Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Technical Application of Regulation 31(4)

Duration: 2 days

Delivery: In-person / Online (live)

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Course details

Developed by WRc's regulatory, toxicology and engineering specialists, this training provides those designing, purchasing and installing products for use in potable water supply systems with a technical understanding to inform the successful application, approval and compliance with Regulation 31(4).

Duration: 2 days

Delivery: In-person / Online (live)

Dr Ehi Idahosa-Taylor

Ehi is a UK and EU registered Toxicologist with over 20 years’ experience in academia, the public and private sector specialising in undertaking research and providing scientific assessments on the health effects of exposures to chemicals. She supports clients with the collation, assimilation and assessment of toxicological data to provide human health risk assessments and toxicology profiles for different chemicals in drinking water, as well as in consumer products, contaminated land and waste processes.

Please note the development and delivery of this course also utilises WRc's wider team, including regulatory and engineering specialists, in order to offer a well-rounded and maximised learning experience.

Course overview

Developed and delivered by regulatory specialists, toxicologists and process engineers at WRc, this course provides technical professionals with a detailed understanding of Regulation 31(4)*. Upon completion, attendees will be able to:

  • Explain the Reg 31 application requirements for a range of products, materials, equipment and substances; and outline the DWI advice sheets and Instructions for Use documents.
  • Effectively compare Reg 31 to related regulations: Regulation 4 and Regulation 5 (see below).
  • Understand the testing procedure routes for Reg 31 approval, with reference to small surface area approvals.
  • Successfully carry out small surface area calculations, demonstrating applied learning gained through examples provided.
  • Discuss impacts (e.g., toxicological and environmental) of technical processes and materials, in order to inform products' compliance with Reg 31.

Who can benefit?

Delegates may include those involved in the design, specification, purchasing and installation of substances and products which require compliance with Regulation 31. The course is developed and tailored to meet the demands of the technical responsibilities of Engineers and procurement specialists of various backgrounds (Chemical, Civil, Mechanical etc.) to facilitate understanding of how to maintain Regulation 31 compliance within their respective roles.

Participants may also be drawn from any area of business or service where a more detailed understanding of how the regulation is applied is required in order to support decision making within their current role or future career.

This course follows Fundamentals of Regulation 31 Approval which is designed for learners requiring an introductory level of knowledge in Reg 31(4).

Training outline

This course is interactive, with a mix of lecture, group discussion, and practical exercises to facilitate an engaging learner experience. Assessments are utilised throughout to effectively demonstrate knowledge transfer. Topics covered include:

The application of Regulation 31(4)

  • Overview of the application approval process including information about re-approvals and changed to approved products, as well as portal requirements.
  • Technical requirements and processes for the approval of products across a range of materials (e.g., metals, traditional and natural products) and uses (e.g., filtration, construction, emergency use).
  • Development of an Instructions For Use document (IFU) to enable application of products in the wider market.
  • Relevance, and comparisons relating to jurisdiction areas and testing requirements, with associated regulations: Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and Regulation 5 of the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016.
  • Explanations of the testing procedure routes for Regulation 31 approval, with reference to small surface area approvals.

Advanced understanding and technical application of Regulation 31(4)

  • Small surface area calculations
  • Chemical leaching mechanisms and toxicological impacts
  • Examples of key materials of concern (lead, dyes etc.).
  • Implications of extraction and natural buffers in water sources
  • Regulation 31 in non-standard processes (Desalination; Advanced oxidation; On-site Electro-Chlorination (ESEC) etc.)

*Regulation 31 (or 'Reg 31') of The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations for England (2016) and Wales (2018) governs the substances and products that can be used in public water supplies, to ensure our safety. Regulation 31(4), specifically, outlines the requirements for approval and testing of those substances and products, which is overseen by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). Water undertakers and their supply chain have the obligation to comply to Regulation 31(4)(a) or meet the requirements of Regulation 31(4)(b) or (c) before introducing substances or products into the public water supply.

Looking for an introductory course in Reg 31?

Download the course flyer

Click the button below to receive the downloadable 1-page PDF flyer for this course via email.

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Our Reg 31 consultancy services

As well as competency training, WRc deliver comprehensive technical support for companies obtaining Regulation 31 (Reg 31) approval.

We can help you complete the DWI approval documentation; perform toxicological risk assessments to determine likelihood of approval; and develop Instruction for Use (IFUs) for your product's application within the wider market. We can also guide you through regulation for small surface area products.

Find out more

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

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