CTVET Ghana Certificate II - Plumbing key terms

Items worn or used by a worker to reduce exposure to hazards, such as safety boots, gloves, goggles, ear defenders, dust masks, hard hats and high-visibility clothing. It is the last line of defence after hazards are removed or controlled.

A careful examination of a task or workplace to identify what could cause harm, decide how likely and severe that harm is, and record the control measures needed before work starts. It should be reviewed when conditions change.

A written document describing the safe sequence of steps, tools, materials and controls for carrying out a specific job. It tells the plumber how the task is done safely and who is responsible at each stage.

A formal written authorisation issued before high-risk work such as hot work, confined-space entry or work on live services. It records the hazards, precautions, time limits and the person authorising and receiving the permit.

Entering an enclosed or partly enclosed area such as a septic tank, manhole or underground chamber where dangerous gases, low oxygen or flooding may occur. Entry requires testing the atmosphere, ventilation, a standby person and rescue arrangements.

The procedure of switching off and disconnecting an electrical, water or gas supply, then locking or tagging the control so it cannot be restored while work is in progress. It protects the worker from unexpected energisation or flooding.

A drawing method that shows a three-dimensional object as separate two-dimensional views, such as front, plan and side elevations, arranged at right angles to each other. Hidden edges are shown with dashed lines.

A pictorial drawing in which the three main axes are drawn 120 degrees apart, giving a three-dimensional impression without perspective. Vertical lines stay vertical and lengths along the axes are drawn to a common scale.

A projection convention in which the object is imagined between the observer and the drawing plane, so the view seen is placed on the opposite side. The plan appears below the front elevation and the left view appears on the right.

A projection convention in which the drawing plane is imagined between the observer and the object, so each view is placed on the same side as the observer. The plan appears above the front elevation and the left view appears on the left.

A drawing in which every dimension is reduced or enlarged in the same fixed ratio, for example 1:50. The scale must be stated on the drawing so that real sizes can be calculated from measured lengths.

A scaled top-down view of a building showing walls, openings, rooms and the positions of sanitary fittings and pipe routes. Plumbers use it to plan pipe runs, gradients and the location of stacks and inspection chambers.

The slope at which a drain or pipe is laid, usually expressed as a ratio such as 1:60 or as millimetres drop per metre. Correct fall lets wastewater flow and carry solids without blocking or leaving standing water.

Marking positions, levels and lines on the ground, wall or pipe before cutting, drilling or fixing. Accurate setting out ensures fittings, brackets and pipe runs are level, plumb and correctly spaced.

Forming a curve or angle in a pipe by controlled heat or mechanical force so it follows the required route without joints. The bend radius must suit the pipe material and the pipe must not flatten or wrinkle at the bend.

A flexible internal or external spring inserted into or slipped over a pipe to support the walls while it is bent by hand. It prevents kinking and flattening, and is removed after the bend is formed.

The length of pipe consumed by a bend, calculated from the bend radius and angle, which must be added to the straight lengths when cutting. Ignoring it leaves the pipe too short or the route out of position.

Cutting pipe to length with a hacksaw, wheel cutter or shear, then removing the internal burr with a reamer or file. Reaming restores full bore and prevents turbulence, noise and debris collecting in the pipe.

Cutting a tapered external screw thread on a pipe end so it can be joined to a threaded fitting with a sealant. The thread must be cut square and to the correct length so the joint tightens fully.

Joining plastic pipes and fittings by applying solvent cement that softens the surfaces so they fuse together. The pipe end must be cleaned, primed and pushed fully home with a slight twist, then left undisturbed to cure.

A reusable mechanical joint in which tightening a nut compresses a soft ring or olive onto the pipe to form a seal. The pipe end must be cut square and cleaned, and the nut must not be over-tightened.

The basic principles of sizing, routing, supporting and joining pipes so that water flows at the required rate and pressure without noise, vibration or damage. It covers bore, pressure, velocity and correct fixing.

Fixing pipes at regular intervals with clips, brackets or hangers so their weight and movement are carried by the building structure. Spacing depends on pipe material and size, and allowance must be made for expansion.

A banging noise and pressure surge caused when flowing water is suddenly stopped, for example by a fast-closing tap or valve. It is reduced by correct pipe sizing, secure clipping and fitting arrestors or slow-closing valves.

A covered vessel that holds water for domestic use, usually placed at ground level or on a roof to give gravity supply. It needs a ball valve, overflow, vent, access cover and a screened inlet to stay clean and safe.

The system that delivers unheated water from the mains or a storage tank to taps, cisterns and appliances. It may be direct from the mains or indirect through a tank, and must provide adequate pressure at each outlet.

A valve operated by a floating arm that closes the inlet when a cistern or tank reaches its set water level. Its position and adjustment control the working level and the overflow margin.

The clear vertical distance between the lowest point of a water outlet and the overflowing level of the receiving vessel. It is a simple backflow prevention measure that keeps contaminated water from reaching the supply.

Devices and arrangements that stop water in a pipe or appliance from flowing backwards into the clean supply. Methods include air gaps, non-return valves, check valves and reduced-pressure zone assemblies, chosen to suit the risk.

A pipe that discharges water outside the building when a cistern or tank overfills, warning the occupier of a faulty inlet valve. It must be visible, screened and positioned so discharge is obvious.

A small tank that stores water for flushing a WC or supplying an appliance. It contains an inlet float valve, an outlet flush mechanism, an overflow and a water level mark that sets the correct fill.

The depth of water held in a trap that prevents sewer gases from entering a building. It is typically 50 mm for domestic fittings and must be maintained by correct design and regular use.

The main vertical pipe that carries soil from WCs and waste from sinks and baths down to the drain. It is sized for the discharge load and must be vented and correctly supported.

A pipe that admits air into the drainage system and releases foul air above roof level, protecting trap seals from siphonage. It must be kept clear, correctly sized and terminated away from windows.

An access point in a drain, usually with a removable cover, allowing inspection, rodding and clearing of blockages. It is placed at changes of direction, at junctions and at intervals along long drain runs.

A check that a drain or pipe system is watertight and flowing correctly, using air, smoke or water tests. It is carried out before backfilling or covering pipework and the results are recorded.

The fixed ceramic, plastic or metal fittings in a bathroom or kitchen, such as WCs, washbasins, baths, showers and sinks. They are installed level, sealed and connected to the correct supply and waste pipework.

The pipework and valves that connect washing machines, water heaters, showers and similar appliances to the cold and hot supplies. Each connection needs an accessible isolating valve and a suitable flexible or fixed connector.

The systematic process of finding the cause of a plumbing problem by gathering symptoms, checking likely causes in order and testing each one. It avoids replacing parts at random and records the final cause and remedy.

Locating the source of an escape of water using observation, moisture checks, isolation tests, pressure testing or tracing dye. Early detection limits water damage, mould growth and wasted water.

A planned list of inspections, servicing and replacement tasks for a plumbing system, with frequencies and responsibilities. It helps prevent breakdowns and gives the customer a clear record of work due.

A written offer to carry out specified work at a stated price, valid for a fixed period and based on measured quantities and rates. It protects both customer and plumber by setting out scope, price and conditions.

An approximate calculation of the likely cost of a job, prepared from experience and current prices before detailed measurement. It is not a fixed offer and should state clearly what is included and excluded.

A priced list of the materials and work items needed for a project, with descriptions and measured quantities. It allows fair comparison of tenders and helps control materials and costs on site.

The difference between the selling price of work and the total cost of carrying it out, usually expressed as a percentage of the price. It must cover overheads, risk and a fair return for the business.

A tax charged on goods and services and collected by registered businesses on behalf of the revenue authority. A plumber must know whether prices quoted include or exclude it and must keep proper records.

The standards of honest and responsible conduct expected of a tradesperson, including fair pricing, confidentiality, safety, respect for the customer's property and refusal to carry out unsafe or illegal work.

The way a plumber deals with clients: listening, explaining work clearly, keeping appointments, protecting floors and furniture, cleaning up afterwards and following up on complaints promptly and politely.

The exchange of clear information with clients, supervisors and other trades through speech, drawings, written notes, messages and reports. Good communication prevents errors, disputes and unsafe misunderstandings on site.