Plumbing Connection 4-2015

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PLUMBING CONNECTION SUMMER 2015 57
As the program evolves, it is expected that manufacturer
specific training modules will be introduced to further
develop the skills of the tester.
The program is available for Association members via the
BPAA website.
Another topic on the lips of the Australian backflow
industry recently was the ABCB Plumbing Code Development
Research Report Consultation Document on Backflow
Prevention. The report is the outcome of research into the
current requirements for backflow prevention, conducted
as part of the Australian Building Codes Board Plumbing
Codes Development Project. The document was distributed
widely and responses and comments were requested from
all interested parties.
The Backflow Prevention Association of Australia Inc.
submitted a number of comments and this submission
is available for the BPAA members on the association
member’s page at the website.
The goal of the report, and I quote from the document’s
introduction, is to ensure that the requirements of the
Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) are clear, consistent, and
that they “enable the achievement of nationally consistent,
minimum necessary standards of relevant, safety, amenity
and sustainability objectives, efficiently”.
There are a number of shortfalls across Australia
regarding the interpretation of Standards and Codes by both
practitioners and regulators and if this document achieves
its goal, then it will have been well conceived.
We are fortunate in this country to have safe drinking
water available at the turn of a tap. Backflow is real and is
happening at some level in most water supply networks.
Backflow prevention protects the drinking water supply, and
having safe drinking water is something we should not take
for granted.
SMS Polypropylene maintenance shafts and chambers provide a low cost
and safe alternative to traditional concrete manholes in sewerage and drain-
age systems.
The SMS Range has been appraised as : WSAA Products Appraisal Report
13/17 Part 1. With product certification to WSA 137:2013—Industry Standard
for Maintenance Shafts and Maintenance Chambers for Sewerage.
The SMS 600mm AXEDO chamber complies with WSA137:2013.
The Polypropylene Maintenance Shafts have Water Mark accreditation
WMTS509-WM 040151 . We are the only Maintenance
Shaft with Water Mark in Australia.
The range utilises RRJ sockets, with custom angled Shafts, assembled on
the day of order, with no fabrication required. SMS also stocks a full range of
Maintenance Shaft accessories incl. Access Covers, Caps, Bends etc.
The products are approved by Water Authorities throughout Australia.
SMS MAINTENANCE SHAFTS & MAINTENANCE CHAMBERS
CALL 1300 482 228 or Visit
SMS (Sewer Maintenance Shaft) Pty Ltd
ABN: 77 005 234 293
Contact:
Peter McLennan has been involved with Backflow Prevention
in Australia since the late 1980s. He is the President of
the Backflow Prevention Association of Australia Inc., and
Treasurer of the Backflow Prevention Association of Australia
Inc. Queensland Chapter. Visit to find out
more about how the Backflow Prevention Association of
Australia Inc. can help you understand Cross Connection
Control and Backflow Prevention.