Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 19, September 20, 2024
A. In accordance
with Business Occupations and Professions Article, §12-306(c),
Annotated Code of Maryland, a cross connection/backflow prevention
certification program may be eligible for approval by the Board if:
(1) The certified provider submits to the
Board an application on the form that the Board provides, identifying the
course provider and the provider's credentials to offer cross
connection/backflow prevention certification training;
(2) Each program instructor is a certified
instructor in accordance with Regulation .01B(1) of this chapter;
(3) The course materials include a cross
connection/backflow prevention training manual prepared by an organization
identified in Regulation .01B(1) of this chapter;
(4) In the opinion of the Board, the course
curriculum provides, at a minimum, adequate training in:
(a) Introduction to backflow
prevention;
(b) Hazards of cross
connection/backflow;
(c) Laws of
backflow prevention;
(d)
Responsibilities of certified technician;
(e) The methods, mechanisms, and installation
techniques used for the prevention of backflow;
(f) Field testing;
(g) Field reports;
(h) Troubleshooting;
(i) Repair of a backflow occurrence;
and
(j) Recertification;
(5) The program is conducted at a
facility that provides adequate space and a suitable training environment in
the opinion of the Board that is:
(a)
Accessible for inspection by an authorized representative or agent of the Board
during normal business and class hours without prior notice; and
(b) Equipped with adequate apparatus
necessary for adequate training in the opinion of the Board including:
(i) A test kit;
(ii) One of each mechanical cross connection
control device and assembly necessary for compliance with ASSE 1011, 1012,
1013, 1015, 1019, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1035, and 1056; and
(iii) Mechanical cross connection control
assembly set up for field testing;
(6) The certified provider issues to an
individual who successfully completes the program a:
(a) Certificate that includes:
(i) The name of the certified
provider;
(ii) The name of the
certified technician to whom it is issued;
(iii) A statement that the course constitutes
a 32-hour cross connection/backflow prevention certification program approved
by the Maryland State Board of Plumbing;
(iv) The date of completion of the
certification program;
(v) The name
and signature of the course instructor; and
(vi) The certification technician number;
and
(b) Pocket
identification card that includes:
(i) The
name of the certified technician to whom it is issued;
(ii) The title "Certified Backflow Prevention
Technician";
(iii) The dates for
which the certification is valid; and
(7) The certified provider notifies the Board
within 10 days of any change of a certified course instructor.
B. In order for a cross
connection/backflow prevention certification program to be and remain eligible
for approval by the Board in accordance with Business Occupations and
Professions Article, §12-306(c),
Annotated Code of Maryland, the program must be able to demonstrate adequate
recertification credentials including the:
(1) Offer of recertification training for
technicians every 5 years; and
(2)
Requirement that course instructors maintain instructor certification by
meeting the requirements of, but not limited to, the University of Florida
Treeo Center (TREEO), American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)
Instruction Accreditation Certification, and University of Southern California
Foundation for Cross Connection Control, which shall include completion of
recertification training at a minimum of once every 5 years.
C. In addition to the requirements
of §B of this regulation, in order for a cross connection/backflow
prevention certification program to remain eligible for approval by the Board
in accordance with Business Occupations and Professions Article, §12-306(c),
Annotated Code of Maryland, every 3 years, the program provider shall provide
the Board with updated information about the program which shall include:
(1) A current list of certified instructors;
and
(2) Notification from the
certified provider of changes to the course curriculum or the location of the
training facility.
D.
The Board may rescind its approval of a cross connection/backflow prevention
certification program at any time if, in the opinion of the Board:
(1) The certified provider demonstrates
misconduct or incompetence in the performance of supervisory duties over the
program;
(2) A certified course
instructor demonstrates misconduct or incompetence in the provision of
applicable training; or
(3) The
certified provider fails to meet any of the requirements of §§A-C of
this regulation.
E. In
accordance with Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§12-306(c)(3)
and
12-503,
Annotated Code of Maryland, an individual appointed, designated, or employed by
a county or local government as an inspector of mechanical cross
connection/backflow prevention devices shall have completed a cross
connection/backflow prevention certification program approved by the
Board.
F. Completion of an approved
cross connection/backflow prevention certification program does not authorize
an individual to:
(1) Install, test, or
certify a mechanical cross connection/backflow prevention device unless the
individual is licensed by the Board as a master or journey plumber in
accordance with Business Occupations and Professions Article, §12-101(g)
or (l), Annotated Code of Maryland; or
(2) Assist in installing, testing, or
certifying a mechanical cross connection/backflow prevention device unless the
individual is licensed by the Board as an apprentice plumber in accordance with
Business Occupations and Professions Article, §12-101(c),
Annotated Code of Maryland.
