Development of a NZ PE Pipe Industry Group and Associated Fusion Operator Certificate of Competency

The versatility and properties of Polyethylene pipe have resulted in a substantial increase in its use for 3Water projects and applications over the past 10+ years. As its use has become more widespread and accepted, alongside technological improvements in the pipeline material and fittings, the need for improved quality assurance and education has increased.

To this end the Polyethylene Pipelines Industry Group (PPIG), under the umbrella of PIPA NZ, a sector group of Plastics NZ, was established in 2015. This paper will summarise the development of this group, its key goals and vision as well as the work undertaken to date in the creation of a Certificate of Competency (CoC) for PE fusion welders.

The PPIG includes all of the key NZ PE industry players, including material suppliers and pipe and fittings manufactures and suppliers, has a constitution and governance structure as well as being affiliated with PIPA Australia. The Group supports all industry participants including asset owners, specifiers, engineers, contractors and suppliers to ensure PE pipelines are correctly designed, specified and installed. The end goal being to provide added value to the end users of polyethylene pipelines and fittings in NZ.

One of the key goals the group set for itself for 2017 was the development and introduction of a National Competency Register and re-certification scheme for all polyethylene fusion welding technicians. The intent and current status of this scheme will be described as well as any future steps to be undertaken.

The paper will also describe the next upcoming goals and challenges that the group has set for itself for 2017 & 2018.