Primarily Focusing on Backflow Prevention References to the
Primarily Focusing on Backflow Prevention References to the Water Regulations Guide with practical solutions Presentation By Adrian Reeve – Technical Director - Arrow Valves Ltd 1 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Objectives Fluid Categories – risk classification - New UK standards Regulations 2 – 6 – requirements, solutions and notification Regulations 7 – 14 – penalties, disputes, & revocation Backflow prevention devices - Fluid Categories 2 – 5 Point of use – requirements for each device Sealed heating – regulations and devices Water Fittings Approval Standards – Kiwa, WRAS, NSF Reg 4 Water conservation – requirements and devices Hose Union Taps - requirements and devices Temperature – limit and control Summary 2 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Regulations & Guidance Available Information The legal UK Water Regulations include The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations – Statutory Instruments 1148 Schedule 1 – Fluid Categories Schedule 2 – Requirements for Water Fittings Guidance is produced by DETR (DEFRA) and WRAS “Water Regulations Advisory Scheme” The “Water Regulations Guide” contains all the Regulations and Guidance (Replaces Water Supply Byelaws Guide) 3 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Guidance The Formal, Legal, DETR Guidance to the regulations (Byelaws) – Referred to as ‘G’ Clauses For Example: G 7. 2 Discuses the ways a distribution pipe enters the building 4 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Recommendations The water Supply Industry ‘Recommendations and Comments’ – Referred to as ‘R’ clauses For Example: R 7. 2 It is essential that pipes entering buildings below ground level are sealed against the entry of fluids, vermin and insects as diagrams G 7. 2 a, G 7. 2 b and G 7. 2 c. Where the incoming pipe: a. Has less than 750 mm of ground cover above the pipe, or the pipe enters the building at a distance of less than 750 mm form the external face of the wall, the annular space between the outside of the pipe and the inside of the duct between should be provided with insulating material; or b. Passes through an airspace below an internal suspended lower floor, the pipe should be fully insulated in that air space. 5 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Schedule 1 – Fluid Category Risk Comparison Previous UK Classification European/New UK Classification Typical Examples of Fluids Class 1 Schedule A Risk European Fluid Category 5 Faecal Material, Toxic materials, Butchery, Animal Waste. European Fluid Category 4 Chemical, Carcinogenic, Pesticides, Commercial Heating. European Fluid Category 3 Ethylene Glycol, Copper Sulphate, Domestic Heating. Class 3 Schedule C Risk European Fluid Category 2 Hot Water, Change in Taste, Colour or Odour. Wholesome Water European Fluid Category 1 Potable Water as supplied by the Water Undertakers. Class 2 Schedule B Risk 6 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Chemical Data Base Resources available to help us www. wras. co. uk/search/products The resources page on the WRAS website, has a chemical database that lists common chemicals and then gives their relevant fluid classification so we can apply the appropriate backflow device. 7 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Regulation 2 Application of Regulations 2. - (1) Subject to the following provisions of this regulation, these Regulations apply to any water fitting installed or used, or to be installed or used, in premises to which water is or is to be supplied by a water undertaker. (4) Nothing in these Regulations shall require any person to remove, replace, alter, disconnect or cease to use any water fitting which was lawfully installed or used, or capable of being used, before 1 st July 1999. “lawfully” means conformance to the Water Byelaws 8 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Regulation 2 Retrospective Clause Example of New Water Regulations applying to existing installations R 15. 21 “While the Regulations are not retrospective appropriate measures must be taken against any known situation where there is a potential backflow risk from hoses. The offence will be deemed to have been committed when the hose was attached and not when the tap was first installed. ” The same applies to filling loops etc. 9 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Regulation 3 Restriction on installation etc. of water fittings 3. - (1) No person shall (a) install a water fitting to convey or receive water supplied by a water undertaker, or alter, disconnect or use such a water fitting; or (b) cause or permit such a water fitting to be installed, altered, disconnected or used in such a manner that it causes or is likely to cause (i) waste, misuse, undue consumption or contamination of water supplied by a water undertaker; or (ii) the erroneous measurement of water supplied by a water undertaker. 10 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
What is Backflow? “Backflow” means flow upstream, that is in a direction contrary to the intended normal direction of flow, within or from a water fitting. Back Siphonage (Vacuum on supply) Back Pressure (Downstream pressure higher than supply) Some devices are suitable for Back Siphonage only - e. g. DC Pipe Interrupter. Others e. g. BA (RPZ Valve) are suitable for both. 11 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Back Siphonage – Tap Gap AUK 2 Courtesy of WRAS This tap is sucking up water due to a vacuum in the supply pipe and AUK 2 Tap Gap. 12 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Point of Use Protection - The Law Backflow prevention devices MUST be fitted at POINTS OF USE paragraph 15 (1) of the Statutory Instruments (Water Regulations). 15. (1) “Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, every water system shall contain an adequate device or devices for preventing backflow of fluid from any appliance, fitting or process from occurring”. (2) “The device used to prevent backflow shall be appropriate to the highest applicable fluid category to which the fitting is subject downstream before the next such device”. G 15. 25 “The provision of zone or whole-site backflow protection should be in addition to individual requirements at points of use and within the system”. 13 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Point of Use Protection (Domestic) Fluid Category 5 BTHW AUK 1 Air Gap Sealed Heating System Fluid Category 3 AUK 2 Air Gap Fluid Category 3 Double Check Valve Mains Water Supply Fluid Category 5 AUK 3 Air Gap Fluid Category 3 Double Check Valve 14 Double check valve after boundary pipe – Whole site protection www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Point of Use Protection (Non House) Fluid Category 5 BTHW AUK 1 Air Gap Sealed Heating System Fluid Category 4 AUK 3 Air Gap Fluid Category 4 Break Tank and Booster Mains Water Supply Fluid Category 5 AUK 3 Air Gap Fluid Category 5 Break Tank and Booster 15 Double check valve after boundary pipe – Whole site protection www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
“Fluid Category 2 Single Check Valve Category 2 protection Relevant G Clauses – G 6. 1, G 6. 1 b Water whose aesthetic quality is impaired owing to a change in temperature or the presence of a substance or organism causing a change in taste odour or appearance Applications – Domestic water softener Drink vending machines Fire sprinkler systems Ice making machines Whole site protection EB 235 Single Check Valves For Washing Machines 16 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019 EA(xx)P 453
“Fluid Category 3 Double Check Valve Category 3 protection Relevant G Clauses – G 6. 1, G 6. 1 c Fluid that represents a slight health hazard, because of the concentration of substances of low toxicity, such as ethylene glycol, copper sulphate, common disenfectants Applications – Domestic clothes and dishwashing Domestic washbasins baths and showers (including hotels etc. ) Commercial softening plant (common salt) Domestic hand held hoses (with shut off control) Drink vending machines with CO² ED 235 Double Check Valves 17 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019 EC(xx)P 453
Backflow Example – Multi Storey Building Negative pressure – could suck fluid out of bath via shower hose Solution – Secondary Protection Branch Valve Double Check Valve Model BRV Supply pressure lost – mains or booster failure Solution Point of Use Protection Shower Hose Double Check Valve Model ED 235 Tap turned on – Contaminated! 18 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
“Fluid Category 4 RPZ Check Valves Relevant G Clauses – G 6. 1, G 6. 1 d Type AF Air Gap DB Pipe Interrupter Fluid that represents a significant health hazard, pesticides carcinogens or environmental organisms Applications – Primary circuits in other than a house fire sprinkler systems using anti freeze solutions Mini irrigation systems Commercial dish washing machines Chemicals listed on the data base. BAB RPZ Valve Assembly 19 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019 DB 256 Pipe Interrupter
“Fluid Category 5 (Pumped) Relevant G Clauses – AB Air Gap G 6. 1, G 6. 1 e Category 5 protection Fluid representing a serious health hazard because of the concentration of pathogenic organisms, radioactive or very toxic substances. Air Gap AB “Boost-A-Break” Fixed speed Break Tank and Booster - model BTAB 20 Applications – “Non-Domestic” Hose Union taps e. g. Waste Bin Washing Wash-down Irrigation Laboratories Rain water Baths/Showers - Healthcare Bed pan washers www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019 Midi Break Wall mounted
“Fluid Category 5 (Gravity) Relevant G Clauses – AB & DC Air Gap Category 5 protection G 6. 1, G 6. 1 e Applications – Chemical toilet waste disposal WC urinals Rain water Baths/Showers - Healthcare AB 18 T Rain water Header Tank 21 With gravity fed devices, height is the key factor in obtaining a usable flow and pressure at the intended outlet. Restrictions downstream on pipe interrupters will cause them to flood! www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019 DC Pipe Interrupters
Hot Water & Fluid Category 5 Relevant G Clauses – G 15. 9, G 15. 11, G 15. 14 Thermostatically controlled shower (model CSABATLF) 22 Hot water becomes a problem for fluid category 5 as any stored water will get cold in the storage tank and will need to be discharged before hot water comes through. Plus we run the risk of promoting bacterial growth. We can have dedicated water heaters for point of use protection, or specific products that store hot water in their own unique way. Applications – Healthcare (assisted bathing), Nursing homes, Veterinary, Dog grooming, Medical, Mortuary, Butchery, Bidet, Toilet (paperless) www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
“Pent-A-Boost” – Wholesome Water Relevant G Clauses – Pumps that draw more than 12 litres/min can’t be connected directly to the mains and must be separated via a break tank G 6. 1, G 16. 13 AF Air Gap Category 4 protection Applications – “Pent-A-Boost” Variable Speed Compact Domestic Booster - model BTAF 23 Boosts pressure for high buildings where the mains supply is inadequate e. g. penthouse suites www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019 “Pent-A-Boost” Dual pump
Regulation 4 Requirements for water fittings etc. 4. - (1) Every water fitting shall (a) be of an appropriate quality and standard; and (b) be suitable for the circumstances in which it is used. (2) For the purposes of this regulation, a water fitting is of an appropriate quality or standard only if (a) it bears an appropriate CE marking in accordance with the Directive; (b) it conforms to an appropriate harmonized standard or European technical approval; (c) it conforms to an appropriate British Standard or some other national specification of an EEA State which provides an equivalent level of protection and performance; or (d) it conforms to a specification approved by the regulator. It is necessary to prove conformance – only use Water Regulations approved fittings. 24 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Regulation 4 – Certification WRAS, KIWA, NSF REG 4 1. 6. Product Certification Individual products or materials need to bear a Kite Mark, CE Mark or EEA standard or can be covered by KIWA or WRAS respectively. The WRAS approval is granted to a product to guarantee that it will not contaminate the water supply when installed, and in the case of some mechanical products will have passed an endurance test. The WRAS Technical Committee has accepted that WRAS Approval can be granted for products tested by Kiwa Ltd and NSF International. WRAS do not test products themselves. The WRAS Product and Approval Group (PAG) Group on receipt of the test results from the individual test houses will grant the approval of the product within 10 days. 25 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
WRAS Approved Product v WRAS Approved Components A WRAS approved product has passed a set of stringent tests that ensures that it is suitable to convey potable water and suitable for the job that it is intended to do. For example fluid category 5 backflow protection. A product that is made of WRAS approved components is suitable to convey potable water, It may have an air gap, but this could be incorrectly sized and as a backflow prevention device not sufficient. WRAS Approved Components 26 WRAS Approved Product www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Heating Systems Relevant G Clause – G 24. 2 WRAS Interpretation Filling Loops – Decision Date: May 2005, Regulation/Bylaw Clause Ref: G 15. 3, G 24. 2 – Ref no. B 22 02. 33. 02 Filling and topping up of heating systems G 15. 3 & G 24. 2 Revised March 2014 Filling Loops (Temporary) Can be used on a new system for a rapid fill as long as the section of pipe contains no fluids or the section of pipe contains a heat transfer fluid that contains no chemicals or is a fluid of no grater risk than category 3 Categorisation of Non Domestic heating systems Filling Valve - CA device with PRV, strainer and servicing valves Model – CA 297 PRV: Suitable for permanent connection to a Fluid Category 3 Heating System 27 Is fluid category 4, however the water suppliers now adopt a risk based approach associated with primary heating systems and if accessed to be lower than fluid category 4 will accept alternative approaches. www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Pressurised Heating Systems Automated pressurisation units will keep an unvented system correctly topped up to a designated safe pressure that is correct for the boiler(s) and fittings in the system. In order that an unvented system remains stable, we need to consider expansion vessels, air and dirt removers, the facility for adding chemical additives, and a mechanical device protecting the system against excessive temperature and Autofill is a Fluid Category 4 device pressure. for filling and pressurising Continued topping up of a system will lead to reduction of inhibiter % and lead to premature failure of key components MFD Pressurisation Unit. 28 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019 Dose & Fill Model DF
Regulation 5 Notification 5. - (1) Subject to paragraph (2), any person who proposes to install a water fitting in connection with any of the following applications – The erection of a building or other structure, the extension or alteration of a water system on any premises other than a house or the material changes of use of any premises. (a) shall give notice to the water undertaker that he proposes to begin work; (b) shall not begin that work without the consent of that undertaker which shall not be withheld unreasonably; and “Unreasonably” means 10 working days from receipt of application (c) shall comply with any conditions to which the undertaker's consent is subject. Water Companies are permitted to make “reasonable” terms and conditions 29 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Water Conservation Saving Water, Saving Energy Automatic Flow Limiting Valve Combined Servicing Valve and Automatic Flow Limiting cartridge. Constant flow between 1 – 10 bar. Relevant G Clauses – G 11. 1, G 11. 2, G 11. 3 Relevant R Clause – R 25. 6 Automatic Flow Limiting Cartridges 0. 07 – 0. 43 Lt/s Model AFL 8 Colour-coded cartridges available - with matching colour on disc that snaps into plug Applications – Every appliance 15 or 22 mm Model AFLJG Push-Fit connections assist with speed of installation Cartridges can be changed though side port with pliers 30 Assists with Part G Building Regulations 17 K www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Outside Taps (Standpipes) The WRAS Interpretation (B 08) States: The categorisation of non-domestic hose union taps as a fitting that requires fluid 5 protection is a recognition that in some non-domestic situations the fluids at risk of being present will be a more serious health hazard. Water suppliers do however adopt a risk based approach to their enforcement of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations/Byelaws and where a risk assessment indicates that the risks associated with an individual hose union tap are less than fluid category 5 they will accept alternative approaches. Standpipe - Model SPED ED Double Check Valve are required for Hose Union Taps used for “domestic purposes” For other applications, risk asses accordingly Applications – Model SPHUD 31 Above ground garden watering +150 mm (3) Offices, (3) Schools, Recreation Grounds (3) Bin Stores (5) Washdown (5) www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Outside Taps and Security An outside tap left on overnight could waste £ 60 worth of water Secure hose union taps will prevent waste, misuse and undue consumption. Frost protection is key and should also feature in the design of outside taps. Model HUTB Model HUTG Model - HUC Flush Hose Union Tap – vandal resistant, frost proof 32 Hose pipes, and attachments should be fitted with self closing mechanisms to prevent waste, when not in use. www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Temperature Control We need to insure that hot water is delivered at a safe temperature especially to vulnerable end users. Unfortunately due to bacterial growth we need to store water at 65°C or above. Most people can only tolerate water at 37° - 43° C This changes with young and elderly people Danger hot water signs DO NOT prevent people from getting scalded or burnt! Model – TMV 5213 33 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019 Model - TMV Kit 6 TMV’s protect people from the dangers of hot water by blending hot and cold water to a safe level. TMV’s fail to cold should a problem occur.
Regulations 6 - 14 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 34 Contractors Certificate Penalty for contravening Regulations Modification of section 73 of the Act Inspections, measurements and tests Enforcement Relaxation of requirements Approval by the regulator or the water undertaker Disputes Revocation of the Byelaws www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
How We Work Our products are designed to aid in all aspects, from consultant to installer to the end user. We listen to the needs of our customers and design products accordingly. Our understanding of the water regulations insures that the products that we manufacture, comply with the 5 key points from regulation 3. New Pent-A-Boost, featuring a vertical flow through vessel to prevent stagnation and an automatic bypass valve to provide basic sanitation in the event of power failure. 35 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019 Cat 5 Standpipe, giving category 5 protection should mains electricity not be available.
Resources – Specification Clauses Available at www. arrowvalves. co. uk Simply copy & paste into any project specification 36 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Resources – Specification Clauses BIM Drawings IFC Files Available from richard@arrowvalves. co. uk Simply copy & paste into any project specification, REVIT, SAT, IFC 37 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
Summary The salient points of this presentation are – • The Water Regulations Guide is the single most useful source of information, In addition the resource’s notes on the WRAS web page has useful updates. • The local water company has the authority to enforce, inspect and risk assess. • “Point of use” backflow protection is required in addition to whole site. • Communal bin washing – where a hose can be submerged – is Fluid Category 5 • Outside watering points are subject to local risk assessments. • The Fluid Category is dependant on the risk – not the fluid per sé • Non House heating systems above are Fluid Category 4 but subject to individual assessment based on the risk. • It is an offence to waste water – even if metered • Water fittings must be approved – e. g. KIWA, WRAS, BSI, NSF REG 4. 38 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
The End Given that the Water Regulations aren't as well policed as the Gas and Electric utilities, and that resources that the water boards have are limited, It’s down to well educated people like ourselves to insure that the public water supply Is kept safe by the installation of the correct, approved backflow prevention devices. Thank You To view datasheets www. arrowvalves. co. uk info@arrowvalves. co. uk Tel. 01442 823123 Fax. 01442 823234 39 www. arrowvalves. co. uk copyright 2001 -2019
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