HEALTH AND SANITATION 29 verified by anyone . For this example , since the product was marked with an IAPMO R & T registered mark , you will need to go to IAPMO ’ s website . IAPMO ’ s website has an easy-to-use online listing directory for plumbing products , https :// pld . iapmo . org /. Here you can search the listing by file number , company name , model number or trademark of the product .
For this example , using IAPMO ’ s online listing directory , the certificate of listing for “ Manufacturer X ” was found . The image below is an example of the certificate :
As shown , the second model listed on the certificate is “ Lavatory 1 .” You have now successfully confirmed the purchased product , “ Lavatory 1 ” from “ Manufacturer X ,” is indeed listed with IAPMO R & T .
You have verified the listing , but do you need or want more information , such as to what was the product certified ? Which critical safety requirements were checked ? Or if you are concerned about a specific safety requirement , how can more information be obtained about the certification ? The details of the certification are shown on the certificate .
An important detail to understand is the standard . The standard is the basis for certification . It includes all testing procedures and requirements to which the products were evaluated prior to the certificate being issued . There are well-established industry standards for most common products that certifiers use as the model by which to evaluate all products within their scope . New standards are continuously being developed for new product designs . Third-party certification agencies have engineers who verify the testing has been accurately performed and the requirements of the standard have been met prior to issuing the certificate of listing and thus allowing the product to bear their certification mark . For this example , the standard shown on the certificate was ASME A112.18.1 . -2018/ CSA B125.1-2018 . The standard covers plumbing supply fittings and accessories located between the supply stop and the terminal fitting , including lavatory faucets , which is the product in question . By accessing the standard one can better understand the listing , the testing conducted and requirements that were checked .
IAPMO R & T has a straightforward certificate format that makes the task of obtaining details on the certificate of listing simple . The first page will have such general information as the certification mark , file number , company name and address , and the standards and codes to which the listed products comply . To verify this certificate from “ Manufacturer X ” includes “ Lavatory 1 ” you will need to scroll down on the online certificate to the list of certified models or use the “ Find ” function . Below is an example of how this may look :
You have now verified your lavatory faucet is third-party certified with IAPMO R & T and have gained some understanding about the scope of the certification with information from the standard . You can now confidently install your lavatory faucet in your home ’ s water supply system .
Dave Viola
IAPMO CEO
Editor ’ s Comment . We do , in South Africa , have the South African National Standard ( SANS ) which operates in a similar way to IAPMO . We also have the South African National Accreditation System ( SANAS ) where we have four accredited test centres and three accredited Certification bodies for plumbing . There are test centres and certification bodies who are not SANAS accredited as it is a voluntary process . Nonetheless , the manufacturer must understand the difference . PA
November 2022 Volume 28 I Number 9 www . plumbingafrica . co . za