The IAPMO Standards Council on Nov. 4 issued Tentative Interim Amendments affecting the 2009 and 2012 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®).
TIAs UPC-012-09 and UPC-002-12 replace code language related to lead content in piping systems used to convey potable water in order to bring the codes in line with a federal low-lead law that will take effect on Jan. 4, 2014.
The TIAs were balloted through the Plumbing Technical Committee in accordance with the Regulations Governing Committee Projects to determine if there existed the necessary three-fourths majority support on technical merit and emergency nature to establish the recommendation for issuance. The letter ballot passed on both accounts. Further, in accordance with the Regulations, these TIAs will also apply to the 2015 edition of the UPC.
The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act amends the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and sets new, lower standards for the amount of lead permissible in plumbing products coming into contact with potable water. The new law reduces the permissible levels of lead in the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures to a weighted average of not more than 0.25 percent. The new the law also retains the 0.20 percent lead limit for solders and flux first implemented in 1986 and stipulates a method for calculating the weighted average lead content.
To examine TIAs UPC-012-09 and UPC-002-12 in their entirety, please click here.
TIAs are proposals based on the determination of an emergency nature requiring prompt action to amend code that contains an error or omission that was overlooked during the regular code development process, contains a conflict within the document or with another IAPMO document, or to correct a hazard, promote an advancement in safeguarding the public or provide an opportunity to correct an adverse impact on a product or method of installation.
Sponsor of the Uniform Codes, IAPMO® – The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials – works in concert with government and industry for safe, sanitary plumbing and mechanical systems. Learn more about IAPMO at www.iapmo.org.
Last modified: November 15, 2013