VIC Main Tapping Competition – WIOA Conferences

85th Victorian Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition

28 & 29 February 2024
Bendigo Exhibition Centre
Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holmes Road, Bendigo, VIC, 3550

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Victorian Main Tapping Competition

WIOA in conjunction with Reece Civil & Viadux is thrilled to announce the Victorian Main Tapping Competition will again be conducted as part of this year’s Victorian conference.

Register your team now (limited to 16 teams)

A name for your team (which includes the organisation you are representing)
The names of the 2 competitors, and contact details
The name and contact details of your approving authority
Details of your preferred charity
Please include if your competitors are registered for the full event or only a single day (this will determine who will compete Wednesday or Thursday)

Spots will be allocated on a first-in best-dressed basis. Entries will close on Thursday 22 February 2024, and participants will be notified of their competing day and time on Friday 23 February 2024.

Travel and accommodation to and from the event is the responsibility of the entrants/ their employers

The winning team will get their names on the impressive perpetual trophy and the opportunity to nominate a local charity to receive a donation of $1,000 from the Sponsors Reece Civil & Viadux

Previous Winners

2023 – Cameron Lusk & Lynden Thurstan from TasWater

2022 – Bailey Anderson & Billy Wall from Goulburn Valley Water

2021 – Not Held

2020 – Not Held

2019 – Luke Smith & David Taylor from Wannon Water

2018 – Gino Russo & Jack Dobson from Goulburn Valley Water

2017 – Denny Anderson & Heath Matheson from Central Highlands Water

Supported by

Main Tapping Competition Rules

Two person teams compete in time trials consisting of two teams competing at a time. (maximum of 8 rounds to be held)
Each team prior to the start of the timed competition a safe work method statement is to be completed by each team and reviewed by the judge.
Each team member must wear appropriate PPE. (Long sleeves, long trousers, gloves, safety glasses)
Each team is supplied with the necessary tools and fittings to complete a 20mm water tapping on a 100mm DICL pipe, including a length of water service and stop valve.
The teams will carry out an under pressure tapping through a TPFNR and connect length of poly pipe and a ball valve.
It is up to the team members to check all tools and fittings are working prior to competition. Equipment failure is deemed the fault of competitors.
A starting whistle will sound and the competitors may start the process of tapping the water main.
The time keepers will time the competitors using stop watches (one for each team).
The 2 man team install the tapping band and ferrule on the 100mm pipe, tap the water main, install 1 metre of poly pipe and install a ball valve on the end of the poly. When completed the ball vale is turned off.
When a team has finished they must turn water off at ball valve and return all tools to the tool box shut the lid and hold up their hand, the time will be stopped.
The tapping will be inspected for leaks, if no leaks occur the time is recorded:
Penalties for faulty tapping’s:
- Leak on service connection
- Tapping not through pipe wall
- No water from service
- All tools not in box
When the tapping is complete and inspected the winning time will be recorded, the fastest time recorded on the day will be announced the competition winner.

Equipment

The tapping will be on a pressurised section of 100mm DICL pipe, set up on a stand, and pressurised from a water tank or supply.
Tapping must be completed without electrical or pneumatic tools or devices.
The following tools and fittings will be supplied on the day. A tapping machine tool box inside is:
- 1 x 100mm (gun metal) tapping band
- 1 x 20mm bonnet ferrule cock
- 1 Metre of 25mm od poly pipe
- 1 X 20mm ball valve.
- 1 tapping machine with new drill bit
- Footprints
- 1 ring/open end spanner
- 1 wooden paddle
- 1 roll of thread tape
- 1 x 20mm dia brass bend
- 1 x 20mm dia female to male poly joiner
- 1 x 20mm dia male poly joiner (if required)

For more information, please contact WIOA on 03 5821 6744, or email info@wioa.org.au