Product category:
Drainage Services
News Release from: National Sewerage Association | Subject: TrustMark
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 February 2006
TrustMark - drainage maintenance and
repair
National Sewerage Association, together with the Water Jetting Association, UKSTT and SBWWI assisted in producing a best practice standard for drainage installation, maintenance and repair.
TrustMark, the latest government initiative to give the general public confidence in household maintenance contractors, was formally launched on 30th January 2006 Many trade bodies within the construction industry alongside consumer organisations and trading standards support the Scheme
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 18 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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The National Sewerage Association, together with the Water Jetting Association, UKSTT and SBWWI came together to assist in producing a best practice standard for drainage installation, maintenance and repair within the domestic market based on the standards and codes of practice expected in the commercial arena.
All these Associations, which are well respected in their respective fields, felt that it was important to the greater industry that the service given to the general public should not deflect from the standards set and expected elsewhere.
The Construction Industry should however be aware that the best practice standards incorporated within TrustMark recognise the domestic environment, i.e shallow inspection chambers and small diameter pipes in domestic premises.
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Health and safety is still very much an issue but does not require the higher level of training and certification necessitated by deeper structures, higher flows, highway and construction site working.
So, what exactly is TrustMark? It has been developed in an effort to cut out rogue traders and give the general public confidence in the building and maintenance industry.
Companies and sole traders are expected to satisfy the scheme operator of their trustworthiness, that their workmanship meets the industry standards, there is a provision for written quotations, that a complaints procedure is in place and that they are financially viable.
Warranty provision is also generally required for any work.
Performance checks are made by the Scheme Operator and, should it prove necessary, the TrustMark team.
The Drainage Installation, Maintenance and Repair sector covers pipeline location and investigation, including CCTV inspections, blockage clearance and pipe cleaning, pipe replacement by no-dig or excavation and manhole build or replacement.
Training, with certification, for operators in the domestic market has been in place for about five years and covers most of the disciplines.
The Drain Repair Book (issued by WRc) is the main but not the only documentation source, with reference back to recognised national standards.
The Trade Associations decided in favour of a neutral Scheme Operator for the drainage sector and handed the job to AJA Registrars of Portishead (01275 849188).
It is still early days and contractors are being encouraged to register for TrustMark.
More information about TrustMark and the other trades in the scheme can be had from www.trustmark.org.uk.
Construction companies are asked to note that the majority of companies within the NSA, WJA, UKSTT and SBWWI organisations work across the spectrum in the commercial field working for utility, transport and construction companies at standards above those required in the domestic environment and are less likely to register for TrustMark.
It is always important to check, whatever the level, that full and current certification in the required disciplines is in place.
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