Back Flow Device / Preventer Requirement for Sinks and Hoses

Our Maintenance Manager states that the sinks he purchased (awhile back) were equipped with backflow devices.  He can't prove it.  I've heard of some customers requiring the sink and hose drop back flow devices be replaced at least annually.  

We have a main backflow installed and it is checked annually by a 3rd party.

 

 

If my plant does not have a back flow device on sinks and hose drops in production areas, would this be an NC for BRC?  Or is it a best practice to have them on sinks and hoses and replace them annually (with documented proof of course)?

 

Thank you!

 

Look under water supply in BRC - yes you need back flows.

 

You should be able to contact the sink manufacturer to determine if their is an internal backflow on the sinks - the thing is the maintenance department should have backflows on their PM program. Curious.

"6. How often does my backflow preventer need to be tested? Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly needs to be tested annually and rebuilt every 5 years. Double Check Valve (DCV) assembly needs to be tested every 3 years."

 

https://www.rpu.org/...ebsite 2014.pdf

 

Replacing yearly seems like overkill to me!

 

I cannot speak to the NC issue with BRC  

Not really familiar with BRC. However I've had the FDA inspect that before. They check your hoses in the production area.

Thanks everyone.

 

Glenn - I will check with the manufacture...but do we need a documented inspection of the sink and hose backflow...or replacement of them at some frequency? 

Where I have worked we do a monthly check that the backflow devices are in place and not obviously broken. Some local authorities require annual tests, but otherwise Maintenance usually inspects them at least annually and replaces them as needed.
If you are in the US, it is a requirement to have them in place and to inspect them.