IN FOCUS
Testing the water with WRASapproved adhesives Bob Orme Senior Technology Expert
There are strict rules and regulations surrounding the use of adhesives such as threadlockers and sealants for products that are likely to convey or regulate public drinking water. Failure to check that an adhesive complies with the necessary standards can lead to disastrous consequences. Health, costs, and brand reputation are on the line. So, our advice to you is, check carefully before making your purchase.
The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is a conformance mark which demonstrates that an item complies with the high standards outlined by UK water regulations. In short, no material or substance which causes, or is likely to cause, the contamination of water shall be used in the construction, installation, renewal, repair or replacement of any water fitting that conveys or received water supplied for domestic purposes. To make that clear, that includes drinking, bathing, washing or cooking. Issue 42
High standards outlined by UK water regulations Only materials which have satisfied the requirements of BS 692:2000 Parts 1 and 2 shall receive WRAS Material Approval, with
anything from pipes, fittings, valves, pumps, taps, showers, washing machines and dishwasher, to coffee machines, boilers and toilets, must comply.
The challenge Non-metallic materials such as threadlocking adhesives and sealants are today commonplace in a variety of different products and assemblies for domestic water supplies. However, some non-metallic materials can affect the odour, flavour or
