C-5 Manufacturer and Supplier Documentation Introduction
Manufacturer and supplier documentation plays an important role in the piping trades by providing the information needed to install, operate, and maintain equipment safely and correctly. These documents include manuals, specifications, product data sheets, and installation guides that help ensure systems meet required standards and perform as intended. In this section, you will learn about the types of documentation commonly encountered in the piping trades, the key information they contain, and how to effectively use the internet to find reliable manufacturer documentation for the products and systems you work with.
Learning Objectives
After completing this section, you should be able to:
- Describe documentation encountered in the piping trades.
- Describe information contained in manufacturer and supplier documentation.
- Describe how to use the internet to source manufacturers’ documentation.
Topic areas covered in this publication are in alignment with SkilledTradesBC Harmonized 2018 Program Outlines.
You will be required to reference publications and videos available online at
WorkSafeBC.
Terminology
The following terms may be used throughout this section. Note that some glossary terms may be in italics throughout the section content but are not included in this list. A complete list of terms for this section can be found in the Glossary.
- as-built drawings: Drawings that show how a system was actually built or installed. (Section C-5.2)
- certification: Proof that something meets certain rules or standards. (Section C-4.1; Section C-5.1)
- certification mark: A symbol on a product that shows it has been tested and approved. (Section C-5.1)
- commissioning: The process of testing a system to make sure it works properly. (Section C-5.2)
- controlled product: A product that may be dangerous and needs safety information. (Section C-5.1)
- extended warranty: Extra coverage you can buy to protect a product for a longer time. (Section C-5.2)
- fluid-handling equipment: Machines or tools that move or control liquids or gases, like pumps, pipes, and valves. (Section C-5.2)
- hazard: Something that can cause harm or danger. (Section C-5.1)
- installation instruction manual: A booklet that explains how to install and set up a product. (Section C-5.2)
- maintenance: Taking care of equipment to keep it working properly. (Section C-5.1)
- manufacturer: A company that makes products or equipment. (Section C-5.1)
- operation and maintenance (o&m) manual: A document that explains how to use and take care of a system. (Section C-5.2)
- plant installed: All the equipment and systems that have been set up and put in place as part of a project, such as pumps, boilers, pipes, and control systems. (Section C-5.2)
- proprietary: Something owned by a company that others cannot use freely. (Section C-5.1)
- rough-in dimensions: Measurements used to plan where pipes or fixtures will be installed. (Section C-5.3)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS): A document that explains how to safely use a product and what dangers it may have. (Section C-5.1)
- servicing instructions: Simple directions that explain how to check, clean, fix, or take care of equipment so it keeps working properly and safely. (Section C-5.1)
- set points: Values set on a device to control how it operates, like temperature. (Section C-5.2)
- spec sheet (datasheet): A document that lists important details about a product’s performance and features. (Section C-5.2)
- technical documentation: Written information that explains how to install, use, or fix a product. (Section C-5.1)
- training: Learning how to do a job safely and correctly. (Section C-5.1)
- troubleshooting: Steps used to find and fix problems with equipment. (Section C-5.2)
- uncertified products: Products that have not been tested or approved by an official organization to show they are safe and meet required standards. (Section C-5.1)
- warranty: A promise from a company to repair or replace a product if it has problems. (Section C-5.2)
