the importance of understanding the single check detector …bpaa.org.au/resources/peter wenning...

Peter Wenning

The importance of understanding the Single Check Detector Valve

Water (Estimation, Supply and Sewerage) Regulations 2014

Regulatory Impact Statement

Recommendations

Fire services metering Fire services backflow prevention

Extracts from RIS

‘South East Water estimates that 25 per cent of water provided through private fire services is misused.’

‘Water corporations also generally report that misuse is a noticeably higher problem during droughts’

Extracts from RIS

‘Lower Murray Water reported there were ‘quite a few’ cases of misuse of water through private fire services.’

‘it is estimated that misuse or inefficient water use through fire services amounts to around $3.5 million (present value) over the next 10 years.’

Water (Estimation, Supply and Sewerage) Regulations 2014

Commenced 1 July 2014

Extract from Water (Estimation, Supply and Sewerage)

Regulations 2014

‘A relevant water corporation may give a written notice to the owner of a serviced property requesting the owner to arrange for a plumber to install a backflow prevention device to the private water supply works or a private fire service.’

Extract from Water (Estimation, Supply and Sewerage)

Regulations 2014

‘A water corporation may, by notice in writing to the owner of a serviced property, request the owner to arrange for the testing by a plumber of a backflow prevention device installed on that serviced property.’

Extract from Water (Estimation, Supply and Sewerage)

Regulations 2014

‘If the results of the test carried out under sub-regulation (1) show that the backflow prevention device is not operating efficiently, the owner of the serviced property must arrange for the repair or replacement of the device.’

Many upstream and downstream valves are not Watermarked and/or resilient seated

By-pass valves not locked open Testing procedures in AS 2845.3 need refining Existing licensed backflow testers not trained,

and no system of CPD for plumbers South East Water experiencing numerous installation defects....................................

Problems

two different double check valves a single (testable) check valve

two different registered air gaps (including two different orifice sizes and inlet pressures) two different types of pressure type vacuum

breakers two different reduced pressure zone devices

Current Backflow Training Competency CPCPWT4022A released 7/2/2013

Chisholm Institute and South East Water develop training course

Victorian Building Authority not yet examining plumbing practitioners to new

training competency

Chisholm / SEW Course booklet

Risk Assessment to determine type of device required HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW Fire service shut down / procedures Components Operating requirements Maintenance Testing procedures Safety

Chisholm Test Rig

Chisholm Test Rig

Adapt Test procedure from AS 2845.3 to usable format

Video

Review

Every new fire service now requires a testable backflow device Fire services are essential services and any plumbing practitioners installing, altering or testing equipment must be adequately trained Chisholm Institute and South East Water have responded to training needs. Uptake by backflow testers has been successful Training is required for installing contractors

Further information

Chisholm Institute

Janelle Mason Call 5990 7243

Email: janelle.mason@chisholm.edu.au

Wenning Technical Services Pty Ltd

Hydraulic Services Consultants

Peter Wenning Call (03) 8774 4024

Email: info@wenning.com.au