Backflow prevention

Overview

This course provides learners with the skills and knowledge required to test, commission and maintain backflow prevention devices in water services. It covers the identification of requirements, preparation of work, commissioning and maintenance activities and finalisation of work including documentation.

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) will be in attendance on the final day of training to conduct the external examination (4 hours) for those learners who wish to receive endorsement on their plumbing licence in backflow prevention as a specialised class of plumbing.

Prerequisites

Learners must hold water supply registration and/or licence.

There are no prerequisite training units for this unit of competency.

However it is recommended that learners are able to demonstrate language, literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to Level 3 and Level 4 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

All new entrants to this unit will be required to undergo a pre-assessment of their language, literacy and numeracy designed to identify their level of ability against the ACSF.

Course structure

Course delivery is face to face classroom training.

• three (3) consecutive days (24 hrs) including a four (4) hour externally supervised knowledge and practical assessment by the VBA

Course duration

The course involves 24 hours of trainer led learning and assessment.

Course outcome

On successful completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Identify sources and gather information relevant to testing, commissioning and maintenance of backflow prevention devices.
• Apply safety and quality assurance requirements and demonstrate effective work methods relevant to testing, commissioning and maintenance of backflow prevention devices.
• Test, commission and undertake maintenance of high, medium and low hazard backflow prevention devices in water services.
• Identify and complete all relevant documentation relevant to testing, commissioning and maintenance of backflow prevention devices.

Course recognition

Participants successfully completing this course will receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment.

Assessment arrangements

Unit assessment requires participants to:

• complete a theory assessment
• complete a practical assessment which requires the learner to successfully test, commission and complete relevant testing documentation for the following valves;
  • two different double check valves
  • a single (testable) check valve
  • two different registered air gaps (including two different orifice sizes and inlet pressures)
  • two different types of pressure type vacuum breakers
  • two different reduced pressure zone devices

External assessment
The VBA will conduct a four (4) hour external assessment for those learners who wish to receive endorsement on their plumbing licence in backflow prevention.

Category A: $0*
Training participant is a fully financial PPTEU member. May be registered in training course by self or employer.
Category B: $483
Training participant is a Master Plumbers, AMCA or NFIA Association member.
Category C: $690
Training participant is not a member of PPTEU, Master Plumbers, AMCA or NFIA.

Additional fees

Additional fees apply to the application for backflow endorsement. These will be invoiced separately by the VBA.