Training
5.1 Training curriculum
The supplemental training course for PA-U shall consist of any combination of fusion packages based on
the requirements of the pipeline operators. These packages may be given as individual modules or
combined to suit requirements.
During the training, attention shall also be drawn to safety. The course curriculum shall address safety
related to the fusion process.
5.2 Course
5.2 Courses
5.2.1 General
The training shall be provided by a trainer having the qualification according todescribed in 4.1.
All consumables and tools necessary for the training package shall be available during the training
session.
The pipes, fittings and valves to be used shall be those in accordance with ISO 16486-2, ISO 16486-3 and
ISO 16486-4 for the supply of gaseous fuels, and shall correspond to what is normally used locally for the
construction of PA-U piping systems.
Operators previously certified according toin accordance with ISO/TR 19480 have received training to
master the fusion technique and also to master the thermoplastic materials and practical problems
involved in laying a pipe in a trench, with or without obstacles. The training according toin accordance
with this document shall cover all aspects specific to PA-U.
In connection with the latter aspect, the trainee fusion operator shall construct at least one three-
dimensional configuration (connection between two pipes laid in different axes).
The trainee fusion operator shall receive a written manual covering all the elements dealt with in this
supplemental training for PA-U. The course shall be provided in one of the national languages.
5.2.2 Theoretical course on general information
The theoretical course shall dea
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