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BUILDCERT’S CHEMICAL INHIBITOR APPROVAL SCHEME (CIAS) PROCEDURE

 

1.      Thank you for your recent enquiry, the information below explains the Scheme’s procedures and requirements.  Find attached an application form CIAS 2; this form must be completed and returned to the Scheme Administrator to progress the CIAS approval.

 

2.      The BuildCert Chemical Inhibitor Approval Scheme (CIAS) assesses the ability for chemical inhibitors for use in domestic hot water central heating systems to restrict the formation of limescale, reduce metallic corrosion and ensure compatibility with non-metallic components typically found within central heating systems.

 

By ensuring that: -

  • Every 5 years the chemical inhibitor meets the requirements of the ‘DWTA Industry Standard for the performance of Chemical Inhibitors for use in Domestic Hot Water Central Heating Systems’

  • That the manufacturer/factor has a recognised quality system in place

  • That the chemical inhibitor continues to meet the essential requirements of the industry standard (audit testing twice in 5 years) 

3.       GENERAL INFORMATION

 

3.1     The applicant can be either a manufacturer or a factor. Whichever party pays the test fee of a successful application shall own the licence.

 

3.2     Where the same product is sold by a number of factoring agents, each individual agent shall possess a licence with their own unique product reference.

 

3.3     The manufacturer and or factor must have a recognised quality system such as ISO 9001.  Where this is not available BuildCert shall conduct its own quality audit.  

 

3.4     Instructions for use must be supplied with the inhibitor and shall include specific information relating to filling central heating systems and recommended inhibitor concentration levels.

 

3.5     The inhibitor’s container must identify the license holder’s name and product name.

 

3.6     The Scheme must be supplied with a full chemical analysis of the corrosion inhibitor and include details of the inhibitor’s pH, odour, colour, form and specific gravity.

 

3.7    The Technical Assessment Panel (TAP) comprises independent experts who, if necessary, confirm the test and audit requirements and review the test and audit reports and any additional requirements of the Scheme in accordance with BuildCert policies.

 

3.8     The laboratory undertaking the testing must be registered by BuildCert.

 

4.       SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

 

4.1     An applicant wishing to submit a chemical inhibitor for testing must complete Form CIAS 2 and return the form to the Scheme Administrator at BuildCert Ltd, Fern Close, Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate, Oakdale, Gwent, NP11 3EH. Alternatively e.mail: paul.taylor@wrcnsf.com

 

4.2     A copy of the applicant’s ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Certification, with accompanying scope of accreditation, be supplied. Where this is not available, BuildCert shall conduct its own quality audit.

 

4.3     Only inhibitors in full commercial production will be considered for certification by the Scheme.  However, prototype inhibitors can be tested and presented to the TAP for their consideration but will not receive full approval.  Test samples must be taken from a production batch.

 

4.4     All information submitted will be held in strictest confidence.

 

5.      TEST REQUIREMENTS

 

5.1     Chemical inhibitors will be tested against the requirements of the ‘DWTA Industry Standard for the Performance of Chemical Inhibitors for use in Domestic Hot Water Central Heating Systems’.

 

5.2     Three test samples (minimum 200ml per sample) shall be independently selected at random from a normal production batch (minimum 30).  A representative of the test laboratory, a TAP committee member, or an independent third party shall select the products for test. Test samples selected shall be kept under the possession and control of the person making the selection and packaged and sealed in their presence and forwarded to BuildCert.  A letter documenting the person(s) making the selection and verifying the chain of custody of the samples must be forwarded to BuildCert for inclusion within the test file.  BuildCert will forward one sample to the nominated test house for testing.

 

5.3     BuildCert will retain one sample for comparison with future production batches as required. Care should be taken when transporting potentially hazardous chemicals.

 

5.4     Applicants should note that test samples will become and remain the property of the Scheme and will not be returned.

 

5.5     Tests should only be carried out at laboratories, which have either been inspected & approved by BuildCert, or UKAS accredited to ISO 17025 incorporating the DWTA Performance Standard.  A list of registered BuildCert laboratories is available from the CIAS section of the BuildCert website www.buildcert.com

 

5.6     Inhibitors shall be tested against Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Standard.

 

5.5     Negotiations with the designated test laboratory and the payment of the laboratory’s testing fee is the responsibility of the applicant, who shall arrange for the Scheme to be provided with a copy of the test report.  If the report is adverse, the Scheme reserves the right to investigate further.

 

5.6     Applicants agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme and associated audit procedures when submitting an Application Form CIAS 2.  Details of the audit requirements are available from the CIAS section of the BuildCert website www.buildcert.com

 

5.7     Any applicant who submits an inhibitor to the Scheme and is found to be already claiming BuildCert approval will, as a minimum, be required to permanently change the products identity before certification is granted.

 

6.       PROCEDURES OF THE SCHEME

 

6.1    Each type of inhibitor must be accompanied by a separate application form, Form CIAS 2.

 

6.2    When a completed application form (CIAS 2) has been received the Scheme will allocate a BuildCert sample number.

 

6.3     If necessary, the TAP will review the information supplied and agree on the testing schedule and verify the applicant’s quality system.  This information will be forwarded to the client and the designated test house along with an invoice to cover the cost of administration.

 

6.4    Arrangements and costs associated with the delivery and testing of products are the responsibility of the applicant.

 

6.5    After the tests have been completed, the test laboratory will forward a copy of the report with the results to the Scheme Administrator.  The Administrator may then grant approval via the BuildCert Scheme’s Manager or forward the test results and files to the TAP, who will then make the decision as to whether the product complies with the requirements of the Industry Standard and the requirements of the Scheme. The decision by the TAP will be notified to the BuildCert Scheme Manager and the applicant in a formal letter. The Scheme’s invoice for approval will be enclosed; an additional invoice for professional fees will be attached for additional work above that normally expected for an application, or as and when necessary.

 

6.6     If the product satisfies the Scheme’s requirements, a licence for BuildCert CIAS will be granted and a description of the inhibitor will be entered on the BuildCert website. Each approved inhibitor will be allocated a unique approval number indicating the year and month of approval.

 

6.7     Approval will relate solely to the inhibitor(s) referred to in the formal approval letter.  Statements by applicants in sales literature must refer only to the specifically approved product(s) as designated by the manufacturer’s unique identifier.

 

6.8     Primary approved inhibitors require re-testing (audit) once within 5 years to maintain approval.

 

6.9     The Scheme reserves the right to close applications that have not progressed since the initial application by more than 12 months.  The administration fee will still be applicable.

 

6.10   Approval may be withdrawn for any of the following reasons: -

 

  • Expiration of licence

  • Failure of audit tests (primary approval only)

  • Failure to maintain an ISO 9001 Quality Assurance certification or an approved quality system accreditation as agreed by BuildCert

  • Notification to the BuildCert Scheme of the product no longer conforming to the standard or approved formulation

  • License holder’s request

 

7.       MODIFICATION TO APPROVED INHIBITOR

 

7.1    A modification to a previously listed inhibitor must be made using form CIAS 2.  Technical data and supporting test data, where appropriate, should be submitted with the application form.

 

7.2    Test requirements for modified inhibitors will be identified by the TAP and the appropriate test laboratory shall be notified.

 

8.       FEES

 

8.1      The following fees apply: -

  • An administration fee invoiced upon receipt of an application

  • A certification fee invoiced upon final approval

  • An annual BuildCert CIAS membership fee

  • An annual listing fee per product

  • Charges for amendments to approvals and / or certification issues are also chargeable at the Scheme’s agreed professional rate

 

9.       APPEALS

 

9.1    Appeals regarding BuildCert decisions, in the first instance, should be addressed to the TAP via the Scheme Administrator.

 

9.2     In the event of irreconcilable differences between the applicant and the TAP, the appeal will be forwarded to the Chairman of the Industry Forum and the Chairman of the BuildCert Advisory Committee for review.

 

Yours faithfully

 

Mr Paul Taylor

BuildCert Scheme Manager