BAT Backflow Assembly Tester Safety & Regulatory Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under ASSE 5013 performance requirements, what is the minimum test pressure applied to a backflow preventer during a field test?
- 10 psi
- 15 psi (Correct answer)
- 25 psi
- 50 psi
Correct answer: 15 psi
ASSE 5013 requires a minimum test pressure of 15 psi when conducting field tests on backflow prevention assemblies.
Question 2: A tester discovers a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assembly installed downstream of a booster pump with no pressure relief. What is the primary safety concern?
- The check valves may not seat properly
- Downstream pressure may exceed the assembly's pressure rating (Correct answer)
- The differential pressure relief valve may not open
- The shut-off valves may be locked in closed position
Correct answer: Downstream pressure may exceed the assembly's pressure rating
A booster pump downstream can create pressures that exceed the assembly's rated working pressure, risking catastrophic failure.
Question 3: Which federal regulation establishes the authority for cross-connection control programs in public water systems?
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119
- EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) (Correct answer)
- ANSI/AWWA C510
- IPC Section 608
Correct answer: EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
The EPA Safe Drinking Water Act grants authority to regulate cross-connection control programs for public water systems.
Question 4: When performing a test on a double check valve assembly (DCVA), what condition indicates check valve #1 has failed to hold?
- The #2 check differential reads above 1.0 psid
- The needle on the #1 check gauge drops to zero
- The #1 check differential reads below 1.0 psid (Correct answer)
- The differential pressure relief valve opens
Correct answer: The #1 check differential reads below 1.0 psid
A #1 check valve differential reading below 1.0 psid during the closed position test indicates the valve has failed to hold adequately.
Question 5: A tester is working in a vault below grade with standing water. What is the FIRST action before entering?
- Test for oxygen-deficient atmosphere (Correct answer)
- Drain the vault with a portable pump
- Don rubber boots and waterproof gloves
- Notify the water authority
Correct answer: Test for oxygen-deficient atmosphere
OSHA confined space entry requirements mandate atmospheric testing for oxygen deficiency and hazardous gases before entry.
Question 6: Which of the following backflow prevention methods is NOT acceptable for protecting a high-hazard cross-connection?
- Reduced pressure zone assembly
- Air gap
- Double check valve assembly (Correct answer)
- Reduced pressure detector assembly
Correct answer: Double check valve assembly
A double check valve assembly (DCVA) is only rated for low-hazard protection and is not approved for high-hazard (health hazard) cross-connections.
Question 7: What must a certified BAT do if a backflow assembly fails its annual test and the owner is unreachable?
- Replace the assembly immediately without authorization
- Document the failure and leave without action
- Notify the water purveyor as required by local regulations (Correct answer)
- Install a temporary bypass to maintain service
Correct answer: Notify the water purveyor as required by local regulations
When an assembly fails and the owner is unreachable, testers must notify the water purveyor per cross-connection control program requirements.
BAT Backflow Assembly Tester Safety & Regulatory Compliance 2
Under ASSE 5013 performance requirements, what is the minimum test pressure applied to a backflow preventer during a field test?