The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Overview

Plumbing cross-connections, which are defined as actual or potential connections between a potable and non-potable water supply, constitute a serious public health hazard. There are numerous, well documented cases where cross-connections have been responsible for contamination of drinking water, and have resulted in the spread of disease. The problem is a dynamic one, because piping systems are continually being installed, altered, or extended. Control of cross-connections is possible, but only through thorough knowledge and vigilance. Education is essential, for even those who are experienced in piping installations fail to recognize cross-connection possibilities and dangers.

In this course the student will learn some of the basic principles of plumbing cross connections. The document provides multiple examples of cross-connection illustrations and provides a discussion of the cause of flow reversal and suggested corrective actions. In addition there is a discussion of the various cross-connection prevention methods and devices that can be used to prevent backflow.

The student is expected to read and review the material contained in the Cross-Connection Control Manual Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 816-R-03-002 --- February 2003.

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty (20) questions at the end of this course to obtain 4 PDH credits.

Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

  · Public Health Significance Of Cross-Connections
  · Theory Of Backflow and Backsiphonage
  · Methods and Devices for the Prevention of Backflow and Backsiphonage
  · Testing Procedures for Backflow Preventers
  · Administration of a Cross-Connection Control Program
  · Cross-Connection Control Ordinance Provisions

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.