Backflow Prevention Assembly Field Test Procedures
Transition Plan for Field Implementation of USC Tenth Edition Test
Procedures
State drinking water rules require backflow prevention assemblies
that protect public water systems to be tested by state Department of
Health-certified backflow assembly testers (BATs) using field test
procedures acceptable to the department (WAC 246-290-490).
We have accepted the field test procedures published in the
University of Southern California's (USC) Manual of Cross-Connection
Control, Ninth Edition since the late 1990s. We implemented the
Tenth Edition test procedures on the BAT practical exams on January
1, 2011.
Now we have developed a transition plan for field implementation
of the Tenth Edition test procedures. BATs and purveyors must follow our
plan and schedule to transition from USC's Ninth Edition to the
Tenth Edition field test procedures.
Requirements for BATs
This table summarizes our transition plan requirements for
DOH-certified BATs:
| Timeframe |
Status |
DOH-certified
BATs must: |
Now through
December 31, 2012 |
In transition |
Use the same test procedures (Ninth Edition or Tenth
Edition) in the field as used on their most recently passed
BAT hands-on exam. Start using the Tenth Edition field
test procedures as soon as they pass the BAT hands-on exam under
the Tenth Edition procedures. |
January 1, 2012, through
December 31, 2012 |
In transition |
Apply the Tenth
Edition pass/fail criteria to all RPBA field tests
conducted during this time. |
| Effective January 1,
2013 |
Transition complete |
Have passed the
hands-on exam based on the USC Tenth Edition test
procedures. Use only Tenth Edition test procedures in
the field. |
For more information, read the memo to BATs
(PDF) on the Tenth Edition
field test procedures transition plan. If you have questions, contact
CCCProgram@doh.wa.gov
Requirements for Purveyors
This table summarizes our transition plan requirements for purveyors:
| Timeframe |
Status |
Purveyors must: |
Now through
December 31, 2012 |
In transition |
Accept assembly tests conducted by DOH-certified BATs using
Ninth Edition or Tenth Edition field test procedures
(as long as BATs use the same test procedures in the field as
used on their most recently passed hands-on exam). |
| January 1, 2012, through
December 31, 2012 |
In transition |
Apply the Tenth Edition pass/fail criteria
to all RPBA field tests conducted during this time. |
| Effective January 1, 2013 |
Transition complete |
Only accept tests conducted by
DOH-certified BATs:
- That have passed the hands-on exam based on the USC
Tenth Edition test procedures.
- Using the Tenth Edition test procedures in the
field.
|
For more information about the transition plan, read the
memo to purveyors (PDF) on the Tenth Edition field test procedures transition plan.
If you have questions, contact
CCCProgram@doh.wa.gov
Resources
Ninth Edition vs. Tenth Edition test procedures
USC published a
table
that documents the differences between Ninth and Tenth Edition
field
test procedures (PDF).
Getting a copy of the Tenth Edition test procedures
We no longer print or distribute the non-illustrated
field test procedures. Washington Certification Services (WCS), our
contractor for the BAT Certification Program, can distribute copies of
the non-illustrated USC procedures only to individuals applying for a
BAT exam (certification or professional growth).
BATs can request one free copy of the non-illustrated
USC Tenth Edition field test procedures from WCS when they
apply for their BAT hands-on exam.
To get the illustrated field test procedures, buy a
Tenth Edition Manual of Cross-Connection Control from:
BAT Certification Status Report
To verify a BAT's certification status or determine the test
procedures used on the BAT's most recently passed hands-on exam, visit
Washington Certification Services. If you have questions, contact
CCCProgram@doh.wa.gov |
