But first a little history…
Even during the Middle Ages, an era bookended by the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century and the full blossoming of the Renaissance in the 15th century, cities and towns established boards of experts to manage their water supply and sanitation. Guilds made up of artisans and merchants were the forerunners of today’s engineering associations and developed plumbing standards that set minimum requirements for product quality and craftsmanship as well as guidelines for safe plumbing installations. Modern-day apprenticeship programs that ensure plumbers are knowledgeable in their trade can trace their roots to these medieval guilds. The same can be said for our modern product performance and professional qualification standards.
Jumping ahead a few centuries, ASSE International entered the fray in 1964 when our first product performance standard, ASSE 1001, Performance Requirements for Atmospheric Type Vacuum Breakers, was published. ASSE International now has more than 50 product performance standards, and their importance cannot be overstated. ASSE International standards are developed through industry consensus by experts from various segments of the plumbing industry. End users of products certified to ASSE International standards can take comfort in knowing their performance was validated through rigorous third-party testing.
ASSE International also promulgates professional qualifications (PQ) standards that establish minimum education and performance requirements for professionals who inspect, install, test and maintain water and sanitation systems. The first ASSE International PQ standard published was ASSE Series 5000, Cross-Connection Control Professional Qualifications Standard, in 1990. Today there are 14 ASSE PQ standards, with more in development. Both types of standards are developed and revised under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standards development process.
STANDARDS AREN’T JUST FOR EXPERTS
One thing I have noticed as I speak with people within our industry is an aura of fear and trepidation some have regarding standards. This is particularly prevalent among those new to the industry. “Please come serve on our working group — we are developing a new standard,” I say, to which I sometimes get a response of “Oh, that’s too technical for me.” The important thing to remember is that if you work anywhere in the pipe, valve and fitting field, you most likely have knowledge that would be useful when we develop a standard. In addition to learning more about a product or profession, serving on a working group is an excellent chance to network and make new friends — and it is fun!
THE LAYOUT OF ASSE STANDARDS
Now allow me to substantiate the headline of this article. What is included in an ASSE International standard? All ASSE International standards are formatted in a similar fashion and contain certain sections. For product performance standards, these include the following (in order of appearance):
1) Foreword
This introduces and provides the history and purpose of the product covered in the standard (this is informative only and not a part of standard).
2) Product Standards Committee
A list of volunteers who serve on the Product Standards Committee (PSC). The PSC votes to approve a product performance standard after it is drafted and approved by the working group.
3) Product Standard Working Group
A list of volunteers who authored the standard.
4) Table of Contents
A list of the standard’s sections and where they can be found.
5) General
This outlines the fundamental criteria that products must meet to comply with the standard, including the application, scope and documents referenced in the standard.
6) Test Specimens and Test Laboratory
This gives general information regarding the sampling plan for the testing laboratory and the order of tests.
7) Performance Requirements and Compliance Testing
This section details the purpose, procedure and pass/fail criteria for tests the products will undergo. The tests are designed to make sure the products can endure simulations of events they might encounter in actual service.
8) Detailed Requirements
This provides details on materials of construction, installation and maintenance instructions and required markings and marking methods.
9) Definitions
This gives definitions for words or phrases that are unique to the standard or are used in nonconventional ways.
Professional qualifications standards are also all formatted in a similar fashion and include (in order of appearance):
1) Table of Contents
A list of the standard’s sections and where they can be found.
2) Foreword
Provides background information regarding the application or field the professional qualification standard addresses (this is informative only and not a part of standard).
3) Professional Qualifications Standards Committee
A list of volunteers who serve on the Professional Qualifications Standards Committee (PQSC). The PQSC votes to approve a professional qualifications standard after it is drafted and approved by the working group.
4) Professional Qualifications Working Group
A list of volunteers who authored the standard.
5) References
A list of referenced industry standards and codes used in the standard.
6) Scope
Defines the professional(s) for which the standard applies.
7) Purpose
A statement that the professional qualifications standard validates expertise to ensure that individuals identified in the scope have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively conduct the requirements of their job.
8) Limitations
Lists any limitations to job type or application.
9) General Knowledge
Lists foundational concepts, skills, industry practices and regulatory knowledge professionals need to understand their profession.
10) Product Knowledge
Lists product information needed, including usage guidelines, maintenance, troubleshooting, safety and compliance.
11) Product Installation Knowledge
Lists needed information regarding correct installation, including safety protocols and compliance requirements.
12) System Knowledge
Lists the required understanding of system components, operating principles, their interaction and maintenance and troubleshooting.
13) Documenting and Recording
Lists which documents are required to be utilized (recorded, maintained, updated or assessed) by the professional.
14) Terminology
References an appendix of terms for which the professional must demonstrate a working knowledge.
15) Certification and Recertification
An explanation of who can certify/recertify the professional, the certification period, and the requirements to be certified or recertified.
ASSE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU
While ASSE International standards may seem intimidating at first glance, when broken down into their subject parts they become more easily understood. You can access read-only versions of ASSE International product performance and professional qualification standards on the ASSE website. Take a look and let us know when you are ready to volunteer on a working group. Meetings are virtual and take only a few hours per month. Your participation is needed and appreciated.
