Handover and manufacturer servicing schedules

A proper handover

Handover turns a commissioned system into one the user can run safely. Walk the user through it rather than just leaving the paperwork.

• Demonstrate the controls. Show how to set the temperature, the timer or programmer, and how to turn the system off.
• Explain the safety devices. Point out relief valves and their discharge routes on an unvented unit, and stress that these must not be capped, altered or obstructed, and that a tundish discharging is a warning sign.
• Hand over the documents. Provide the manufacturer instructions, the completed commissioning or benchmark logbook, and any Building Regulations notification or certificate for unvented work. Advise the user to keep them safe.

Manufacturer schedules drive servicing

Use the manufacturer’s service interval and checklist for the actual model. Checks may include an external expansion vessel or an internal air volume, an anode where fitted, relief devices and controls. Servicing supports safe operation and may be a condition of the guarantee, whose other terms also apply. Explain the interval, commonly annual for domestic unvented cylinders, and the need for a suitably competent person.

Leaving a system without this handover risks misuse, missed servicing and invalidated guarantees. Always work to the specific manufacturer schedule and current guidance.

Discharge, isolation and servicing

• Unexpected discharge needs reporting and competent investigation. Heat-up discharge can indicate inadequate expansion provision; continuous passing also calls for pressure-control and valve-seat checks. The actual vessel or internal-air arrangement matters. Discharge during a planned safety-valve test is a separate, controlled event.
• Show the isolation points and explain the correct response for different faults. For T&P discharge, the unvented models considered here require heat input to be switched off without turning off the water supply. Follow the model’s emergency instructions and keep every relief route unobstructed.
• Explain the model’s expansion and safety-device maintenance, including charge checks where an external vessel is fitted or the specified internal-air procedure. Give the first service date and the competent-service contact details.
• Explain the TMV’s inspection and service schedule, including cleaning or descaling as required and the specified cold-supply-failure test. Record actual temperatures and test results against the model’s acceptance criteria.