Backflow Prevention Association of Australia

Looking for a new training opportunity in 2025? One of the industry leaders in training in Louisiana, Mitch LeBas is retiring which could present a great opportunity for someone. Take a look at Backflow Prevention Services post if that sounds like something you would like to hear more about.

⚠️ Check out this story of a backflow incident at a medical centre. The Incident: In 1982, a tragic backflow incident occurred at a large medical center, leading to the contamination of dialysis machines with ethylene glycol (antifreeze). This contamination resulted in the deaths of two patients. Despite having a backflow prevention program in place, a cross-connection involving the hospital’s air conditioning system allowed a glycol/water mixture to enter the hospital’s potable water supply, causing severe contamination. What Happened: The problem started when a manually operated valve in the hospital’s cooling system was left slightly open, permitting a glycol-laden water mixture from a holding tank used for air conditioning to flow into the hospital’s water supply. This tank was designed to keep the glycol mixture ready during cold weather to prevent freezing. When the valve was left partially open, and system pressures equalized, the contaminated mixture backflowed into the main water lines due to backpressure. A drop in water pressure from regular use, like a faucet or toilet, further allowed this contaminated water to reach the dialysis machines. The hospital’s water purification system, designed to handle trace chemicals, could not remove the high levels of glycol, exposing patients to the toxic substance. The Cross Connection: The cross-connection occurred because the cooling system’s holding tank, containing the glycol mixture, was connected to the hospital’s potable water supply through a manually operated valve. This valve was inadvertently left open, creating a direct pathway for the toxic mixture to enter the water system when pressure conditions changed. Consequences and Actions Taken: Several patients experienced symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, and unconsciousness. Despite emergency treatment, two of the six affected patients succumbed to the contamination—one the following day and the other 16 days later. This incident highlighted significant flaws in the medical center’s cross-connection control practices. Prevention Lesson: This incident underscores the vital need for stringent cross-connection control in medical facilities, where even minor lapses can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Proper measures, such as installing an air gap or a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer (RPZ), would have prevented the glycol from entering the hospital’s potable water supply. Medical centres, especially those using sensitive equipment like dialysis machines, must prioritize the installation, maintenance, and regular inspection of backflow prevention devices to safeguard against hazardous cross-connections.

From my home to yours. I wish you the compliments of the season, a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Stay safe and prosper in 2025

A couple of weeks ago I posted a good opportunity for a plumber looking for a new career path. Continuing in that vein, here is a great opportunity! This is a permanent, full-time position for a Senior Technical Advisor (Plumbing) among a cohesive and supportive team. Be quick, applications close 3 January 2024 https://lnkd.in/g7H4-U7R https://lnkd.in/gDhzPswT

Christmas is a time to celebrate the season of giving, gratitude, and togetherness. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for our members, colleagues, partners and committee members. The dedication, creativity, and passion shown by all make this association what it is, and I’m truly grateful for your continued efforts. As we approach the close of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous accomplishments the BPAA has achieved. This year has brought challenges, but also countless opportunities for growth, collaboration, and success. It’s been a year of innovation, resilience, and hard work, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a team. As we enjoy the festive season, I encourage everyone to take some time to rest, recharge, and cherish the moments with your loved ones. May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and fulfillment, both personally and professionally. Looking ahead, I’m excited about what we will accomplish together in the coming year. Thank you for the hard work of the committees, your commitment to safe drinking water, and your unwavering support. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Peter McLennan - CEO

Attention ASSE and ABPA Tester Certification and Recertification providers: If you are looking for an opportunity to expand your Backflow Preventer Tester Certification Training business, an excellent opportunity is available in the expanding Louisiana market. Over the last 15 years, Backflow Prevention Services (BPS) has assisted over 2,000 individuals with obtaining and/or maintaining their Tester Certification.  Annually, BPS certifies and recertifies approximately 100 individuals in each course. Included in this opportunity are eight (8) 5-valve test kits, one (1) 3-valve test kit, nine (9) full stations (and four (4) partial stations) which include ¾” RP, DC, PVB, and SVB at each station, and seven (7) large (2”-4”) diameter and three (3) large DCDA for maintenance and repair training. Included is our historical database for future marketing strategies. The acquisition of our training facility on approximately 0.7 acres of land is also an option. The facility includes a 26’ x 26’ training room, a wet lab, five (5) offices, and very ample storage. If you are interested, PM us to discuss this exciting opportunity. Serious inquiries only.

LICENSED PLUMBERS, DID YOU HEAR? Building and Energy, which is part of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) wants to help retailers educate consumers about what plumbing work needs a licensed plumber and what homeowners can legally do themselves. They are inviting retail stores to display official WA Government point of sale signs. The signs have QR codes that allow consumers to check a plumber's licence and see what types of 'do it yourself' plumbing work are OK. Read more and download the sign 👇 https://lnkd.in/gyC-ZU5N

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Can you sell plumbing products that do not have WaterMark certification? Yes, however it is legal to sell plumbing and drainage products without WaterMark certification in Australia. However, if these products are listed on the WaterMark Schedule of Products, a licensed plumbing practitioner is not permitted to install them. It’s important to ensure that any plumbing products you plan to purchase and install are WaterMark certified, so they comply with regulatory requirements and are safe to use. Always check for the WaterMark on plumbing products and consult with your supplier or a licensed professional if you have any doubts. For more information on the installation of plumbing products, visit: https://lnkd.in/g8yuJk45 #WaterMarkCertification #PlumbingProducts #PlumbingandDrainageProducts

We were delighted to be invited to attend the World Plumbing Skills ACT awards last night. It is fantastic to see the skills of the students as they competed to represent ACT at the Australian Plumbing competition and maybe the worldwide competition. Congratulations to the winner and to all finalists. You do the industry proud! We also were treated to the Australian launch of American Plumber Stories series 5 episode 2, Plumber Downunder where we saw Martin, a remote plumbing specialist from Tasmania highlighting what opportunities are available for future plumbers. Thanks to Tom Roberts Director PMG Global for ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), Canberra Institute of Technology for their fantastic team of plumbing teachers, American Plumber Stories and the great venue Contentious Character wines. Backflow Prevention Association of Australia