BAT Cross-Connection Control & Risk Assessment Flashcards

Which of the following best describes a 'high hazard' cross-connection?

Answer: A connection to a chemical feed line, cooling tower, or medical equipment using toxic fluids

High hazard cross-connections involve substances that are toxic, carcinogenic, or otherwise dangerous to health, requiring an RPZ or air gap for protection.

A garden hose submerged in a bucket of pesticide solution represents what type of cross-connection scenario?

Answer: Backsiphonage through a submerged inlet (indirect cross-connection)

A submerged hose end in a chemical bucket is a classic backsiphonage scenario — if supply pressure drops, the chemical solution can be siphoned back into the potable supply.

What is the primary purpose of an air gap in cross-connection control?

Answer: To provide an unobstructed vertical separation between the water outlet and any flood-level rim, breaking any potential siphon

An air gap is the only non-mechanical backflow protection method; the physical break between the outlet and flood rim ensures no siphon or back pressure can pull contaminated water into the supply.

Which of the following is an example of a back pressure backflow scenario?

Answer: A booster pump on a closed loop system raising downstream pressure above supply pressure

A booster pump that raises downstream pressure above supply pressure creates back pressure, forcing water to reverse direction through any unprotected connection.

A double check valve assembly (DCVA) protects against which backflow conditions?

Answer: Both backsiphonage and back pressure for low-hazard applications

A DCVA's two independent check valves protect against both backsiphonage and back pressure, making it suitable for low-hazard continuous pressure applications such as fire sprinkler systems.

Where should a backflow prevention assembly ideally be installed relative to the cross-connection it is protecting against?

Answer: Upstream (on the supply side) of the cross-connection

A backflow preventer must be installed on the supply side upstream of the cross-connection so that any reversal is blocked before contaminated water can reach the potable supply.