9 replies to this topic

[ganderson64]

Just received a suprise inspection from state / FDA inspectors. One of the minor findings was the lack of backflow prevention for the water lines used for hoses / cleaning. Anyone else seen this? We have backflow prevention on main line into the facility. I have never encountered this requirement.

 

If you have and corrected it, where did you source your very inexpensive in-line backflow preventers?

[redfox]

Dear ganderson64,

 

It is just a check valve put before your faucets where you connect your hoses. Check valve which is spring loaded is good option that is we are using in our plant.

 

regards,

redfox

[moskito]

Dear ganderson64,

 

I am not an engineer, so description might not be technical correct.

We have e.g. special backflush valves which is state of the art in my country (Germany) and many others too. It is not permitted (on industrial or private level) that water can be "re-introduced" into the drinking water system. This has to be prevented by installation/mechanical separation in any case.

 

Rgds

moskito

[Slab]

Just received a suprise inspection from state / FDA inspectors. One of the minor findings was the lack of backflow prevention for the water lines used for hoses / cleaning. Anyone else seen this? We have backflow prevention on main line into the facility. I have never encountered this requirement.

 

If you have and corrected it, where did you source your very inexpensive in-line backflow preventers?

 

Hi, Ganderson;

 

You are required by code to have either air gaps or backflow prevention on all potable lines in service between municipal connection and internal plumbing. Cross connections to waste/treatment are also a major issue for potable feed (e.g. chemical dosing on boiler or cooling tower treatment). 

 

The main concern being momentary loss of positive (resulting in siphonage or suction) pressure which may in-turn, upon return of positive pressure, discharge water unsuitable for food back into the internal lines.

 

Vacuum Breaker

 

Backflow Preventer

 

Both of which are relatively low cost and maintenance free.

[jalex194021]

Just received a suprise inspection from state / FDA inspectors. One of the minor findings was the lack of backflow prevention for the water lines used for hoses / cleaning. Anyone else seen this? We have backflow prevention on main line into the facility. I have never encountered this requirement.

 

If you have and corrected it, where did you source your very inexpensive in-line backflow preventers?

Just happened to us also. Except we have watts series 8's on our hoses, but they are not recommended for continuous use. So now we either have to upgrade, or relieve the pressure every 12 hours and create a log proving that we are enforcing this procedure.

[redfox]

Hello,

 

This is the disclaimer that written on the brochure.  It could be raised by the auditor if it is used as backflow preventer, as in post#4.

 

Do not use this item for any installation or repair of potable water applications. 

This product does not comply with the "Safe Drinking Water Act," which requires that products meet low-lead standards in order to be used in systems providing water for human consumption (drinking or cooking). This item is for non-potable (non-human consumption) water applications only

 

regards,

redfox

[SQFconsultant]

We did thousands of audits for several food chains and all required back flows on hose bibs. The simple ball bearing check valve is fine and about $35-$50.00 each.

[jalex194021]

We did thousands of audits for several food chains and all required back flows on hose bibs. The simple ball bearing check valve is fine and about $35-$50.00 each.

Hi Glenn, I would like to change the ones we have to BFP continuous pressure double check backflow preventer, but there is no way to have them certified every year, but we can check them to ensure they are working. Our hoses are 5 feet off the ground, but the FDA inspectors still wrote them up. Any suggestions?????

[SQFconsultant]

I like those, that is a good pick.

 

As to your hoses being 5 feet off the floor, the inspector does not care about that. What they want is a backflow period.  As a former Auditor it would not matter to me that your hoses are 5 feet off the floor - all I would go by would be the requirement of the audit or the standard requirement and if it said  you needed backflows... well, you need backflows.

 

As to certification - is that a state, county or city requirement for your area?

 

If it is, then you will be required to show proof of certification - such as in the Cook County, IL (Chicago) where a plumbing company does the checks and issues a certificate for each one.

 

If not a requirement, most companies we deal with simply document in writing that the devices have been checked. Most would place on there PM program, check them, document the checks and that is proof for an Auditor they were in fact checked.

[jalex194021]

 

I like those, that is a good pick.

 

As to your hoses being 5 feet off the floor, the inspector does not care about that. What they want is a backflow period.  As a former Auditor it would not matter to me that your hoses are 5 feet off the floor - all I would go by would be the requirement of the audit or the standard requirement and if it said  you needed backflows... well, you need backflows.

 

As to certification - is that a state, county or city requirement for your area?

 

If it is, then you will be required to show proof of certification - such as in the Cook County, IL (Chicago) where a plumbing company does the checks and issues a certificate for each one.

 

If not a requirement, most companies we deal with simply document in writing that the devices have been checked. Most would place on there PM program, check them, document the checks and that is proof for an Auditor they were in fact checked.

 

Our main preventers are checked annually and certified but the ones on the bibbs are not.