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Back Flow Prevention

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Safetytech fire Services are a register Backflow Smart Tester with Water Corporation.

We hold the required licence to carry out backflow prevention device testing at property boundaries throughout Western Australian commercial developments, facilities and multiple residence dwellings. Backflow Licence 2796 & Contractor Plumbing Licence 9173.

WHAT IS BACKFLOW PREVENTION?

In a nutshell, water distribution systems were designed with the intention of the liquid flowing in one direction only, the exact opposite of that would be pretty catastrophic. It happens often enough and has been given the name – ‘backflow’.

Backflow prevention is all about stopping the reverse flow of water in a fire and/or plumbing system. Reverse flow of water is a major threat to West Australian drinking water supply because water flowing in the wrong direction can be contaminated. Depending on the activities happening inside a commercial facility or multiple residential dwelling, consuming drinking water containing backflow could cause health problems or even death.

WHAT IS A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE?

In accordance with AS2845.3 a backflow prevention valve that is installed on the boundary of commercial facilities and multiple residence dwellings for fire systems or in strategic locations within a plumbing system where there is a risk of back siphonage occurring.

Back siphonage or “backflow can result in;

  • Harmful substances like contaminated water and/or industrial fluids making their way into the mains water system and infiltrating the Water Corporation distribution system.
  • Sewer odours, vapours and even solid contents entering the Water Corporation distribution system which could result in entering domestic downstream.

Common sources of contamination are industrial workshops, manufacturing operations and commercial grade practices. As backflow prevention devices contain valves and moving parts, our expert team at Safetytech Fire Services will carry out backflow prevention device testing on an annual basis. We perform testing for zone/individual and fire services double check backflow prevention devices.

BACKFLOW DEVICE TESTING WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Backflow prevention devices are registered with the Water Corporation, but are not maintained by the Water Corporation. As a result, Safetytech fire Services possess the requisite/calibrated equipment and licenses required to perform backflow prevention device testing.

See link to Water Corptoation website with backflow requirements. Water Corporation documentation.

Periodically Water Corporation inspect properties to ensure compliance with its Backflow Prevention Policy is achieved.

Safety of employees and the general public is paramount and due to the serious nature of backflow contamination, the Water Corporation can serve a legal order on a property owner or occupier to install a backflow prevention device.

Builders must comply with all building approvals, which includes the installation of backflow prevention depending on the risk rating of the property.

A fully testable backflow prevention device must be installed at the property boundary for high and medium risk properties. These must then be tested every 12 months by a licensed plumbing contractor such as Safetytech Fire Services.

Given their commitment to the environment, the Water Corporation have ceased accepting backflow device testing reports in paper format. As a direct result, Safetytech Fire Services submit all reports via the Water Corporation’s online portal.

Contact us Our trained team can provide a range of services relating to backflow prevention including testing, certification, problem diagnosis, installation and repairs to existing installations.

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