Information for Buyers and Specifiers of Products and Contractors
"WRc Approved", owned and managed by WRc plc, endorses
products and services which meet the requirements of the Scheme.
Since the Scheme carries the WRc name, a rigorous procedure
is followed so that only quality products are successful.
'WRc Approved' products have been thoroughly evaluated by
WRc technical staff.
This means that as a purchaser of these products, you can
be sure that:
- the manufacturer's claims have been independently appraised;
- a full technical assessment of the product's performance
has been carried out; and
- the product is fit-for-purpose.
In addition to these benefits, you will also have:
- saved yourself time, by not having to evaluate the product;
- profited from the improved performance that innovative
products can bring to the market; and
- reduced the risk of using an unknown product.
- Benefits to Buyers and Specifiers
- What has already been 'Wrc Approved'?
- Use of the WRc Approved Logo
- Manuals and directories
1. Benefits of using WRc Approved
products and contractors
Independence
The scheme is owned and managed by WRc plc and is offered
by WRc and its subsidiary companies. The independence of WRc
and its track record as a provider of consultancy, research
and testing services worldwide is key to the success of the
Scheme.
Technical assurance
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WRc has an unrivalled range
of skills in the water, wastewater and environment fields.
Its scientists and engineers are able to identify the
key performance factors required of a product, evaluate
its ability to meet those requirements and assess its
suitability for the conditions in which it is to be used.
The performance of products will be evaluated in the
laboratory and on site.
Photo: Storage of GRP pipes being inspected
during site audit (The Netherlands)
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Lower risk
The use of new and innovative products can present an opportunity
to overcome existing operational problems. They often offer
a cost-effective alternative to current designs.
However, there can be a considerable risk in installing products
that have no track record.
Since the 'WRc Approved' Scheme carries the WRc name, a rigorous
evaluation procedure is followed so that only quality products
are successful. Products with a 'WRc Approved' certificate
allow the purchaser to take advantage of new products without
the associated risk.
Time and cost saving
Traditionally many water companies and other product purchasers
have carried out their own product evaluation programmes.
With increasing pressures on resources, these programmes
cannot be as extensive as in former years.
Under the 'WRc Approved' Scheme, a rigorous specification
against which the product or service will be assessed is drafted
by WRc's technical experts and agreed with the manufacturer.
| Assessments will vary according to the
type of product or service.
Typically it might involve materials and production
auditing, performance testing, evaluation of installation
instructions and witnessing of on-site procedures.
Testing can be carried out at WRc, or at a recognised
laboratory, or witnessed at the manufacturer's premises.
Photo: Testing of Fabekun Junction for connection
of laterals to gravity sewer pipes
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Contractor assessment
The performance of many products is reliant upon the quality
of the installation work. To accompany the assessment of products,
the 'WRc Approved' Scheme can offer the auditing of contractors
installing the product.
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Using 'WRc Approved' contractors
should ensure that the correct procedures are used and
that the job is done 'right first time'.
Examples of contractor assessments: Epoxy resin contractor
on behalf of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and contractors
for a range of sewerage rehabilitation products.
Photo: Installation of Link-Pipe Grouting Sleeve™
Local Repair System
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2. What has already been 'WRc Approved'?
A full listing of WRc Approved products and services is provided
in 'Approved products &
services'. This database is searchable by manufacturer/contractor,
product/service type and named product.
Under the auspices of 'WRc Approved', two major schemes have
been undertaken for:
(i) the National Health Service
(NHS) to approve fitness-for-purpose of thermostatic mixer
valves and
(ii) the Drinking Water Inspectorate
to approve epoxy lining contractors.
The Assessment Schedules for products currently holding a
'WRc Approved' certificate are available on-line.
3. Use of logo
Certain conditions apply to the use of the logo by a manufacturer
or supplier. You are only entitled to use the logo or to claim
that your product is 'WRc Approved' if you are in possession
of a valid certificate.
For more details of use visit the 'Use
of logo' section.
4. Manuals and Directories
WRc plc produces a wide range of documentation providing
guidance and specifications for product and processes throughout
the water cycle. Click here
for more information.
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