Section 17921.9 Of Chapter 2. Rules And Regulations From California Health And Safety Code >> Division 13. >> Part 1.5. >> Chapter 2.
17921.9
. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
(1) The deterioration of copper piping has become a serious
problem in various communities in the state.
(2) Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic piping has been
successfully used for many years in other states and in nations
around the globe, and has also been widely used, in accordance with
federal regulations, in mobilehome construction.
(3) The Department of Community Development of the City of Colton,
acting pursuant to a good-faith belief that it was in compliance
with state regulations, approved the use of CPVC piping as an
alternative to copper piping in early 1993 when the department was
confronted with widespread deterioration of copper piping systems in
a tract in the western part of that city.
(4) The retrofitting of homes in Colton with CPVC piping has been
successful.
(b) It is, therefore, the intent of the Legislature in enacting
this section to allow the use of CPVC piping in building construction
in California as an alternate material under specified conditions.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of
the California Plumbing Code that do not authorize the use of CPVC
piping within California shall not apply to any local government that
permitted the use of CPVC piping for potable water systems within
its jurisdiction prior to January 1, 1996. Any local government that
permitted the use of CPVC piping for potable water systems within its
jurisdiction prior to January 1, 1996, shall require both of the
following:
(1) That the CPVC piping to be used is listed as an approved
material in, and is installed in accordance with, the 1994 edition of
the Uniform Plumbing Code.
(2) That all installations of CPVC strictly comply with the
interim flushing procedures and worker safety measures set forth in
subdivisions (d) and (e).
(d) The following safe work practices shall be adhered to when
installing both CPVC and copper plumbing pipe in California after the
effective date of the act that adds this section:
(1) (A) Employers shall provide education and training to inform
plumbers of risks, provide equipment and techniques to help reduce
exposures from plumbing pipe installation, foster safe work habits,
and post signs to warn against the drinking of preoccupancy water.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph, "training" shall include
training in ladder safety, safe use of chain saws and wood-boring
tools, hazards associated with other construction trades, hazards
from molten solder and flux, and the potential hazards and safe use
of soldering tools and materials.
(2) Cleaners shall be renamed as primers, include strong warnings
on the hazards of using primers as cleaners, and include dyes to
discourage use as cleaners.
(3) Applicators and daubers shall be limited to small sizes.
(4) Enclosed spaces shall be ventilated with portable fans when
installing CPVC pipe.
(5) Protective impermeable gloves shall be utilized when
installing CPVC pipe.
(6) Employers shall provide onsite portable eyewash stations for
all employees to allow for immediate flushing of eyes in the event of
splashing of hot flux.
(7) Employers using acetylene torches shall ensure that the
acetylene tanks are regularly maintained and inspected in accordance
with applicable regulatory requirements. Fire extinguishers shall be
kept in close proximity to the workplace.
(e) All of the following flushing procedures shall be adhered to
when installing CPVC pipe in California after the effective date of
the act that adds this section:
(1) When plumbing is completed and ready for pressure testing,
each cold water and hot water tap shall be flushed starting with the
fixture (basin, sink, tub, or shower) closest to the water meter and
continuing with each successive fixture, moving toward the end of the
system. Flushing shall be continued for at least one minute or
longer until water appears clear at each fixture. This step may be
omitted if a jurisdiction requires the building inspector to test
each water system.
(2) The system shall be kept filled with water for at least one
week and then flushed in accordance with the procedures set forth in
paragraph (1). The system shall be kept filled with water and not
drained.
(3) Before the premises are occupied, the hot water heater shall
be turned on and the system shall be flushed once more. Commencing
with the fixture closest to the hot water heater, the hot water tap
shall be permitted to run until hot water is obtained. The time
required to get hot water in a specific tap shall be determined and
then the cold water tap at the same location shall be turned on for
the same period of time. This procedure shall be repeated for each
fixture in succession toward the end of the system.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the
applicability of any existing law imposing liability on a
manufacturer, distributor, retailer, installer, or any other person
or entity under the laws of this state for liability.
(g) This section shall not be operative after January 1, 1998.