11.5.3 Backflow
I recently found out our food manufacturing building does not have a backflow preventer on our water main, the water is coming from the city. We have the hose bib style backflow preventers on all of the areas where water is used.
So 2 questions-
Will these bib like devices work since we don't have a main backflow preventer?
And if the answer is yes how do we test them (or is testing even needed) to pass this section of SQF?
Thanks!
A outside plumber should be able to test and tell you whether you have any potential for back flow issues. Per SQF, you will need this tested and documented each year.
The operations/production individuals are arguing the SQF code doesn't explicitly state the testing and documentation of such, so they don't need to do it. I strongly disagreed and that is why I ask for them to hire a 3rd party to come and test the system and that is when we found out we DO NOT have a backflow prevention device of any type on the water main. The only thing we have are the hose bibs where water is used other than bathrooms and break rooms. How can you test these hose bib devices? It was suggested that we could show a receipt for the hose bibs and a work order for maintenance installing them but is that enough?
In the SQF guidance document all it says is:
All water systems must be protected against backflow. Backflow prevention devices shall be installed on all water and steam lines in the processing facility.
Well, you need to prove that they are protected against back flow.
Yes, they may be installed, but are they installed and working correctly? How do you prove that? Having a 3rd party sign off saying yes, you have back flow prevention here, here and here and signing that they work correctly saves you a lot of grief.
Do you know how to test the hose bib device I am referring to? The 3rd party couldn't test them for us.
That is the only backflow prevention device we have since we do not have it on our water main coming into the build (from the city water).
No, I don't. My lack of plumbing expertise is the reason we get a certified plumber to sign off that it's working... sorry I can't help more, perhaps some other members could chime in.
When we had our AIB Food Safety Audit, the auditor stated that you couldn't (or it wasn't cost effective to) test the ones on each faucet, but to have it in the PM to replace them annually.
So the PM and maybe any receipts for the actual hose bib worked for the AIB auditor?
Backflow devices are not usually on each faucet but where ever they are, they need to be certified annually. Depending on your location sometimes that is a plumbing professional, sometimes it is a governmental agency. A PM and receipt won't show its working. I am not sure what a hose bib device is either, but sounds like you need a plumbing professional.
http://www.emd.sacco...wprotection.pdf
The hose bib is the top of the second page in above link, we have them everywhere but I haven't found a test for them or a 3rd party that will test them.
I get the idea now what this is, but the bottom line is you still need to prove they are working. I personally don't know how to do this. If I were in your place I would want a plumber to certify that this works.
Klward23,
I just saw this post and I think I can help you if it's not too late or for future reference. You have a vacuum breaker not a backflow preventer. You need to install the kind that can be tested which would be a Dual Check valve Backflow preventer with a vent. The kind that I find that works best are from WATTS. See this link http://www.supplyhou...tmospheric-Vent
Of course make sure you get the correct size and thread (if needed) for your piping. The one in the link is 3/4" female threaded.
Thanks for this information! Unfortunately I do need more info on this topic.
We have been instructed to have backsiphonage prevention devices rated for use under continuous pressure at our hose stations. Will the hose BIB vacuum breakers at the sinks with the addition of a pressure vacuum breaker at the hose stations be sufficient?
THANKS!