1. Codes, Standards & Conformity Assessment GP Russ Chaney CEO, The IAPMO Group russ.chaney@iapmo.org

2. Objective Provide an overview and the interrelationships of : Product Standards Conformity Assessment Codes and Regulations Why it should matter to industry and consumers?

3. 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...

4. 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

5. 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

6. Product Standards Conformity Assessment Codes and Regulations

7. 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

8. 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...

9. 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...

10. SDO Accreditation North American Model ANSI & SCC Do not develop standards Facilitate product standard development via third-party accreditation There are 200+ accredited SDOs in North America alone... Enhances credibility thru defined rules and standards

11. Plumbing Industry ANSI Accredited SDOs 11

12. Facilitates US standardization policy development Promotes US standardization policies globally ANSI is the bridge for standardization between industry and government among and within industries...

13. Cardinal Principles of the U.S. System Transparency Openness Due Process Consensus Principles of Standards Development Internationally

14. Industry Trade Associations Professional Societies Government Consumers and Labor Interests Standards Developers Other Stakeholders Academic Institutions

15. Product Standards Conformity Assessment Codes and Regulations

16. What is Conformity Assessment? A process used to show that a product, process or system meets specified requirements

17. 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...

18. 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...

19. Types or Levels of Conformity Assessment... Second Party Certification: –Product purchaser's declaration of compliance

20. 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...

21. 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...

22. Third-Party Accreditation JAZ-ANZ is the recognized accrediting body in Australia ANSI is a recognized accreditor in the US SCC is a recognized accreditor in Canada ISO 17065 establishes evaluation criteria for these accreditors...

23. 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...

24. 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...

25. 25 Product Standards Conformity Assessment Codes and Regulations Each plays a vital role Effective framework Level playing field Substantial industry involvement Interrelationship

26. 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...