5.1 This standard practice is designed to specify the minimum training and testing required of HFE operators trainees before they obtain a Heat Fusion Equipment Operator Qualification card. It will allow the industry to require the “HFE” operators be trained and qualified to an approved procedure before they can heat fuse PE or PA pipe in the field. The standard practice will bring more competency in the operators and more consistency in the training they receive.

1.1 This practice describes criteria for the training, assessment and qualification of heat fusion equipment (HFE) operators in, but not limited to, a field environment in order to establish and maintain competency in the joining of Polyethylene (PE) and Polyamide (PA) piping systems.

1.2 This HFE operator training and qualification is applicable to heat fusion joining of PE pipe and fittings to other PE pipe and fittings of related polymer chemistry specified in the heat fusion procedures or standards used. It is also applicable to heat fusion joining of PA pipe and fittings to other PA pipe and fittings of the same polymer chemistry specified in the heat fusion procedures or standards used. The heat fusion between PE pipe and fittings to PA pipe and fittings is NOT allowed.

1.3 The HFE operator training and qualification shall be for butt fusion for either PE or PA piping products, using the specific brand and size range of fusion machine to be used by the HFE operator and the heat fusion procedures or standards specified. If the HFE operator trainee requests, the training shall also include saddle and/or socket fusion of PE pipe and fittings of related polymer chemistry specified in the heat fusion procedures or standards used. This standard does not include training on the electro-fusion of these piping products.

1.4 The HFE operator qualification shall be for one specific manufacturer’s fusion machine or a size range of that manufacturer’s hydraulic fusion machines or equipment that all operate in the same manner with the same hydraulic design and controls and the same heater and facer design. For smaller pipe sizes (6 in. and smaller), the qualification can be on a specific fusion machine or a combination of butt, saddle and/or socket fusion machines or equipment.

1.5 The HFE operator qualification shall be on specific heat fusion procedures or standards specified for PE and PA pipes. For PE pipe and fittings, this shall include Practice F2620 or other company or pipe manufacturer’s procedures, or a combination thereof. For PA-11 pipe and fittings, this shall include Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) Technical Report TR-45 or other company or pipe manufacturer’s procedures. For other PA pipe materials, use other company or pipe manufacturer’s procedures.

1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.