ASSE International’s professional qualifications certification programs have been very busy in the last few months. In addition to managing the nearly 18,000 current certifications in the ASSE system, we have launched three new certification programs. ASSE 15010 Certification is for field technicians who perform inspection, testing, and maintenance on water-based fire protection systems; ASSE 19110 Certification is for individuals who install and maintain solar water heating systems; and ASSE 21000 Certification is for rainwater catchment systems personnel. The rainwater catchment certification is the primary focus of this column.
ASSE International worked closely with the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) in developing the ASSE/ARCSA/IAPMO/ANSI Series 21000, Professional Qualifications Standard for Rainwater Catchment Systems Personnel, which includes three certification standards – one each for installers, designers, and inspectors of rainwater catchments systems. The basis for the ASSE standard was the ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI Standard 63-2013, Rainwater Catchment Systems – it is the “how to” standard for rainwater catchment systems. The “who will” standard is the ASSE/ARCSA/IAPMO/ANSI Series 21000–2017. This standard series determines the minimum knowledge and skills required for the professionals who design, install, and inspect these systems.
Once the standard series was completed, a dedicated group of subject matter experts volunteered to be on a technical committee to create the certification program guidelines and write test questions. Rainwater catchment is an exciting field that requires the collaborative efforts of engineers, designers, plumbing professionals, and landscape and irrigation specialists. Professionals working on rainwater catchment systems need to know how to calculate size, friction, and volumes needed to design and construct above and below ground rainwater catchment systems from collection point to end use. These systems are constructed for both outdoor and indoor uses, and for both potable and non-potable uses.
Health concerns must be addressed, as well as proper disinfecting and filtration methods and protecting captured water from contamination. The installers and designers also need to be knowledgeable of freeze protection and seismic protection.
And then there is the documentation and paperwork, which range from permits and testing requirements to acceptance forms and all that is in between. Being familiar with the applicable codes and regulations is a very important part of the process.
The standard for inspectors of these systems is the ASSE 21130. In addition to demonstrating knowledge of the inspection of rainwater catchment systems, ASSE 21130 certified inspectors must demonstrate knowledge of the inspection of stormwater catchment systems. Rainwater catchment systems apply to rainwater harvested from rooftops only. Stormwater harvesting applies to at or below grade storm pipes and systems, but not from the soil matrix. ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI Standard 78-2015, Storm Harvesting System Design for Direct End-Use Applications, is the standard that determines the minimum requirements for stormwater harvesting systems. Inspectors, in addition to other rainwater catchment system professionals, are key to protecting public health and safety as it applies to these systems.
Individuals who were previously certified by ARCSA as Accredited Professionals (AP) may convert their certifications to ASSE certifications. Although ARCSA will no longer be certifying rainwater catchment systems professionals, they will continue to offer continuing education and classes to prepare individuals for the ASSE certification exam. ARCSA also publishes and sells the Rainwater Harvesting Manual, which is the premier training manual for these systems.
It is fun to watch ASSE International grow as we expand into new and different segments of the plumbing and piping industries. We believe in professional certifications. We believe that plumbing and piping systems are only as good as the individuals who are designing, installing, testing, maintaining, and inspecting them. By developing professional qualifications standards, we are establishing the minimum knowledge and skill criteria that an individual must have to perform a specific job. This gives consumers, contractors, and authorities (AHJs) the confidence to know that the job is being done correctly and professionally.
We invite you to become more involved with ASSE International. If you believe you have the knowledge and skills to be a subject mater expert for one of our programs, let us know. We welcome help in the development of new standards and in the revision of existing standards. In April, the 2018 ASSE Mid-Year Meeting was held in our offices in Mokena, Ill. We had more than 70 members participate in technical committee meetings that ranged from service plumbing and cross-connection control to product standards and infection control for construction workers in hospitals. We always welcome new members. As ASSE continues to move forward with new and different programs, we encourage engineers, inspectors, pipe trades professionals, and anyone else with an interest to get involved.
