§ 401-9. Inspection, testing and overhauling of devices.

A. 

Beginning on January 1, 1988, all testing of backflow-prevention devices conducted in accordance with these regulations must be conducted by a person who is a certified backflow-prevention device tester.

B. 

Within 14 days after the installation of devices in accordance with plans reviewed and approved by the reviewing authority, the owner or owner's agent shall notify the reviewing authority to arrange inspection of the installation by the reviewing authority.

C. 

Reduced-pressure backflow preventers, double check-valve assemblies, pressure-type vacuum breakers and air-gap separations may be inspected and tested by the Department or the supplier of water at any item.

D. 

The supplier of water shall test each reduced-pressure backflow preventer and double check-valve assembly and shall inspect air-gap separations with tank and pump arrangements semiannually. If the supply is used less than six months of the year, these devices shall be inspected and tested by the supplier of water once each year. The test shall be conducted by a certified backflow-prevention device tester and recorded on the Department's inspection and maintenance report form. Copies of the inspection forms shall be submitted to the Department and the owner.

E. 

The owner shall test each reduced-pressure backflow preventer and double check-valve assembly once each year. The test shall be conducted by a certified backflow-prevention device tester and recorded on the Department's inspection and maintenance report forms. One copy of the inspection and maintenance report form shall be submitted to the Department along with the annual permit application form and permit fee.

F. 

Devices failing a test or found defective shall be overhauled, repaired or replaced by a plumber licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the extent required by 248 CMR 2.04(3). These devices must be reinspected within two weeks of the initial inspection date, and a report of the failure and repair shall be submitted by the owner or owner's agent to the Department on the Department's inspection and maintenance report form within two weeks of the repair.

G. 

No two routine tests required by this section shall be conducted within three months of each other without the written approval of the Department.

H. 

The owner or owner's agent must maintain on the premises a spare parts kit and any special tools required for removal and reassembly of devices which are to be tested. The presence of these materials must be recorded on the inspection and maintenance report form.

I. 

The owner or owner's agent must provide labor on the premises as necessary to allow inspection and testing of devices by the Department, the supplier of water or certified backflow-prevention device testers.

J. 

The owner or owner's agent shall notify the Department and the supplier of water, in writing, no later than 30 days prior to the removal from service of any permitted device, and such notification shall include the reason for removal and must indicate if the cross-connection has been eliminated.

Amended 10-15-1997