ASSE has a long history of writing performance standards for backflow prevention products and granting listings to manufacturers with backflow prevention products approved as meeting these standards. Similarly, ASSE developed ASSE Series 5000, Cross-Connection Control Professional Qualification Standard, to address the need for qualified backflow testers. Development of the standard began in 1987 and we have continuously maintained and updated the document, adding more standards to the series to meet the needs of an ever-growing industry. ASSE began certifying backflow professionals to the ASSE 5110 standard for backflow prevention assembly testers in 1991. We now have over 19,000 current cross-connection control certifications issued in all 50 states and Canada. Having expertise on the product side of backflow prevention, as well as on the professional certification side, has helped to establish ASSE as the leading experts on cross-connection control in the USA.
ASSE International could not accomplish this without the many subject matter experts who volunteer their time, skills, and knowledge in developing standards, perfecting procedures, and creating rigorous assessments to determine if candidates meet the qualifications to become certified backflow testers, repairers, surveyors, or program administrators. A common link for these committee and working group members is a passion for protecting our potable water. They understand the crucial role that cross-connection control plays in keeping our drinking water safe.
This year, a sub-committee of the CCC Technical Committee took on the project of revising the ASSE Field Test Procedures Using Three-Valve and Five-Valve Test Kits. Their objective was to clarify and standardize the procedures and make sure that the procedures mirror the steps found in the Series 5000. The flow charts and troubleshooting guide found within the Field Test Procedures were also revised. We want to make it clear that the test procedures did not change. The revision is concerning how the steps are worded and how flow charts are presented to make following the procedures clearer. During the practical exam for backflow testers, ASSE requires that four backflow tests are completed without the aid of reference materials. They must be done from memory. However, we strongly recommend that all backflow testers out in the field have a copy of the procedures on their phone, or in their truck or toolbox. It is not uncommon to come across a backflow prevention assembly that you are not familiar with or have not tested in a long time. Having the procedures handy gives you the opportunity to refresh your memory on the procedure before you begin. Referring to the trouble-shooting guide will help you work out problems that you may encounter during the test.
This same sub-committee is also working on revising additional procedures found in the ASSE Series 5000 that are not in the Field Test Procedures book. These include procedures for RPDA-RPDF (ASSE 1047) assemblies and DCDA-DCDF (ASSE 1048) assemblies, and the One-Hose Field Test Procedures. Revising the procedures are a big part of revising the ASSE Series 5000.
ASSE develops standards under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited process. We revise our standards at least every five years. We will begin the revision process for the Series 5000 shortly. Whether it is updating program guidelines, reviewing procedures, revising the Series 5000 standard, or revising the many product standards for backflow preventers, ASSE is keeping current and leading the way on backflow prevention.
