TheDirectConnection

A newsletter dedicated to Cross Connection Control and Backflow PreventionAugust 2002 Vol. 12 Issue 8

NoticeTo: All Backflow Assembly TestersDate: August 1, 2002Subject: Field modifications to Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Gentlemen,This letter is in regards to SAWS position on field modifications to backflow prevention assemblies.Specifically, we are concerned with field changes of an assembly from a double check detector backflowprevention assembly (DCDA) to a double check valve assembly (D/C). This question has been raised beforeby field personnel who wanted to change the “gender” of an assembly after receiving it from the supplier/manufacturer. SAWS follows the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross ConnectionControl and Hydraulic Research specifications which states that an Approved backflow preventionassembly “… shall be delivered for installation completely assembled by the original manufacturer…”This has been required for many years to insure that the assembly is installed in its proper configuration.Any modifications to the assembly by field personnel will invalidate the assembly and cause disapproval bySAWS.

The DC and DCDA configurations may be similar, but for most manufacturers the springs contained in theDCDA mainline check valve(s) are different (i.e., greater spring load) than the DC. If the proper DCDAsprings are not utilized, the bypass may not function properly (i.e., detect unauthorized flow of waterthrough the bypass). Even if performed by representatives of the manufacturer, the assembly would not beconsidered approved by SAWS. Field modifications do not have the same quality control procedures as atthe manufacturers’ manufacturing plant. So in keeping with USC recommendations and SAWSrequirements changing the “gender” of an approved backflow prevention assembly will be disallowed.

Respectfully,

Bruce RathburnSupervisor-Backflow PreventionSan Antonio Water System

Membership Duesshould be paid

before the end ofJanuary or a late fee

will be assessed

Safety TipOne thing you see going down the road every day is construction going on with theuse of water hauling equipment. The water purveyor has a keen interest on howthis equipment is filled. If you see a tank being filled and no air gap or backflowpreventer protecting the water source. Be a concerned citizen and check it out. Youcould be saving yourself or some unsuspecting worker from drinking contami-nated water!!!

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August Meeting DetailsAugust Meeting DetailsAugust Meeting DetailsAugust Meeting DetailsAugust Meeting Details

Meetings of the San Antonio Chapter ABPA areusually held the second Thursday of every month. -Dinner and refreshments are served at 6:15 p.m. sharp,with the meeting at 7:00 p.m. the entry gates to thepump station will be closed and locked promptly at6:30 p.m. due to security reasons. The next meeting is:

Date: Thursday, March 14, 2002Time: 6:15 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.Location: 615 E. Theo

Mission Pump StationProgram: SAWS Mission Pump StationMeal: U.S. Filter / Watts-Ames

No alcoholic beverages allowed by SAWS policy

Backflow TriviaWhat is the best method of backflow

prevention protection?Answer on page 4

Backflow HappensRon Renouf, President, ABPAronrenouf@earthlink.net

Have you mailed your application with the$105 fee for conversion of your BPAT accreditation toa license? I would like to use this space to make onelast effort to stress the importance of doing this byAugust 30,2002. It is your personal license and youneed to be sure that the paperwork is submitted ontime. Remember, you will be the one who has to takethe forty hour course again if somehow things havefallen through the cracks. This can be expensive andthere are no plans for ABPA-SA to provide the fortyhour course training for members who fail to apply ina timely manner. If you have any questions you maycall the TNRCC Operator Certification Section at(512)239-6133.

Help WantedTalented model builders needed to

participate in the designing and buildingof a working backflow display.

Big ThanksTO: Bacflo Unlimited (Troy) and Santos

Trousdale(David) for a great presentation!!!

Please Make Time To Attend:

The Texas Home and Garden ShowConvention Center August 24,25

ABPA-SA Booth #TBA

The South Texas Industrial & Construction ShowFreeman Coliseum

September 17 and 18 noon ‘til 7 and noon till 5ABPA-SA Booth # 214

Looking for volunteers to work the boothsContact Ron Renouf at 696-1411

You Are Your Own Safety Supervisor

In today s environment, no businessorganization of any size attempts to operate without asafety department. The person in charge of thisdepartment may be called the safety director, safetymanager, or the safety administrator. Whatever thetitle: that person is responsible for conducting thecompany s safety program. However the safety personcan not get into the batter s box, let alone to first base,without the help and cooperation of the employees onthe job - You.

When you were hired, you were giveninstructions covering every detail of the work youwere expected to perform. You may have beenassigned to other types of work now and then, buteach time your job was changed the same procedurewas followed. Before doing the job on your own, youreceived enough training to assure your supervisoryou could handle the work safely and efficiently. Thenand only then did the supervisor allow you to go aheadwith your job duties!

There are many ways to bring home theimportance of safety. Two ways are distributingpublications and holding regular meetings or safetytalks. These talks emphasize safe practices for specificoperations. No matter what methods are used to getthe word out about safety, the basic purpose is thesame: To Prevent Accidents.

Cont’d on Page 4

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“The Direct Connection” is published monthly and may be obtained by becoming a member of theABPA-SA. Due to the expenses associated with printing and mailing, future editions will be mailedto members only. Opinions or facts within “The Direct Connection” are not necessarily representa-tive of the opinions of the American Backflow Prevention Association and may or may not representan official policy. Additionally, the opinions or facts of contributors or advertisers may or may notrepresent an official policy.

Published by the ABPA-Region IV,Editor: Bruce Rathburn,Assistant Editor: Robert Stricker.Layout, Publishing & Circulation:Alamo Iron Works-Fernando Galdeano

For further information about ABPA,contact:Bruce Rathburn1222 N. Main(210) 704-7136

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And Spare PartsAnd Spare Parts

If the company’s safety program is to succeed, you must take responsibility for’your own safety. If you don’t, youendanger not only your own life but also the lives of those with whom you work.

In the water utility industry, all individuals are expected to supervise their own work to a large extent. Safebehavior is right at the top of the items to watch. Although your supervisor is charged with seeing that your work iscompleted safely and satisfactorily, maximum safety results only from teamwork. Each of you must supervise your ownwork. After all, your supervisor cannot watch every move of every person on the team.

You can work hard and long to develop the best safety program possible and can provide a variety of interesting andinformative materials to carry out the program. However if you and your fellow employees fail to cooperate and refuse toact as your own safety supervisors, the safety program will fall apart at the seams. Accepting your personal responsibility isan essential cog in a gear that must always be in excellent running order.

The main areas of responsibility for the operation of a good safety program include top management’sresponsibility, supervisory responsibility, and your responsibility as the employee on the job. For aneffective safety program, each of these areas must be handled competently. If anyone fails to carry outhis or her duties or responsibilities for accident prevention, injuries can and will occur.

So in conclusion, never underestimate your responsibility for the success of a safetyprogram. No matter how much time and honest effort go into the organization of this program, if youdo not accept your responsibility, the program will never attain its goal of an accident-free operation.

BackflowTrivia Answer:

Air gap!

Safety Supervisor... Cont’d from Page 2

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“BAC-FLO UNLIMITED: DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS”

� BACKFLOW PREVENTION CONSULTING & TRAINING – INTRO. COURSES FOR CLERKS� 40 HOUR TESTER CERTIFICATION COURSES - TNRCC STATE AND NATIONAL CERT.� TESTER RE-CERTIFICATION COURSES (EXCLUSIVE: FREE PARTS MANUAL)� SITE TUBES – BLEED OFF VALVES – GAUGE TESTING� ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR COURSES� EXCLUSIVE: FREE GAUGE TEST INCLUDED WITH TESTING COURSES� FREE FUTURE TROUBLESHOOTING ASSISTANCE

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NOTE: SAN ANTONIO TESTER COURSES ARE CONDUCTED BI-MONTHLY BOTH AT BFU'S NEWI-H 10 BOERNE LOCATION AND AT THE USUAL SOUTH SAN ANTONIO LOCATION

EXCLUSIVE: TWO INSTRUCTORS FOR EACH COURSE &SEPARATED PRACTICE STATIONS

LEAD INSTRUCTOR: Fred Baird – Over 30 Yrs. Backflow Related ExperienceContact: Bac-Flo Unlimited @ Ph/Fax 210-698-0411 www.bacflo.com

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Here’s the best wayto keep foreignsubstancesout of awater supply system.

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Address Service Requested

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