Iowa Admin. Code rr. 641-26.4

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 22, May 1, 2024

Rule 641-26.4 - [Effective 5/22/2024] Backflow prevention assembly tester training

(1)Tester training.

a. A person or organization that plans to conduct or sponsor a backflow prevention assembly tester training course in Iowa shall apply to the department for approval of the course at least 15 days before the first time the course is held, using an application form provided by the department and submitting a $200 nonrefundable fee.

b. The department will review the application and respond to the applicant within ten business days after receipt.

c. The person or organization responsible for the course content shall submit to the department any changes in the information set forth in paragraph 26.4(1)"a" every five years, no later than 30 calendar days before the end of the fifth year.

d. The course sponsor shall notify the department at least 15 days before an approved training course begins. The notification will include:

(1) Sponsoring organization name and website, contact person, mailing address, email address, and telephone number.

(2) Course dates and times.

(3) Course location, including street address.

(4) A $50 nonrefundable fee.

e. A training course shall:

(1) Be at least 32 instructional hours and cover the following minimum subjects:

1. Backflow definitions, causes and examples.

2. Description of backflow prevention assemblies, their proper application and installation, and their operational characteristics.

3. Description and operational characteristics of test equipment.

4. Techniques for testing backflow prevention assemblies.

5. Troubleshooting of backflow prevention assemblies.

6. Recordkeeping and the responsibilities of regulatory agencies and the registered tester.

(2) Conclude with a written examination of at least 100 questions and a practical examination of testing techniques on all types of testable backflow prevention assemblies. The time for testing is in addition to the instructional hours. A score of at least 70 percent on the written examination and demonstration of proficiency in testing and troubleshooting procedures constitutes successful completion of the course. Approved third-party certification agency testing may be substituted for the course test.

f. The lead course instructor shall have documentation of successfully completing an approved training course or be certified, and have at least three years of experience in cross connection control.

g. The testing laboratory for a training course shall be equipped with the following:

(1) Examples of each of the backflow prevention assemblies from at least three different manufacturers. If fewer than three manufacturers make a type of backflow prevention assembly, at least one example of that type of backflow prevention assembly.

(2) At least one double check valve assembly and one reduced pressure principle assembly larger than two inches.

(3) At least one test station per three students.

(2)Continuing education training.

a. A person or organization that plans to conduct or sponsor a continuing education course for registered testers in Iowa shall apply to the department for approval of the course at least 15 days before the course is scheduled to begin, using an application form provided by the department and submitted with a $50 nonrefundable fee.

b. The department will review the application and respond to the applicant within ten business days after receipt.

c. A continuing education course will address cross connection control theory and practice; backflow prevention devices and methods; backflow prevention assembly installation, testing, troubleshooting and repair; codes and rules affecting cross connection control; safety issues related to installation and testing of backflow prevention assemblies; or related subjects approved by the department.

(3)Third-party certification agencies.

a. Third-party certification agencies seeking approval in Iowa shall submit a written request to the department, on agency letterhead and signed by an authorized representative of the agency, that includes at least the following:

(1) Agency name and website, contact person, mailing address, email address, and telephone number.

(2) A description of the written examination, whether it is open- or closed-book, and information about the arrangements for administration of the examination.

(3) A copy of the testing procedures that are the basis for the practical examination.

(4) A description of the procedures for the practical examination and the criteria for evaluating performance.

(5) Proctor qualifications and training.

(6) Procedures and criteria for renewing the certification. The renewal of certification will be completed at least every five years and include knowledge and skills testing.

(7) A history of the development and implementation of the program, as applicable.

(8) A list of other jurisdictions where the certification is allowed and regulatory contacts in those jurisdictions.

(9) A nonrefundable fee of $200.

b. A third-party certification agency will not certify an individual who was trained by the agency. An individual proctor will not certify individuals who have taken a course at which the proctor was an instructor.

c. A third-party certification agency shall submit to the department any changes to the information set forth in paragraph 26.4(3)"a" every five years, no later than 30 days before the end of the fifth year.

Iowa Admin. Code rr. 641-26.4

ARC 8981B, IAB 8/11/10, effective 9/15/10

Amended by IAB December 7, 2016/Volume XXXIX, Number 12, effective 1/11/2017

Adopted by IAB April 17, 2024/Volume XLVI, Number 21, effective 5/22/2024