Codes, Standards & Conformity Assessment
GP Russ Chaney CEO, The IAPMO Group
[email protected]
Objective • Provide an overview and the interrelationships of :
Codes and Regulations
Product Standards
Conformity Assessment
• Why it should matter to industry and consumers?
Plumbing Codes & Regulations • Provide the legal framework for setting mandatory plumbing product requirements • Enacted with: – Various degrees of application – Various degrees of enforcement responsibility – Variety of update mechanisms – Many different schemes in use throughout the world today...
Plumbing Code – Common Provisions • Scope (typical) ~ The code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement and maintenance of plumbing systems within the jurisdiction...
4
Plumbing Code – Common Provisions • Approval – All products used in the plumbing system shall conform to the applicable standards referenced in the code and approved by the governing jurisdiction...
5
Codes and Regulations
Product Standards
Conformity Assessment
What is a Plumbing Product Standard? • An acknowledged measure of comparison for quantitative or qualitative characteristics of a product... • Examples of organizations that develop product standards... – – – – – –
SA CSA IAPMO BIS BSI DIN
Product Standards • Ensure that products are consistent and safe • Reduce antitrust and product liability exposure • Reduce trade barriers • Referenced in plumbing codes and building specifications • Essential part of product approval process...
Product Standards... • Voluntary documents unless... • Mandatory when adopted by government • Must produce reproducible and repeatable results • Must comply with well accepted engineering standards • Latest edition used by certifiers/CABs...
Plumbing Industry ANSI Accredited SDOs
11
Principles ofofStandards Cardinal Principles the U.S. System
Development Internationally
Due Process
Consensus
Openness
Transparency
Industry
Consumers and Labor Interests
Trade Associations
Government
Professional Societies
Academic Institutions
Standards Developers
Other Stakeholders
Codes and Regulations
Product Standards
Conformity Assessment
What is Conformity Assessment? A process used to show that a product, process or system meets specified requirements
Why is Conformity Assessment Important? • Demonstrates compliance to customers and regulators • Gives specifiers, customers and end-users confidence when selecting products • Allows manufacturers and consumers to distinguish products from competitors • Creates a level playing field • And in many cases, CA is required by law...
Types or Levels of Conformity Assessment • First Party Certification: – Manufacturers self declaration – Customers frequently rely on this – Acceptable to regulators in some instances once authorization has been granted...
Types or Levels of Conformity Assessment... • Second Party Certification: – Product purchaser's declaration of compliance
Types or Levels of Conformity Assessment... • Third Party Certification: – Declaration from authoritative, independent, and objective party – ISO Guide 65 (17065) utilized as criteria by which third-parties are evaluated and accredited...
Where is Third-Party Accreditation Required? • Most plumbing codes require that CABs – Be third-party accredited – The CAB must: • • • •
Perform initial and ongoing testing Perform periodic inspections & witness audits Make their listings publically available Must themselves submit to audits of their processes • Renew their accreditations annually...
Third-Party Accreditation in Accordance with ISO 17065 • Establishes minimum acceptable level of performance • Identifies competent product certifiers • Ensures highest level of confidence of compliance • Levels playing field for certifiers and manufacturers alike...
The Process of Third-Party Certification of Products? • Accreditation of third-party agency • Testing of product • Examination of test reports, drawings, calculations, physical dimensions literature, etc. • Initial and ongoing audits/inspections • Certificate of Compliance issuance • Legal recognition of certification...
Interrelationship • Each plays a vital role Codes and Regulations
Product Standards
• Effective framework • Level playing field • Substantial industry involvement
Conformity Assessment
25
Summary • Codes and Regulations are intended to protect health and safety • Standards dictate specific product performance requirements within the codes. • Conformity assessment is a process to help to ensure the mandates within the codes, standards and regulations are met...
