Underwriters
Laboratories (UL) has announced it is now providing manufacturers of
plumbing-related products certification to Annex G of ANSI/NSF 61. Annex G is an optional evaluation method for
products to demonstrate less than 0.25 percent weighted average lead content.
Underwriters
Laboratories (UL) has announced it is now providing manufacturers of
plumbing-related products certification to Annex G of ANSI/NSF 61.
Annex G
is an optional evaluation method for products to demonstrate less than 0.25
percent weighted average lead content. For manufacturers to comply with this
standard, products exceeding 0.25 percent weighted average lead content will
have to be re-engineered, or new products will need to be developed to replace
them.
"UL
is aware that test protocols recognized by the California Department of Toxic
Substances Control (DTSC) and required in Assembly Bill 1334 are absent from
Annex G," said Jeff Smith, general manager, UL Global Water Business.
"Confusion around the regulation is apparent so we have developed a course
of action to help manufacturers quickly and smoothly navigate the compliance
process."
In
addition to offering the certification to Annex G, UL is creating a separate
certification program for low-lead compliance that will include testing of
metal alloys to demonstrate compliance to AB 1953. This program will help
manufacturers with products that are required to demonstrate compliance with
the California law, but are not covered by or specifically included in ANSI/NSF
61. This program will also give manufacturers the option of demonstrating
compliance with the law using a means other than Annex G.
An
additional benefit of this standalone program is that UL can include testing
protocols as soon as they are recognized by the DTSC, rather than waiting for
adoption of the protocols into Annex G.
"UL
is currently participating in round-robin testing with other manufacturers and
certifying bodies in order to establish a clear, reproducible, and
scientifically sound approach to demonstrating compliance with AB1953, but
there is no guarantee that the California DTSC will recognize the
methods," said Smith. "In the event that testing protocols and methods
are added to Annex G of Standard 61, UL will be fully prepared to immediately
offer this service."
For more information, visitwww.UL.com.