New Approved Contractors initiative simplifies plumbing installation procedures
Typically it can take up to ten days for engineers to get approval from Water Suppliers to carry out modifications to plumbing when installing or moving equipment. In a bid to speed this up the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) has set up a new joint initiative with WRAS, representatives from several of the Water Suppliers and the Catering Equipment Distributors Association (CEDA) so that installers of catering equipment that requires plumbing can become Approved Contractors.
The official scheme, known as the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme Catering Sector (WIAPS), was developed to meet the specific needs and requirements of the Catering Industry. It defines the knowledge of the Water Regulations needed for equipment suppliers to carry out installations that comply with the Water Regulations.
Approved Contractors will be recognised under the Water Fittings Regulations and authorised to carry out specified installation work involving an extension or alteration to plumbing without having to get the Water Supplier’s consent in advance. This means that installers of equipment such as combi steamers, glass and dish washers, ice makers and sterilisers will now be able to plan the installation to suit the customer not the water supplier.
“We are pleased to be in at the beginning of this new accreditation scheme,” says Keith Warren of CESA. “It will simplify and speed up installations involving plumbing in commercial kitchens.”
CESA will be holding special courses for its members to obtain the new Approved Contractor status. The next one will be on December 1st, 2010, at a venue to suit the location of candidates.
To find out more visit www.wras.co.uk/WIAPS/Catering_requirements.htm, and to book places email Debbie Reeves at debbie.reeves@cesa.org.uk or call 0207 793 3030.
The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) represents over 140 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment – from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on CESA visit www.cesa.org.uk