NSF-WRe BS 6920 TESTING OF NON-METALLIC COMPONENTS WITH REGARD TO THEIR EFFECT OF THE QUALITY OF WATER GUIDANCE NOTES These Guidance Notes gives details of the BS 6920 tests and test sample requirements for Water Regulations Advisory Scheme approval. If any further information or assistance is needed concerning sample requirements and preparation please contact the Account Management Team Tel: +44 (0) 1495 236 260 Email: [email protected] NSF-WRe Ltd | Unit 30 Fern Close | Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate | Oakdale | Gwent | NP11 3EH | UK Tel: +44 (0) 1495 236 260 | Fax: +44 (0) 1495 242 499 Email: nsfwre@nst-org | Website: www. nsfwre.org WORKMAT 025 Issue No. 12 Issue date 15/10/14 Page 1of8NSF-WRe Lid BS 6920 Testing Guidance Notes TEST REQUIREMENTS To be acceptable to the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) products and materials must comply with BS 6920, Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regards to their effect on the quality of the water. BS 6920 consists of five separate tests; Test Duration (Odour and Flavour of water 14 days Appearance of water 14 days Growth of microorganisms Tto 9 weeks The Extraction of Substances that may be of Concem to Public Health T days Extraction of metals 4 weeks The overall period to complete and report the above tests is a minimum of 12 weeks. THE INDIVIDUAL TESTS The requirements for the suitability of non-metallic products are given in BS 6920 Part 1: Specification. The methods used for the individual tests are described in full in BS 6920: Part 2: Methods of Test. Further guidance for materials testing can be found in the documents WRAS Material Guidance (for stand-alone material approvals) and WRAS Approvals Guidance - Appendix A (if the material is intended to be used as part of a fittings approval) available from the WRAS web site. ODOUR AND FLAVOUR OF WATER (BS 6920: Part 1: Clause 4, Part 2: Section 2.2) This test assesses the ability of a product to impart a discernible odour or flavour to water. The test is carried out using chlorinated and non-chlorinated water and may take up to 14 days to complete. The final non-chlorinated and chlorinated (1 mg L* free chlorine) extracts obtained from the product must be free from odour and the first 1:1 dilutions must be free from flavour. If more than one of the three panellists detects an odour or flavour, then the product does not comply to meet the specification. Unless two further test samples are assessed and no odour and flavour is reported in the final extracts from both additional samples. APPEARANCE OF WATER (BS 6920: Part 1: Clause 5, Part 2: Section 2. This test assesses the ability of a product to impart any noticeable colour or turbidity to water. The test may take up to 14 days to complete ‘Any increase in the colour and turbidity of the final extract from the product must be less than 5 Hazen units and 0.5 FNU respectively. If any colour or turbidity is detected in the final extract, then the product does not comply with the specification unless two further samples are tested and the mean of the colour and turbidity measurements of the final extracts of all three samples comply with the specification. WORKMAT 025 Issue No. 12 Issue date 18/10/14 Page 20f8NSF-WRe Lid BS 6920 Testing Guidance Notes GROWTH OF AQUATIC MICROORGANISMS (BS 6920: Part 1: Clause 6, Part Section This test assesses the ability of a product to promote a significant degree of growth of aerobic microorganisms when in contact with water. This test takes 7 to 9 weeks to complete. The mean dissolved oxygen difference (MDOD) value obtained for a product is a measure of the ability of the product to support the growth of microorganisms - as the growth of the microorganisms increases oxygen is removed from the test system and this loss is compared with the control system. Thus the greater the loss of dissolved oxygen from the water in contact with the product, so the greater the final value. MDOD is the mean value from measurements taken at weeks 5, 6 and 7. The MDOD between the water in contact with the product and the negative control system must be less than 1.7 mg L". If after seven weeks the MDOD value is between 1.7 and 2.0 mg L", then the test can be continued for a further two weeks. If the final MDOD value, over weeks five to nine, is less than 1.7 mg L”, then the product complies. If the product gives an MDOD value in the range >2.0 to 2.9 mg L", then two further samples of the product can be tested. The arithmetic mean of the MDOD values from the three samples must be less than 2.4 mg L” for the product to comply with the specification If the product gives an MDOD value greater than 2.9 mg L" then the product does not comply with the specification and no further testing is acceptable. NOTE ‘An additional reference system Is included for some samples (eg cementitious products). If the Feference system has a MDOD that Is 0.5 mg L"" greater than the MDOD for the postive reference system (Paraffin Wax), the product Is reported as showing a bacteriostalicicidal effect, and does not comply with the specification Summary of Growth of Aquatic Microorganisms (MDOD) test pass requirements MDOD on first sample, weeks 5 to 7 Result mg 7 Oto <1.7 B17 t0.<2.0 2,010 <2.9 229 Extend test bya | Re-test with two Action Pass further two weeks | further samples Feil Extended MDOD on first sample, weeks 5 to 9 Resuit mg “17, P17, ‘Action Pass Re-test Re-test with two further samples Measure MDOD of weeks 5 to 7, determine mean MDOD of all three samples Resuit mg <24 224 ‘Action Pass Fall WORKMAT 025 Issue No. 12 Issue date 18/10/14 Page 3of8NSF-WRe Lid BS 6920 Testing Guidance Notes THE EXTRACTION OF SUBSTANCES THAT MAY BE OF CONCERN TO PUBLIC HEALTH (BS 6920: Part 1: Clause 7, Part 2: Section 2. (Cytotoxicity test! This is a simple cytotoxicity based screening test and extraction procedure designed to assist in the toxicological assessment of products. The test takes a minimum of 7 days to complete. The aqueous extract from the product must show no toxicity to a mammalian cell line to comply with this test. If a cytotoxic response is detected in the extract, then the product does not comply with the specification unless two further samples are tested and both samples show no cytotoxic response. ‘THE EXTRACTION OF METALS (BS 6920: Part 1: Clause 8, Part 2: Section 2.6) This test assesses the leaching of metals from the product into water. This test may take up to 4 weeks to complete. Any metal detected in the aqueous extracts from the product must be at a concentration less than the Maximum Admissible Concentration (MAC) as given in BS 6920 Part 1. Depending on the nature of the product WRAS may also specify analysis of other metals and assess the results obtained. The test is carried out on duplicate test samples and both test samples must comply with the specification If the MAC of any metal is exceeded in either of the duplicate final extracts from the test product then the product does not comply to meet this specification, unless three further duplicate test samples are tested and the concentrations of the specified metals in the extracts from alll of three additional samples do not exceed the MAC. The list of metals and MAC values for the Extraction of Metals Test are given below: Metal MAC (ug L%)_| Metal MAG (ug L) ‘Aluminium 200 Iron 200 Antimony 5 Lead 10 Arsenic 10 Manganese 50 Boron 1000 | Mercury 1 (Cadmium 5 Nickel 20 Chromium 50 Selenium 10 * NSF-WRe subcontract the metals analysis to Wessex Water Scientif Centre WORKMAT 025 Issue No. 12 Issue date 18/10/14 Page dof 8NSF-WRe Lid BS 6920 Testing Guidance Notes HIGH TEMPERATURE TESTS (BS 6920: Part 3, For products likely to be used in domestic hot water services or other systems where the water temperature regularly exceeds 23 °C and the water is made available for drinking, bathing or culinary purposes, high temperature tests are specified. These tests can be carried out to show compliance with the standard at any temperature up t0 85°C. The Odour & Flavour of Water; Appearance of Water; Extraction of Substances that may be of Concern to Public Health and Extraction of Metals tests are carried out at the specified high temperature, in addition the Odour & Flavour and Extraction of Substances that may be of Concern to Public Health tests are also carried out at 23 °C. The Growth of Aquatic Microorganisms test is always carried out at a temperature of 30 °C. 4. SAMPLE SPECIFICATIONS 4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Important: - Samples submitted for testing must comply with BS 6920: Section 2.1 ‘Samples for Testing TEN samples of each product/material submitted for testing are required. The surface area of the article or articles that constitute a sample that come into contact with the test water must total 15,000 +500 mm, although for some products a smaller surface area is used. For some products / materials a sample may consist of more than one article of the product / material. For example a sample of @ coating may consist of one coated plate (of suitable dimensions) that is ten coated plates are required for testing. For a component, several components (e.g. five) may be needed to give the required surface area to constitute @ sample for testing, ie. 50 components would be required for testing. If a lubricant is used in conjunction with a product, the product and the lubricant must be submitted for testing separately, namely the product must be submitted without lubricant. Product ranges, plastics with different amounts of fillers, colours, etc. rubbers with different hardness's etc. can be tested and it may be that full BS 6920 testing is required on one grade and limited BS 6920 testing on the other grade(s). See the WRAS Material Guidance or WRAS Approvals Guidance - Appendix A documents for further information. Specifically WRAS require that a test sample should be no more than 12 months old at the date of receipt by the laboratory and testing of that sample should commence within not more than 12 weeks of its receipt. If in exceptional circumstances these conditions cannot be met please contact the test laboratory that will discuss the issue with WRAS, prior to commencing testing Normally sample(s) should be placed in a polyethylene bag (sandwich / food grade bags are ideal) and clearly identified by labelling the bag, not the sample(s). Except for rubber samples that should be placed in paper bags or wrapped in paper. Samples bearing adhesive tape or labels, ink or pencil marks CANNOT be accepted for testing Information on the chemical composition of the product is required for Health and Safety risk assessment. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence - if preferred confidential information may be submitted in a separate envelope marked ‘Confidential’, for the personal attention of Mrs Ruth Manning. WORKMAT 025 Issue No. 12 Issue date 18/10/14 Page Sof8NSF-WRe Lid BS 6920 Testing Guidance Notes 4.2 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS ‘Component Materials from Fittings For products that contain a range of non-metallic materials other requirements for testing may be specified. If the product comes into this category or clarification is required please contact the Account Management Team, Non-homogeneous Products For non-homogeneous products potable water only comes into contact with one surface e.g, inner surface of tanks. Ifa surface not intended to come into contact with potable water is prepared from a different material or finish to the water contact surface. The product(s) submitted for testing must be completely coated with the water contact material or finish. Composite hoses and multilayer pipes are subject to testing to BS 6920: Section 2.2.2 for the ‘odour and flavour test, for this test two metres of the complete hose or pipe will be required. ‘The other four tasts are carried out on samples of the inner water-contact material only. Lubricants ‘A minimum of 250 grams of each lubricant, supplied in a suitable container, is required for testing. If a lubricant is used in conjunction with a product, the product and the lubricant must be submitted for testing separately, i.e. the product must be submitted without lubricant. Coal Tar Containing Products The Water Regulations states that no pipe; pipe fitting or storage cistern shall be internally lined or coated with coal tar, or any substance that includes coal tar. WRAS will not list any products containing coal tar, including products having coal tar coated components not in direct contact with potable water. Factory AppliediProcessed Coatings and Paints Factory applied coatings and paints must be applied to plates of a material of similar adherent properties to that which the product is to be used. The panels must be compatible with water, i.e. non-rusting or corroding. Plates made from stainless steel 316 or frosted glass is ideal, and can be supplied if at a cost. The coated plates must be given the same pre-treatment, including all primers and undercoats, maturing and curing conditions as used in normal practice. If the coating or paint is applied to a substrate other than stainless steal or glass all surfaces and edges will need to be completely coated. NSF-WRe can prepare the samples for test; a charge is made for this service. The dimensions of the plates must not exceed 150 mm in length and 70 mm in width The preferred plate size is 120 x 60 x 1 mm thick (surface area 1,120 mm?) WORKMAT 025 Issue No. 12 Issue date 18/10/14 Page 6 of 8NSF-WRe Lid BS 6920 Testing Guidance Notes Site-Applied Products For products such as coatings and paints that are applied on-site (by the supplier or end-user) the samples for testing must be prepared by NSF-WRe. A charge for sample preparation will be made. Preparation instructions must be supplied and include details such as; curing time, temperature, mix ratios (weight : weight), wet fim thickness (microns) all necessary primers and undercoats full safety information The procedures used for the sample preparation and curing will be given in the final report. They will also be used as conditions in the WRAS directory listing. Samples for testing will be prepared according to BS 6920: Section 2.1, unless instructed to the contrary. Site Applied Products for testing must be supplied in their normal containers. For the preparation of samples for testing, the maximum pack size is 5 kilos for dry products and 1 litre for liquid products. Quantities of unused product in excess of these amounts will be retumed or disposed; a charge will be made for this service. Test samples will not be prepared at NSF-WRc unless full Health and Safety information is supplied. This information is required for our safety procedures e.g. Control of Substances Hazardous to Heath Regulations. Normally a Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet will provide adequate information. For products that can only be prepared and/or applied using specialised equipment NSF-WRc are required to witness the preparation of the test samples and to transport the samples to NSF-WRe for testing. For these products, a site visit can be arranged; a charge will be made for this service Plastic Products Plastic materials can be tested in either sheet or component form (pellets or granules cannot be tested and should be moulded into a suitable component). Plastic materials produced for the production of plastic pipes must be submitted in the form of extruded pipes. Please inform NSF-WRe if the plastic material contains any recycled materials and provide details of the origin of the recycled materials. Products such as glass reinforced polyesters; thermosetting plastic materials and glass-filed plastics must be tested in the form of the final component. Elastomeric (Rubber) Products Differences can occur between sheet, moulded and extruded elastomeric (rubber) products, depending on the final processing and curing conditions. Samples of these products must be submitted in the form of the final component. Elastomeric (rubber) products can be tested in sheet form, however, the WRAS Directory wil list the product as sheet material only; if a manufacturer moulds a component from the approved material there will possibly be further tests required. NOTE Elastomeric products are generally stored for some time before use. To simulate this practice, freshly cured samples should be placed in unsealed paper bags and stored in a clean atmosphere for one month before being submitted for testing. Ifa mould release agent or similar agent is used in the preparation of test samples it should be identical to that used in the manufacture of products (some mould release agents may affect the performance of elastomeric products in the tests). Flexible Hoses and Tubing Flexible hoses and tubing should be submitted as a single 20 metre length. See also the note above for non-homogeneous products, Solders and Fluxes. Sufficient quantity of solder or flux, with instructions, must be supplied for application to ten joints. Ifa specific fux is recommended for use with the solder for test a sufficient quantity of solder and flux must be supplied for ten joints (or vice versa). WORKMAT 025 Issue No. 12 Issue date 18/10/14 Page 7of8NSF-WRe Lid BS 6920 Testing Guidance Notes Cementitious Products and Additives These are normally “site-applied” products and the test samples will require preparation at NSF-WRe, a charge is made for this service. All necessary materials (including the mortar/cement mix), together with full-user instructions, material safety data sheets, with health and safety information must be provided. For products that can only be prepared andior applied using specialised equipment NSF-WRe are required to witness the preparation of the test samples and transport the test samples to NSF-WRe. For these products a site visit can be arranged, @ charge is made for this service, ‘Small Components A sufficient number of components to provide TEN separate composite samples. Each composite sample must have a total surface area of 15,000 4500 mm?. In the case of O-rings the total number of items required to give ONE composite sample can be calculated as follows: Number required to give an area of 15,000 mm? = 15,000/x2(R2-r2) Where, R = outer radius in mm and r= inner radius in mm If you require any further information or clarification of sample requirements for testing please contact the Account Management Team: Tel. +44 (0) 1495 236 260 Email: [email protected] www.nsfwre.org WORKMAT 025 Issue No. 12 Issue date 18/10/14 Page 8of8