AS/NZS (Australia/New Zealand Standard) 4020 outlines tests for evaluating the suitability of products for use in contact with drinking water, focusing on their effect on the quality of the water. AS4020 tests are conducted on both hot and cold-water drinking applications. The testing focuses on wetted parts only. This test is usually done on pipes, tubes, taps and all other components that comes in contact with the drinking water. Jehbco offers tubes that are AS4020 complaint. Jehbco serves a diverse range of customers who use our silicone tubes for drinking water applications. Jehbco works with required customers to get the products certified to AS4020 test results are typically valid for five years, after which a retest is required to maintain compliance with the standard. 

AS 4020 test ensures that the silicone materials used in the drinking water applications do not adversely affect the water quality and are safe for human consumption. The test gives assurance to the customer that drinking water passing through our silicone tubes is non-toxic and free from contaminants. This test is typically conducted during the initial stages of a new order. The customer selects the required material, Jehbco manufactures the test pieces, and they are sent to NATA-accredited labs for testing. Once the product passes the test, the AS4020-compliant material is used for bulk production of the customer’s order. Jehbco ensures that the test piece is manufactured as per customers original requirement (color, catalyst, curing etc) to ensure all the products used in the manufacture of the tube is compliant to AS4020. 

A variety of tests are conducted in AS4020 certification to ensure the suitability of material used in drinking water applications. The main aspects being tested are Leachability tests, Microbiological safety, Physical and mechanical properties, taste and odor tests, PH and water quality impact as well as the regulatory compliance. The main tests conducted for the different aspects of the standard is given below. 

Taste: A trained panel tastes and evaluates the water extracts to identify whether the product releases compounds that have a detectable taste. 

Appearance: Water that has come into contact with a product is analyzed for any changes in color or turbidity. Appearance is also tested upon coming on contact with organic compounds. 

Growth of aquatic micro-organisms: Products are examined for their capacity to support bacterial growth by monitoring dissolved oxygen levels. This test usually takes 8 weeks to complete 

Cytotoxic activity: Water extracts are examined for cytotoxicity by utilizing mammalian cell lines cultured in the laboratory. Any negative impact on cell health is concluded as a cytotoxic effect. 

Mutagenic activity: An in vitro genetic toxicology test (AMES) designed to detect mutagenicity of chemicals by various mechanisms. The AMES tests help to assess whether products release mutagenic compounds. Water extracts are combined with specific bacteria, and any observed changes in the bacteria’s genetic makeup are concluded as the evidence of mutagenic activity. 

Metals: Water extracts are tested for the presence of metals like aluminum, arsenic, antimony, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and silver. The limits comply with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG). The extraction can be done using either an end-of-line test or an in-line test. 

High Temperature Tests: High temperature tests are conducted on parts that comes in to contact with high temperature. 

Some of the key benefits of AS 4020 compliances for silicone tubing include enhanced consumer confidence, improved market access, and reduced liability. At Jehbco, we offer a wide range of FDA-approved silicone products. One of our standout offerings is the 70 Duro platinum silicone, which is specifically designed for food and drink applications and complies with AS 4020. For silicone tubing, compliance with this standard not only enhances consumer trust but also opens doors to wider market opportunities. As industries continue to prioritize safety and quality, adhering to AS 4020 is extremely important to Jehbco.  

References 

  1. https://www.eurofins.com.au/biopharma-services/plumbing-products/asnzs-4020-for-watermark/#:~:text=AS%2FNZS%204020%20prescribes%20tests,application%20for%20WaterMark%E2%84%A2%20certification. 
  2. https://www.awqc.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/579367/AWQC-Product-testing-to-ASNZS-4020-fact-sheet.pdf 
  3. https://www.scribd.com/document/436345643/As-4020-Testing-of-Products-for-Use-in-Contact-With-Drinking-Water 
  4. https://www.sandiego.gov/public-utilities/water-quality/water-quality-in-your-home-or-business