2016 Utah Code
Title 15A - State Construction and Fire Codes Act
Chapter 3 - Statewide Amendments Incorporated as Part of State Construction Code
Part 3 - Statewide Amendments to International Plumbing Code
Section 303 - Amendments to Chapter 3 of IPC.

Effective 7/1/2016
15A-3-303. Amendments to Chapter 3 of IPC.

• (1) In IPC, Section 303.4, the following exception is added:
  "Exception: Third-party certification for backflow prevention assemblies will consist of any combination of two certifications, laboratory or field. Acceptable third party laboratory certifying agencies are ASSE, IAPMO, and USC-FCCCHR. USC-FCCCHR currently provides the only field testing of backflow protection assemblies. Also see www.drinkingwater.utah.gov and Division of Drinking Water Rule, Utah Administrative Code, R309-305-6."
  

• (2) IPC, Section 311.1, is deleted.

• (3) In IPC, Section 312.3, the following is added at the end of the paragraph: "Where water is not available at the construction site or where freezing conditions limit the use of water on the construction site, plastic drainage and vent pipe may be permitted to be tested with air. The following procedures shall be followed:
  1. Contractor shall recognize that plastic is extremely brittle at lower temperatures and can explode, causing serious injury or death.
  2. Contractor assumes all liability for injury or death to persons or damage to property or for claims for labor and/or material arising from any alleged failure of the system during testing with air or compressed gasses.
  3. Proper personal protective equipment, including safety eyewear and protective headgear, should be worn by all individuals in any area where an air or gas test is being conducted.
  4. Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to limit the pressure within the plastic piping.
  5. No drain and vent system shall be pressurized in excess of 6 psi as measured by accurate gauges graduated to no more than three times the test pressure.
  6. The pressure gauge shall be monitored during the test period, which should not exceed 15 minutes.
  7. At the conclusion of the test, the system shall be depressurized gradually, all trapped air or gases should be vented, and test balls and plugs should be removed with caution."

• (4) In IPC, Section 312.5, the following is added at the end of the paragraph:
  "Where water is not available at the construction site or where freezing conditions limit the use of water on the construction site, plastic water pipes may be permitted to be tested with air. The following procedures shall be followed:
  1. Contractor shall recognize that plastic is extremely brittle at lower temperatures and can explode, causing serious injury or death.
  2. Contractor assumes all liability for injury or death to persons or damage to property or for claims for labor and/or material arising from any alleged failure of the system during testing with air or compressed gasses.
  3. Proper personal protective equipment, including safety eyewear and protective headgear, should be worn by all individuals in any area where an air or gas test is being conducted.
  4. Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to limit the pressure within the plastic piping.
  5. Water supply systems shall be pressure tested to a minimum of 50 psi but not more than 80 psi as measured by accurate gauges graduated to no more than three times the test pressure.
  6. The pressure gauge shall be monitored during the test period, which should not exceed 15 minutes.
  7. At the conclusion of the test, the system shall be depressurized gradually, all trapped air or gases should be vented, and test balls and plugs should be removed with caution."

• (5) A new IPC, Section 312.10.3, is added as follows: "312.10.3 Tester Qualifications. Testing shall be performed by a Utah Certified Backflow Preventer Assembly Tester in accordance with Utah Administrative Code, R309-305."

Amended by Chapter 249, 2016 General Session