RPZ testers are being urged to sign up for free training on the new Approved Installation Method (AIM) or risk losing their approved installer status.

On behalf of the water industry, the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is providing free training to help currently approved RPZ testers become familiar with the changes, to ensure they can continue to be recognised by water companies after 7 January 2021.

Yet new figures from WRAS show that more than half (55%) of commercial testers are yet to take up the training. Failure to do this before the deadline means testers will not be recognised beyond 7 January and will have to sit a full training course based on Issue 2.

WRAS confirmed changes to the AIM for Type BA devices (RPZ valves), Issue 2 of AIM 08-01 in January of this year following a comprehensive review by the water industry, which concluded in the new AIM being published.

The publication marked the start of a 12-month transition period during which commissioners and testers will be able to access training before Issue 1 is withdrawn on 7 January 2021.

The new AIM will mean some changes for RPZ installers, testers, property owners, and facility managers, so all are encouraged to read the new AIM and contact their water companies with any queries.

Paul Millard, Technical Manager at WRAS, said: “While the past few months have been a particularly turbulent time for many in the industry, it is still very important to keep knowledge and training up to date. With just six months of the transition period to go, we’d urge all registered RPZ testers and commissioners who have not yet signed up to the training, to do it as soon as possible.”

“We have written to all registered RPZ testers with an invitation to carry out the training, but we’d encourage anyone who believes they haven’t heard from us to make sure they get in touch as soon as possible and update their details.”