Page 6 - ebook

EdiTorial
Keeping up to date with Australian Standards
The reoccurring scenario of plumbers being caught out by not adhering to the Plumbing Standards is never going to go away. In fact, with new technology bringing efficiencies into the Office of Technical Regulators, there will be more inspections and more audits. This situation will NOT stop unless there is a mindset shift from the driver’s license model where at the age of 16 you sit for a test and once successful you never have to keep updated – WRONG, the plumbing industry changes as does installation techniques.
The industry is constantly testing new methodologies to enhance flows, waste carriage and more efficient methods to deliver better outcomes. With the onset of poor building products there is more focus on ensuring standards are met. What does this mean? insurance companies are now on guard for payouts if products are not compliant and installation processes are not meeting the right standards. Why would you pay insurance for your protection but not comply with the standards? I am asking all licensed plumbers to get up to date with the current standards and ensure you are doing the right thing. The MPA / OTR roadshows are put in place to educate and provide this information, if you missed attending, you are already behind the eight ball. SEE YOU IN 2020.
New Construction Industry Training Board announced
On the 20th June 2019, His Excellency the Governor of South Australia the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC appointed the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), pursuant of the provisions of the Construction Industry Training Fund Act 1993:
Member: from 20th June 2019 until 19th June 2020
Meeting with the Building Practitioners Board in Northern Territory
I was invited to attend the NT Building Practitioners Board meeting in Darwin as part of a member visit in the NT mid-June and raised a number of issues that hopefully brings some change to the NT plumbing industry. The following points were raised and discussed:
• The objectives of MPA SA and its involvement in the NT
• The importance of high standards of plumbing training and the understanding of the Australian Standards + NPC / NCC
• The issue around Advanced Plumbers signing off works completed by other companies • Concern over the competence level of apprentices entering the market
• Self certification of completed works, with almost no inspections – mainly desk audits • The lack of training for tradesmen
• Watermark products / non-conforming products
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) – the Government are keen to look into
this initiative in the NT
• The coverage of licensed plumbing work in the whole NT jurisdiction
• The issues around separate licensing and regulator departments under different Ministers • The best strategy to make positive change in the NT
• ReviewingcertainACTSandensuringthelevelofhealthandwellbeingisamajorpriorityintheNT • Formingastakeholderroundtabletothrashoutideastoimprovetheperformanceof
the industry with Government support
• Public Liability Insurance – Workmanship insurance
• Issues with Poly pipe causing havoc with plumbers being blamed for breakdowns of the
product. Manufacturers not warranting their product and leaving plumbers in the dark and to face angry customers.
A paper will be prepared and delivered to the relevant Ministers as the situation in the NT is becoming serious. I would like to thank the Board for the opportunity to participate in part of the meeting and hope that we can collectively make a difference.
Andrew Clarke
Executive Officer
• Peter Kennedy (Presiding Member) • Danial Gannon
• Ian Markos
• Andrew Clarke
• Anthony Carbone • Jessica Rogers
• Victoria Griffith
• Ruth Vagnaraelli • Laurel Dixon
• Rebecca Hayes • Nicholas Handley
The CITB plays an integral part In the Construction Industry, it is an honour to be selected to participate in such a dynamic Board. I look forward to working with all sectors of the industry to make the industry more sustainable through all mediums.
08 8374 0132