Regulation Is Everyone’s Business
When you hear the word “regulation,” what comes to mind?
For some, it’s a headache. For others, it’s a line item in the project budget. But for those of us working across water treatment, fire protection, chemical handling, and clean energy - regulation is far more than a checklist.
It’s the foundation of trust. It’s what ensures that the systems we specify, supply, and install are safe, sustainable, and truly fit for purpose.
And yet, across our industry, we still hear people say: “That’s not my job.”
Regulation Doesn’t Belong to One Department
Compliance is often treated as a siloed function - a final sign-off by someone in quality control, or a hurdle to overcome during procurement. But the truth is:
Every engineer, estimator, specifier, and installer plays a role in compliance.
From the first design sketch to the last pressure test, every decision either strengthens or weakens the integrity of a system.
This shared responsibility matters because the consequences of failure can be catastrophic - not just financially, but in terms of public health, environmental damage, and lives lost.
Let’s look at the facts.
What Happens When We Get It Wrong?
- Water contamination remains a real risk. According to the UK Drinking Water Inspectorate, 113 water quality events were reported in 2023 due to backflow or cross-contamination - many caused by incorrect materials or non-compliant installations.
- Fire system failures are on the rise. The NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) has raised concerns about untested products being installed in life safety systems. LPCB certification exists because real fires don’t allow second chances.
- Chemical leaks still cause harm. A 2022 study by the Environment Agency found that 24% of major chemical incidents could be directly traced to poor system design, inadequate material specification, or failure to meet containment regulations.
- Infrastructure costs are spiralling due to non-compliance. According to Arcadis, rework due to compliance failures adds an estimated £21 billion in avoidable costs to the UK construction industry each year.
This isn’t just a financial issue. It’s a moral one. When compliance is overlooked, people get hurt.
The Compliance Advantage: Better Outcomes, Not Just Better Paperwork
Regulation should never be about ticking boxes. It should drive better project outcomes:
✅ Safer installations
✅ Fewer breakdowns
✅ Lower total cost of ownership
✅ Improved sustainability
✅ Trust between stakeholders
At IPS Flow Systems, we see this every day. Customers who prioritise WRAS, LPCB, or third-party certified products tend to experience fewer issues on site. Their systems last longer. Their insurers are more confident. Their reputations are protected.
Because compliance isn’t boring - it’s brave.
Regulation Drives Innovation, Not Restriction
When regulation is approached with the right mindset, it becomes a driver of innovation. Just look at what’s changing:
- PFAS legislation is tightening across Europe, prompting a shift to safer fluoropolymer alternatives.
- Hydrogen-ready standards are evolving rapidly as the UK prepares for a decarbonised gas network.
- AMP8 water investment will inject £96 billion into infrastructure by 2030, with strict regulatory scrutiny on chemical dosing, leakage prevention, and pollution reduction.
The common thread? Materials matter. So does traceability, technical data, and long-term support. That’s where suppliers like IPS make the difference - by ensuring every product we supply is backed by expertise, documentation, and real-world testing.
A Cultural Shift: Compliance as a Core Value
To meet the demands of today’s infrastructure, we need a cultural shift.
✔ Compliance isn’t the responsibility of one person - it’s a shared value.
✔ Products shouldn’t be chosen for price alone - but for performance and proof.
✔ Site teams need more than materials - they need training, certification, and clarity.
✔ And suppliers must do more than deliver - we must advise, support, and educate.
At IPS, we’re proud to work alongside customers, regulators, and industry partners to raise the bar - not just meet it.
From our CPVC systems with UL & LPCB approval, to our WRAS-certified valves, to our solvent cement training courses, we help our customers do more than meet the minimum. We help them build with confidence.
Final Thought: Make It Your Business
If you’ve ever said, “that’s not my job,” when it comes to regulation - now’s the time to think again. Because when systems fail, everyone’s affected.
Regulation is everyone’s business. And when we all take it seriously, the result is safer buildings, cleaner water, better environments - and a stronger, more trusted industry.
IPS Flow Systems Your partner in regulatory-ready piping, valves, flow control and system design.
📧 sales@ipsflowsystems.com | 📞 UK: 0191 521 3111 | 📞 IRE: +353 1 2573741 🌐 www.ipsflowsystems.com