Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions

Water Regulations Advisory Scheme - an independent UK certification body whose approval demonstrates product compliance with the Water Supply Regulations* regarding potable water, such as pumps and valves.

* The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (England and Wales)

   The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009

   The Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014

WRAS testing determines whether products and materials will have any effect on the water that they handle, including impacting the taste and smell, encouraging the growth of microorganisms or causing any undue waste that goes against Water Fitting Regulations.

WRAS approval is suitable for any water fittings connected to public and potable water supplies, such as:

• Taps
• Showers
• Dishwashers
• Pipes
• Valves
• Pumps
• Boilers

WRAS approval is not a legal requirement, but pumps and valves must pass certain material and mechanical performance tests in order to satisfy UK Water Supply Regulations for use with potable water.

Not all products sold as suitable for potable water have undergone the required testing – WRAS Approval is the easiest way to demonstrate this legal compliance.

Choosing a WRAS approved product guarantees that your fittings, pipes, valves and other ancillary equipment have been tested and satisfy the UK’s necessary legal requirements for safe potable water use.

Potable water is water that has been treated to make it suitable for drinking.

Clean water may look free from impurities (e.g. a groundwater spring) but it has not been treated and could still contain bacteria and other contaminants that can cause illness.

All potable water is clean, but not all clean water is potable!

There are two types of WRAS approval that products can comply with. These are full product WRAS approvals or WRAS-approved materials. Having WRAS-approved materials demonstrates that elements within the product are compliant with WRAS regulations and does not affect the quality of water, for example, O-rings. Whereas, product WRAS approval shows that the entire product has undergone testing and is fully WRAS-approved.

WRAS-approved pumps and valves show that our products are compliant with water regulations and meet the standards required when transferring clean water. Having WRAS approval is the best way to demonstrate compliance as it is granted directly by representatives of the water suppliers and is therefore recognised by every water supplier in the UK.

• WRAS materials may include rubber 'O' rings, epoxy coatings and other components.
• WRAS products can include pumps, valves, pipe fittings and more hardware.

All of T-T's WRAS approved products will feature a WRAS logo overlay as seen below.

BS (British Standard) 6920 sets out five test requirements for any non-metallic materials that are intended for handling or contact with drinking water. These include:

• Odor and flavour
• Colour and turbidity
• Extraction of metals
• Extraction of substances of concern to public health
• Growth of aquatic microorganisms

WRAS approval demonstrates a water fitting's compliance with BS 6920, with WRAS material approval demonstrating a non-metallic materials/component's compliance with the British Standard 6920.

The full name of the standard is Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water.

The British Valve and Actuator Association are an independent trade body that supports British valve distributors and manufacturers through expert training, trusted network connections and government lobbying for improved legislation surrounding UK valve manufacturing.

The BVAA is the only organization that represents every sector of the UK’s valve industry, including manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, stockists and repairers. Using their expert knowledge, the BVAA act as the collective voice for its members and help to shape the guidance and legislation that define the UK valve industry.

The BVAA (British Valve and Actuator Association) represents the interests of the British valve industry, the BPMA (British Pump Manufacturers' Association) represent the interests of the UK liquid pumping and pumping equipment industry.

It means that T-T Flow’s valves meet the highest industry standards regarding manufacturing and operating, providing you with reliable and efficient valve products that you can rely on.

National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting – a leading UK certification body for checking compliance and conformity with electrical contracting industry standards.

A NICEIC certification is not a legal requirement for electricians, however choosing an electrical contractor who is NICEIC certified guarantees that they meet the highest technical and safety industry standards.

A NICEIC certificate is proof that an electrical engineer has undergone and passed stringent assessments of their work and that they meet high safety standards.

British Board Of Agrément – an independent certification body for the approval of construction products, services and systems.

BBA certification means that a product does what it claims to, as well as meeting rigorous national and European standards surrounding construction and manufacturing.

Read more about the benefits of choosing BBA-approved products here.

Made in Britain provides several benefits to member customers.

On-site manufacturing allows for more control over quality assurance practices and shorter shipping times when compared to international manufacturers, giving customers higher quality products and services.

View more benefits of Made In Britain here.

To qualify as a Made in Britain member a business must adhere to a strict code of conduct that aims to maintain high standards of manufacturing taking place within Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

All of T-T's Made In Britain Approved products will feature a MIB logo overlay as seen below.

Safety Management Advisory Scheme – an accreditation scheme that allows contractors to gain certificates that demonstrate their compliance with health and safety practices.

SMAS Worksafe is a nationally recognized accreditation that demonstrates a business’s compliance with wider industry health and safety standards as set by the SSIP Forum.

CHAS health and safety accreditations are focused on health and safety standards within constructed related industries, whereas SMAS Worksafe accreditations cover a wider range of industries, including hospitality and waste management.

Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.

CHAS is an accreditation scheme that allows construction industry businesses to demonstrate compliance with health and safety regulations through assessing relevant policies, procedures and training within the business.

CHAS is not a legal requirement, but it is an effective way to ensure that the businesses you use are committed to maintaining high health and safety standards across their work.

Constructionline UK accreditation service for construction industry businesses to show their compliance with various standards such as health and safety, financial performance, and environmental management.

Constructionline GOLD Accreditation is a higher level of accreditation awarded to companies that have demonstrated a higher level of compliance and commitment to best practices in the construction industry; T-T continuously upholds and achieves these standards. The GOLD accreditation involves a more in-depth assessment of a company's policies, procedures and practices.