Plastics plumbing in buildings and below ground drainage

Since the last International Symposium, held two years ago, there have been a number of important developments in the use of plastics pipework and associated fittings in plumbing and drainage. Most notable are the acceptance and approval by the BSI, with the issue of BS 4660: 1971,4576: 1970, 4344: 1969 and 70, and 45 14: 1969. These, together with numerous Agrement Board Certificates and other British Standard Specifications in the course of preparation, indicate that the use of plastics in this field is now well established and accepted by an increasing number of local authorities and consultants.

An important development has been achieved in overcoming the problems caused by the Fire Regulations. As a result of the Fire Research Station Report F.R.O.S.I. 91 16 a 'Waiver' can now be obtained, which permits the use of plastics pipework in buildings without the need for special provisions when passing through fire-proof enclosures. Unfortunately, although the tests were carried out in 1968, only in recent months has it become common knowledge that these are available. The British Plastics Federation is at present negotiating with the Department of the Environment for amendments to the Regulations which will effectively eliminate the requirements for waivers.