Document formerly known as:-
ATS 5200.999 – 2005 Technical Specification for Plumbing and Drainage Products
Part 999: Developing Technical Specifications
Publication History:-
Originally published as ATS 5200.000—2004.
Revised and redesignated as ATS 5200.999—2005.
Revised and redesignated as
Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications—2013.
2013

Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
Responsibility for the WaterMark Certification Scheme transferred to the Australian Building
Codes Board (ABCB) on 25 February 2013. The ABCB office is in the process of transferring and rebranding the scheme documents including the Technical Specifications. During the initial stages of the transfer the original scheme documents will be referenced until such time that reference documents are rebranded. This document supersedes Australian Technical
Specification ATS 5200.999-2005 Technical specification for plumbing and drainage products,
Part 999: Developing technical specifications.
The rebranding of this document has included additional information about the transition as well as changes to specific details including replacing references to Standards Australia and the
National Plumbing Regulators Forum (NPRF) with the ABCB, changing the term Australian
Technical Specification (ATS) to WaterMark Technical Specification (WMTS), replacing references to technical committees WS-014 and WS-031 with the WaterMark Technical
Advisory Committee (WMTAC).
While the ABCB, the participating Governments and other groups or individuals who have endorsed or been involved in the development of the WMTS, have made every effort to ensure the information contained in this WMTS is accurate and up to date, such information does in no way constitute the provision of professional advice.
The ABCB gives no warranty or guarantee and accepts no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained in this document.
Users should seek appropriate independent professional advice prior to relying on, or entering into any commitment based on material in this document in relation to plumbing or related activities. Its interpretation in no way overrides the approvals processes in any jurisdiction.
The ABCB welcomes suggestions for improvement in the WMTS, and encourage readers to notify us immediately of any apparent inaccuracies or ambiguities. Contact the ABCB via phone on 1300 134 631, email at watermark@abcb.gov.au or write to the WaterMark Administering
Body, ABCB, GPO Box 9839, Canberra ACT 2601.
© Australian Government and States and Territories of Australia 2013
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments of Australia. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the:
General Manager – Australian Building Codes Board
GPO Box 9839
Canberra ACT 2601
Phone 1300 134 631 – Fax 02 6213 7287
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
Australian Technical Specification ATS 5200.999-2005, Technical specification for plumbing and drainage products, Part 999: Developing technical specifications was prepared by the Joint
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee WS-031, Technical Procedures for
Plumbing and Drainage Products Certification. It was approved on behalf of the Council of
Standards Australia on 21 February 2005 and supersedes ATS 5200.000—2004.
The objective of this Technical Specification is to provide writers of technical specifications for plumbing and drainage products with guidance and specific requirements for writing a
WaterMark Technical Specification. The electronic template for WaterMark Technical
Specification can be found on the ABCB website ( www.abcb.gov.au
).
The word ‘VOID’ set against a clause indicates that the clause is not used in this Technical
Specification. The inclusion of this word allows a common use clause numbering system for the
WaterMark Technical Specifications.
The term ‘normative’ has been used in this Technical Specification to define the application of the appendices to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part of a Technical
Specification.
The new WaterMark scheme facilitates the certification and authorisation of plumbing and drainage products in accordance with Part G1, of the Plumbing Code of Australia. The
WaterMark Schedule of Specifications and List of Exempt Products are dynamic lists and change on a regular basis. Based on this function, these lists have been removed from the
WaterMark Certification Scheme document known as Technical Specification for Plumbing and
Drainage Products and are now located on the ABCB website (www.abcb.gov.au). These lists will be version controlled with appropriate historic references.
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
Australian Technical Specification ATS 5200.999-2005 was prepared by Standards Australia
Committee WS-031, Technical Procedures for Plumbing and Drainage Products Authorisation.
It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 30 May 2006.
The following organisations were represented on Committee WS-031 in the preparation of
Australian Technical Specification ATS 5200.999-2005:
 AUSTAP
 Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association
 Australian Industry Group
 Certification Interests (Australia)
 Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association
 Copper Development Centre—Australia
 Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association of Australia
 Independent Chairman
 Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers New Zealand
 National Fire Industry Association
 New Zealand Water & Waste Association
 Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia
 Plumbing Industry Commission
 South Australian Water Corporation
 Water Services Association of Australia
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................... 1
2 Requirements for the WMTS series technical specifications ....................................... 1
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
General ................................................................................................................ 1
Scope .................................................................................................................. 2
Application ........................................................................................................... 2
Referenced documents ........................................................................................ 2
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
Definitions ............................................................................................................ 3
Materials .............................................................................................................. 3
Marking ................................................................................................................ 3
Packaging ............................................................................................................ 4
2.9
Design ................................................................................................................. 4
2.10
Performance requirements and test methods ...................................................... 4
2.11
Test sequence and test sample plan.................................................................... 5
2.12
Product documentation ........................................................................................ 5
2.13
Means for demonstrating compliance with this Technical Specification ............... 6
2.14
Product performance test methods ...................................................................... 7
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
This document provides requirements and guidance for writing a WaterMark Technical
Specification for WaterMark certification of plumbing and drainage products. It outlines the typical requirements for plumbing and drainage products according to the WaterMark Technical
Specification series WMTS XXX.
All WaterMark Technical Specifications must be prepared using the ABCB electronic template, which can be found on the ABCB website ( www.abcb.gov.au
).
3
4
5
6
2.1 General
The WaterMark Technical Specification shall include the following clauses and appendices in the order shown:
1
2
Scope
Application
Referenced documents
Definitions
Materials
Marking
7
8
Packaging
Design
9 Performance requirements and test methods
10 Test sequence and test sample plan
11 Product documentation
Means for demonstrating compliance with this WaterMark Technical Specification (Appendix A)
Methods of testing (Appendix B)
Where there is no requirement to use one of the above clauses in this WaterMark Technical
Specification, the heading shall be replaced with the word ‘VOID’.
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
The list of requirements in this WaterMark Technical Specification is not inclusive and should be used as guidance only.
Where applicable, reference should always be made to the relevant Australian Standard,
WaterMark Technical Specification or an approved (endorsed) international Standard.
2.2 Scope
The ‘Scope’ clause shall include, as a minimum, the following: a) Product description.
(Include reference to any Standard used as the basis of this WaterMark Technical Specification and include a statement that this WaterMark Technical Specification should be read in conjunction with the referenced Standard) (See Example 1). b) Size range. c) Operating conditions (limitations, pressure and temperature). d) Level of certification required (see Example 2).
EXAMPLE 1
‘This specification shall be read in conjunction with AS/NZS 3718.’
EXAMPLE 2
‘These products require certification to WaterMark Level 1 / 2’ (delete the one that is not applicable).
2.3 Application
The ‘Application’ clause shall include intended use and location.
The following statement shall also be included under the ‘Application’ Clause.
‘Appendix A sets out the means by which compliance with this WaterMark Technical
Specification shall be demonstrated by a manufacturer for the purpose of product certification’
2.4 Referenced documents
The ‘Referenced Documents’ clause shall include a list of all documents referenced in this
WaterMark Technical Specification.
The referenced documents shall be publicly available. Upon request, referenced documents, in
English, shall be made available to the ABCB.
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
2.5 Definitions
The ‘Definitions’ clause shall include the following statement:
‘For the purpose of this WaterMark Technical Specification, the definitions given in AS/NZS
3500.0 and those below apply.’
Any additional definitions shall be listed after the preceding statement.
NOTE: See other similar Standards for examples of definitions.
2.6 Materials
The ‘Materials’ clause shall specify the requirements for materials used in the product and address any specific requirements relevant to the installation, operation and maintenance of the product. Requirements to be included are typically the following: a) Compliance with recognized material Standards, including the specification of the particular grade, type, condition, form, etc. b) Specification of corrosion-resistant materials, e.g., copper alloy to AS 2345. c) Specification of means to achieve corrosion resistance, e.g., coatings to AS/NZS 4158. d) Specification of means to achieve UV resistance for products appropriate for typical storage and installation conditions. e) Compatibility with other materials and products, e.g., some plastics with copper alloy. f) Strength, short- and long-term, at relevant operating temperatures.
2.7 Marking
The ‘Marking’ clause shall specify the appropriate markings required for traceability, identification of a licensed product by installers and other markings relevant to the correct installation and operation of the product. Markings, to be placed on products or packaging shall, as a minimum, include the following: a) Manufacturer’s name, brand or trademark. b) WaterMark. c) Licence number. d) Batch identification (as required by relevant Standard). e) Number of the WaterMark Technical Specification, i.e., WMTS XXX.
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications f) Other markings relevant to the correct installation and safe operation of the product, e.g., witness marks, use-by dates, direction of flow, and direction of opening/closing.
2.8 Packaging
The ‘Packaging’ clause shall specify any specific packaging requirements to enable the product to be handled, transported and stored satisfactorily prior to installation.
EXAMPLE
‘Some plastic fittings for fusion welding should be individually packaged in sealed bags to prevent any contamination.’
2.9 Design
The ‘Design’ clause shall specify the requirements for products, relevant to their suitability for use in a plumbing and/or drainage system, including installation, operation and maintenance of the product.
Examples of design requirements are as follows: a) Structural integrity, e.g., wall thickness. b) Connectivity, e.g., standardized end connections that enable integration within a plumbing and/or drainage system. c) Odour control, e.g., water seal and trap design. d) Backflow prevention, e.g., air gap. e) Water conservation, e.g., leakage. f) Environmental impact, e.g., sewage overflows. g) Hydraulic design, e.g., flow capacity. h) Software, e.g., reliability. i) Identification, e.g., coloured striping.
2.10 Performance requirements and test methods
The ‘Performance requirements and test methods’ clause shall include the list of tests and the performance criteria that the products need to comply with, including reference to any test methods.
Product-specific methods of test should also be individually detailed in their own Appendix.
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
NOTE: It may assist the product certification process if test reports and independent product performance appraisals are provided with proposed product WaterMark Technical Specifications.
The following are examples of performance tests that should be considered for inclusion as appropriate to the product in its intended application. a) Suitability for use in contact with drinking water (see Example and Note); b) Suitability for use in the intended environment, e.g., chemical resistance. c) Strength, e.g., short- and long-term, structural, fatigue, torque, bending. d) Watertightness, e.g., body, joints. e) Strength of operating parts, e.g., spindle, handle. f) Functional tests, i.e., objective tests to demonstrate fitness for intended purpose g) Durability, e.g., endurance testing.
EXAMPLE
‘Products used in contact with drinking water shall comply with AS/NZS 4020.’
NOTE: The limitations and application of the scaling factors have to be determined based on how and where the product is used, e.g., inline or end-of-line.
2.11 Test sequence and test sample plan
The ‘Test sequence and test sample plan’ clause shall, where applicable, include the sequence in which performance tests are to be conducted and the sampling plan, specifying how the samples are to be selected.
2.12 Product documentation
The ‘Product documentation’ clause shall specify any product documentation needed to address any occupational, health and safety issues and to enable correct installation, operation and maintenance of the product. Documents to be included are typically the following: a) Design manuals. b) Installation procedures, reflecting the requirements of AS/NZS 3500 series of Standards, including any limitations on the product’s use. c) Handling and storage—material safety data sheets (WorkSafe Australia). d) Operating instructions. e) Maintenance instructions.
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications f) Product data.
All documentation shall be written in clear, concise, plain English supported by relevant figures and diagrams. Documentation may be provided in either hard copy or electronic form, e.g., installation DVDs.
2.13 Means for demonstrating compliance with this Technical Specification
An ‘Appendix A’ as set out in this Document shall be included (see Appendix A).
This Appendix sets out the means by which compliance with the WaterMark Technical
Specification can be demonstrated by a manufacturer for the purpose of product certification.
Where applicable, Appendix A should be modified as follows: a) Paragraph A4.1 delete ‘nominal diameter and wall thickness’ and replace with ‘size’ as appropriate. b) Where there is no test sequence or sample plan delete ‘The test sequence and sampling plan shall comply with Clause 10.’ from Paragraph A5.1. c) For products that are deemed to require certification to WaterMark level 2, delete
Paragraphs A4.2, A4.6, A5.2 and A5.3 and Table A2.
Tables A1 and A2 (where applicable) shall be completed, taking into account the relevant requirements for the product, prior to the submission of the WaterMark Technical Specification to the ABCB office as follows: a) Table A1 shall specify tests by one of the following options:
1 Where the WaterMark Technical Specification is a modification of an existing
Australian Standard, then the Table A1 in the relevant Standard, as modified by the clauses in the WaterMark Technical Specification, shall apply.
2 Where the WaterMark Technical Specification is developed for new products not based on an existing Standard, then Table A1 shall include type tests to evaluate the product against each Clause of the WaterMark Technical Specification. b) Table A2 shall specify tests by one of the following options:
1 Where the WaterMark Technical Specification modifies an existing Australian
Standard, then Table A2 in the relevant Standard, as modified by the Clauses in the
WaterMark Technical Specification, shall apply.
2 Where the WaterMark Technical Specification is developed for new products not based on existing Standards, then Table A2 shall include batch release tests to evaluate
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications the consistency of production at one per batch and 100% compliance with critical performance requirements as appropriate.
2.14 Product performance test methods
Product testing should utilize tests in published recognized Standards. Where product specific tests are developed, each individual test method or test apparatus specification shall be detailed in a separate appendix starting with Appendix B designation.
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
(Normative)
A.1 SCOPE
This Appendix sets out the means by which compliance with this WaterMark Technical
Specification shall demonstrated by a manufacturer under the WaterMark product certification scheme.
A.2 RELEVANCE
The long-term performance of plumbing systems is critical to the durability of building infrastructure, protection of public health and safety, and protection of the environment.
A.3 PRODUCT CERTIFICATION
The purpose of product certification is to provide independent assurance of the claim by the manufacturer that products comply with this WaterMark Technical Specification.
The certification scheme serves to indicate that the products consistently conform to the requirements of this WaterMark Technical Specification.
The sampling and testing plan, as detailed in Paragraph A5 and Table A1, shall be used by the
WaterMark Conformity Assessment Body. Where a batch release testing program is required, it shall be carried out by the manufacturer as detailed in Paragraph A5 and Table A2.
A.4 DEFINITIONS
A.4.1 Batch release test
A test performed by the manufacturer on a batch of components, which has to be satisfactorily completed before the batch can be released.
A.4.2 Production batch
Clearly identifiable collection of units, manufactured consecutively or continuously under the same conditions, using material or compound to the same specification.
A.4.3 Sample
One or more units of product drawn from a batch, selected at random without regard to quality.
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
NOTE The number of units of product in the sample is the sample size .
A.4.4 Sampling plan
A specific plan that indicates the number of units of components or assemblies to be inspected.
A.4.5 Type test batch
Schedule of units of the same type, identical dimensional characteristics, all the same nominal diameter and wall thickness, from the same compound. The batch is defined by the manufacturer.
A.4.6 Type testing (TT)
Testing performed to demonstrate that the material, component, joint or assembly is capable of conforming to the requirements given in the WaterMark Technical Specification.
A.5 TESTING
A.5.1 Type testing
Table A1 sets out the requirements for type testing and frequency of re-verification.
A.5.2 Batch release testing
Table A2 sets out the minimum sampling and testing frequency plan for a manufacturer to demonstrate compliance of product(s) to this WaterMark Technical Specification on an ongoing basis. However, where the manufacturer can demonstrate adequate process control to the certifying body, the frequency of the sampling and testing nominated by the manufacturer’s quality plan and/or documented procedures shall take precedence for the purposes of
WaterMark product certification.
A.5.3 Retesting
In the event of a batch release test failure, the products within the batch may be retested at a frequency agreed to with the WaterMark Conformity Assessment Body and only those batches found to comply may be claimed and/or marked as complying with this WaterMark Technical
Specification.
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
Characteristic
Materials
Design
Performance
Product documentation
Clause Requirement
TABLE A1
TYPE TESTS
Test method
5 Materials
Frequency
Review materials parts lists and compliance certificates
At any change in materials specification
8.1
8.2
9.1
9.2
9.4
General operation
Inlet connection
Products in contact with water
List Appendix or Standard where the test method is found
At any change in the design
Design review
AS/NZS 4020
At any change in materials, formulation or design or every five years whichever occurs first
List performance requirements from Clause 9
List Appendix or Standard where the test method is found
List performance requirements from Clause 9
List Appendix or Standard where the test method is found
At any change in design or manufacturing process
11
Product data/Installation and maintenance instructions
Product documentation
At any change to installation requirements
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Procedure for Developing Technical Specifications
Characteristic
Materials
Design
Performance
Product documentation
Clause
TABLE A2
BATCH RELEASE TESTS
Requirement Test method
5 Materials
Frequency
Review materials parts lists and compliance certificates
At any change in materials specification
8.1
8.2
9.1
9.2
9.4
General operation
Inlet connection
Products in contact with water
List Appendix or Standard where the test method is found
At any change in the design
Design review
AS/NZS 4020
At any change in materials, formulation or design or every five years whichever occurs first
List performance requirements from Clause 9
List Appendix or Standard where the test method is found
List performance requirements from Clause 9
List Appendix or Standard where the test method is found
At any change in design or manufacturing process
11
Product data/Installation and maintenance instructions
Product documentation
At any change to installation requirements
Australian Building Codes Board Page 11