Joint Code of Practice for managing escape of water on construction sites published
Iain Hoey
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Guidance released for escape of water on construction sites
The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has published a new Joint Code of Practice (JCoP) for the prevention and management of escape of water (EoW) on construction sites.
The guide was developed by RISCAuthority and the Construction Insurance Risk Engineers Group (CIREG) and is endorsed by the London Engineering Group (LEG) and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).
As reported by the FPA, this first edition targets both permanent and temporary water systems within buildings.
The document provides a comprehensive approach to mitigating water damage risks on construction sites by addressing the root causes of escape of water.
It aims to reduce the frequency and severity of incidents during pre-construction and construction phases.
The guidance covers various plumbing systems, water storage, and mechanical systems, offering good practice across a range of construction and refurbishment projects.
A focus on risk management and collaboration
The new JCoP is designed to be applied across the supply chain, from designers and specifiers to contractors during construction, emphasising a collaborative, risk-based approach.
RISCAuthority Consultant Adrian Butler explained: “Insurers’ experience shows that the occurrence of water damage is one of the most prevalent causes of claims on construction sites.”
The code also outlines methods to mitigate the impact of water-related incidents and prevent project delays.
Butler further noted that the JCoP provides ways to address the root causes of EoW and manage the effects if incidents occur.
Impact on the construction and plumbing industries
Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), highlighted the importance of reducing water leaks: “Millions of litres of water are wasted each day, with significant financial losses incurred due to damage to building fabric and other property.”
Wellman stressed that the new code contains essential information to help reduce and manage these incidents.
The CIPHE’s involvement in the development of the JCoP ensures that it addresses the technical challenges of plumbing installations.
It also reinforces the need for competent workers in preventing water escape issues, particularly in new build properties.
Insights from the insurance risk sector
The construction insurance sector also played a key role in creating the JCoP.
Olly Wright of CIREG stated: “This new Joint Code of Practice expands on, and is intended to replace, the CIREG 5th Edition.”
He highlighted the renewed focus on preventing water damage by incorporating technology that detects anomalous flow rates and can automatically isolate pipework outside of working hours.
Wright pointed out that water escape remains a leading cause of insurable loss on construction sites, stressing the importance of this updated guidance in addressing these risks.
Escape of water code of practice now available: Summary
The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has published the first edition of the Joint Code of Practice (JCoP) for Escape of Water Prevention and Management on Construction Sites.
This guide aims to address the risk of water damage across the construction sector and was developed by RISCAuthority and CIREG.
It covers various water systems and is applicable to both pre-construction and construction phases.
The guidance is endorsed by the London Engineering Group and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.
It encourages a collaborative, risk-based approach and incorporates modern technology to prevent water-related incidents.
