OAR 333-061-0074: Cross Connection Training Programs, Course, and Instructor Requirements

(1) To qualify as an Authority approved cross connection specialist training program or backflow assembly tester training program, the following requirements must be met: (a) An application for approval must be submitted to and approved by the Authority prior to offering training within Oregon; (b) The training program must keep permanent records on attendance and performance of each student that enrolls in a course; (c) The training program must submit the names of students who have successfully completed the training course to the Authority upon completion of the training course; (d) The training schedule must be set in advance and the schedule must be submitted to the Authority quarterly for review and publication; (e) The backflow training program must maintain a proper ratio of student-to-training equipment. A maximum ratio of three students for each backflow assembly test station is allowed for the backflow assembly tester-training course; (f) The training program must provide uniform training at all course locations; (g) The training program must provide the training materials necessary to complete the course. Prior to making significant changes to the training materials, the updated training materials must be submitted to the Authority for approval. Training using unapproved materials does not qualify as Authority-approved training; and (h) The training program must provide a demonstration of its training materials to the Authority upon request. (i) The training program must have the following minimum training equipment available for each course: (A) Each test station for backflow assembly tester initial training and certification renewal courses must include: (i) An operating PVB, SVB, double check valve backflow prevention assembly, and a RP, with appropriate test gauges for each assembly; and (ii) A backflow prevention assembly failure simulator must also be provided that is capable of simulating leaking check valves, shutoff valves, and relief valve failures. (B) The training aids for the backflow assembly tester training program or facility and cross connection specialist training program or facility must include the atmospheric vacuum breaker, PVB, SVB, double check valve backflow prevention assembly, RP, and a variety of test gauges. (j) The training program must maintain uniform course curriculum according to sections (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this rule, and maintain uniform instructor requirements according to section (6) of this rule, subject to approval by the Authority. (2) Requirements for the cross connection specialist initial training course must include: (a) A minimum of 30 hours of training; (b) The course content must contain, but is not limited to, the following topics: (A) Backflow and cross connection definitions; (B) Identification of cross connection hazards; (C) The hydraulics of backflow; (D) Review of cross connection control regulations included in OAR 333-061-0070 through 333-061-0073; (E) Approved cross connection control methods; (F) Backflow prevention assembly specifications, and testing methods used for Authority-approved backflow prevention assemblies; (G) Cross connection control requirements for public water systems; (H) Implementation of a cross connection control program as prescribed by section (10) of this rule; (I) Writing a local cross connection control ordinance or enabling authority; (J) Public education program; (K) Record keeping requirements for an effective cross connection control program; (L) Required written procedures; (M) Facility water use inspection techniques; (N) Hands on inspection of local facilities to identify actual or potential cross connections; (O) Cross connection control program enforcement; (P) Managing a Backflow Assembly Tester program; and (Q) Review and discussion of cross connection specialist safety issues. (c) A minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass the Authority approved cross connection specialist written examination. (3) Requirements for the backflow assembly tester initial training course must include: (a) A minimum of 40 hours of training; (b) The course content must contain, but is not limited to, the following topics: (A) Backflow and cross connection definitions; (B) Identification of cross connections; (C) The hydraulics of backflow; (D) Review of cross connection control regulations included in OAR 333-061-0070 through 333-061-0073; (E) Hazards associated with backflow pollution and contamination of potable water; (F) Approved cross connection control methods; (G) Cross connection control program requirements for public water systems; (H) Backflow prevention assembly approval requirements; (I) Specifications and installation requirements for approved backflow prevention assemblies; (J) Backflow prevention assembly repair techniques; (K) Complete disassembly and reassembly of each type of backflow prevention assembly; (L) Test gauge calibration and gauge accuracy verification methods; (M) Review and discussion of backflow assembly tester safety issues; and (N) A physical performance examination with a hands-on demonstration of the correct test procedures for each type of backflow prevention assembly, troubleshooting for each type of backflow prevention assembly; and diagnosis of two failure or abnormal conditions. (c) A minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass the Authority-approved backflow assembly tester written examination; and (d) A minimum score of 90 percent is required to pass the Authority-approved backflow assembly tester physical performance examination. (4) Requirements for cross connection specialist certification renewal must include: (a) A minimum of 0.6 CEUs of training; (b) The course content must contain, but is not limited to, the following topics: (A) Review of cross connection control regulations OAR 333-061-0070 through 0073; (B) Review and discussion of recent backflow incidents and identification of cross connections; and (C) Review and discussion of cross connection specialist safety issues. (5) Requirements for backflow assembly tester certification renewal must include: (a) A minimum of 0.5 CEUs of training, excluding examination time. (b) The course content must contain, but is not limited to, the following topics: (A) Review of cross connection control regulations included in OAR 333-061-0070 through 0073; (B) Review of approved test procedures for backflow prevention assemblies; (C) Hands-on demonstration of the correct test procedures for each type of backflow prevention assembly; (D) The correct student diagnosis and explanation of two failure or abnormal conditions during the hands-on backflow prevention assembly test of each type of backflow prevention assembly; (E) Review and discussion of backflow assembly tester safety issues; (F) Written examination that includes questions on cross connection control regulations OAR 333-061-0070 through 0073; and (G) A physical performance examination that includes testing the different types of backflow assemblies. (c) A minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass the Authority approved backflow assembly tester written examination; and (d) A minimum score of 90 percent is required to pass the Authority approved backflow assembly tester physical performance examination. (6) To qualify as an Authority approved instructor, an application for approval must be submitted to and approved by the Authority prior to offering training. (a) The instructor must provide a demonstration of their training materials to the Authority upon request. (b) To be eligible as an instructor for cross connection specialist initial training or certification renewal course, individuals must meet the following requirements in the field of cross connection control: (A) Must be currently certified as a cross connection specialist in Oregon. (B) Must have two years of experience in enforcement of cross connection control requirements, or as a certified cross connection specialist, or have related experience, subject to approval by the Authority. (C) Must attend at least one instructor update meeting provided by the Authority each year. (c) To be eligible as an instructor for the backflow assembly tester initial training or certification renewal course, individuals must meet the following requirements in the field of backflow prevention: (A) Currently certified as a backflow assembly tester in Oregon; and (B) Two years of experience as a certified backflow assembly tester and experience installing, testing backflow prevention assemblies, or as a vocational instructor, or have related experience, subject to approval by the Authority. (d) Approved instructors must attend at least one instructor update meeting provided by the Authority each year. (e) The instructor must permit the Authority to audit any approved training course without charge.