Australian Plumbing - December 2012

AUSTRALIAN

plumbing I N D U S T R Y

M A G A Z I N E

YOUR Y INDUSTR E MAGAZIN

GREEN AND HEALTHY

our new children’s hospitals WILD SIDE

plumbers who volunteer abroad A TAXING TIME

understanding the refrigerants levy

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D E C E M B E R

2 0 1 2

TRADE ACCOUNT

BECAUSE YOU’RE A TRADIE

NOT A BEAN COUNTER Paperwork can be time consuming when running your business. With the Masters Trade Account it’s easy to stay on top of costs for every job.

All you need at a glance Access to your account 24/7, you can see all your purchases the way you referenced them in store. For example: by customer or project name or purchase order number.

Trade Charge Card

American Express Australia GPO Box 3757 Sydney NSW 2001

Page 1 of 4

Prepared for

Membership Number

CF FROST FROST & SON PLUMBING ABN: 48151623421

5,057.00

Date

XXXX-XXXXXX-52005

5,057.00

3 July 2011

1,570.80

1,570.80

1,570.80

Due Date Statement includes payments and charges received by 3 July, 2011 28 Jul, 2011

Thank you for using our services. Please ensure your payment reaches us by 28 Jul, 2011 or additional charges may apply

IMPORTANT GST INFORMATION # Transactions shown with this symbol may indicate a mixed transaction. The GST has been calculated as if the transaction was wholly th taxable at 1/11 of the price. You will need to obtain a tax invoice or adjustment note before claiming an input tax credit in relation to this transaction or adjustment

Statement Period

Details

From 1 Jun to 3 Jul, 2011

Amount $

Payments Section

July 1 ONLINE PAYMENT RECEIVED – THANK YOU Total of Payments

5,057.00 CR

5,057.00 CR

CF FROST Total of new transactions Card Number XXXX-XXXXXX-52005 rd

659.84

KC FROST Total of new transactions FR Card Number XXXX-XXXXXX-51009 um

910.96 96

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GST made simple

Statement of Account

Prepared for

We make tax time easier too. Statements can be easily downloaded and used with Quicken™, MYOB© and Microsoft® Excel – all with GST itemised and displayed separately.

Get your account by speaking with your Masters Trade Specialists, call 1300 337 707 or visit us online masters.com.au/trade

DISCOUNT

Customer Service 1300 855 300

Statement of Account

TRADE*

americanexpress.com.au

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Membership Number

CF FROST FROST & SON PLUMBING ABN: 48151623421

Payment $659.84 Details 2011 Due by 28 Jul,

10 June

Masters Home Improvement, Braybrook, VIC ABN: 21066891307 Ref: Mr. Peter Smith

TOTAL GST: 56.64

XXXX-XXXXXX-52005

Item Number Qty Item Desc

900014529 3x FOLDING STEEL ADJUSTABLE SAWHORSE 900023428 150x 300x500x500 BORAL PAVERS

900032157 15x STAIN VARNISH GL CEDAR GL 2LTR

900054634 30x 1.97M X 2.59M RION MAJESTIC EA

900099578 1x 1m Handrail

OTHER TENDER

GST

27.27

2.50

22.76

4.11 0.00

13 June Masters Home Improvement, Braybrook, VIC

ABN: 21066891307

AMT 300.00 27.50 250.53 45.20 12.50 -200.00

Ref: Mrs. Thompson

TOTAL GST: 16.81

Item Number Qty Item Desc

GST

AMT 900093006 3x 320G LIQUID NAILS CARTRIDGE 1.36 15.00

900093191 2x TURBOBEAM WHIRLY BIRD BLUE 15.45 170.00

A Masters Trade Account fully itemises your purchases making job and tax consolidation simple.

June 15

Masters Home Improvement, Braybrook, VIC ABN: 21066891307

Ref: PO Number 20110524

TOTAL GST: 3.56

Item Number 900031417 900092515

Qty Item Desc

1x PAINT ADDITIVE 300G PENETROL SPRAYCAN 1x BLADES-SAW DIAMON STANDAR 0127 127 x 22

GST 1.68 1.88

AMT 18.48 20.63

Total of New Transaction for CF FROST

S Simply present your T Trade Member Card a and Trade Charge Card IIRU RƧ WKRXVDQGV o of products in store.

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Follow us

VIC: Braybrook, Burnside, &DUUXP 'RZQV .QR[ÇŒHOG 0RUQLQJWRQ 1RUWKODQG 2DNOHLJK 6RXWK 5R[EXUJK 3DUN QLD: &DLUQV 0RUD\ÇŒHOG 1HUDQJ 1RUWK /DNHV 6SULQJÇŒHOG &HQWUDO 7LQJDOSD NSW: &KXOORUD *UHJRU\ +LOOV 5XWKHUIRUG WA: %DOGLYLV %LEUD /DNH (OOHQEURRN )RUUHVWGDOH SA: Mt Gambier ACT: Canberra Airport AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

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Unico. It means “the only one”, in Italian. You’ll agree. It’s unique.

1300 664 768 I sales@noirot.com.au I www.noirot.com.au

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W W W. P LU M B E R . C O M . A U

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3

welcome F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R

Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine Plumbing Industry House 525 King Street West Melbourne VIC 3003 T 03 9329 9622 F 03 9329 5060 E info@plumber.com.au www.plumber.com.au The Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine (Industry and Member editions and occasional supplements including the MPMSAA Group Training News, are official journals produced by the Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) ABN: 56 296 473 997 Print Post number: 381712/02399 ISSN: 1325-6289

MASTER PLUMBERS ASSOCIATION LOCATIONS Head Office 525 King Street West Melbourne VIC 3003 T 03 9329 9622 F 03 9329 5060 Brisbane Group Training 91-93 Commercial Road Teneriffe QLD 4006 T 07 3854 2345 F 07 3854 2346

ALTHOUGH MANY OF US ARE WINDING DOWN FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON, WORKPLACE SAFETY REMAINS VITAL

Welcome to the December issue of Australian Plumbing Industry magazine – our last edition for 2012.

Summer is finally here! It’s a time for public holidays, days at the beach, cricket, barbeques and time spent with family and friends.

Our December issue is sure to make for interesting holiday reading, with stories on Victoria and Queensland’s new green and sustainable children’s hospitals – two landmark buildings which are making dramatic energy savings – and a piece on the water efficiency measures being implemented across the Asia Pacific region.

We also ask AIRAH, the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating, to talk us through the impact the carbonequivalent levy on gas refrigerants will have on the plumbing industry.

Proving that plumbing is a career that can take you anywhere, writer Alice Williams meets two plumbers who have become volunteers and used their skills to see the world and assist communities in developing nations.

Apprentices are a major feature in this issue, with stories on the new Preapprenticeship training kicking off at PICAC and the re-launch of the Master Plumbers’ Plumbing Careers website www.plumbingcareer.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

In addition, Master Plumbers’ Workplace Relations Advisor Sharon Kraemer continues her Mastering Workplace Relations series, this time discussing key elements of apprentice employment.

Although many of us are winding down for the holiday season, workplace safety remains vital.

Our safety feature covers a number of important topics that are particularly relevant to the summer months, including working in the heat, staying hydrated, drugs and alcohol (particularly relevant for the Christmas party season) and being sunsmart throughout summer.

Wishing all our readers and their families a safe and happy Christmas and New Year – see you in 2013!

Happy reading,

Melissa Chrys Editor Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine COVER IMAGE: QUEENSLAND CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ENERGY PLANT, SOUTH BRISBANE

Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre 306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3065 T 03 9356 8921 F 03 9356 8929

CONTACTS Publisher The Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) Editor Melissa Chrys T 03 9321 0703 E publications@plumber.com.au Advertising Tremain Walles T 03 9321 0780 E tremain.walles@plumber.com.au Suppliers Salt Creative www.saltcreative.com Printgraphics www.printgraphics.com.au Direct Mail Corporation www.directmail.com.au

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contents

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32 56

From the CEO / page 9 A message from our CEO and the Association’s President Member news / page 10 Association news and events Industry news / page 14 A taxing time for refrigerants / page 22 How will the carbon-equivalent levy on synthetic greenhouse gas refrigerants impact the industry?

Apprentice news / page 24 Your career in plumbing starts here

Sustainable, green and healthy: Australia’s new children’s hospitals / page 26 Dramatic energy savings are being made in these landmark buildings Take a walk on the wild side / page 32 Meet two plumbers who are using their skills to assist communities and see the world C’mon get hAPPy / page 36 Can mobile and cloud technology improve your business performance?

Safety update / page 39 Mastering workplace relations: employing apprentices / page 43

24 Training news / page 46 Pre-apprenticeship training kicks off at PICAC Australia in the Asian century / page 48 Check out the water efficiency measures being implemented across the Asia Pacific region Is your insurance sub-par? / page 52 Could your business be at risk?

Product news / page 54 WPC news / page 62 The latest from the World Plumbing Council

Disclaimer Statements and information appearing in this publication must not be interpreted as having the endorsement of being the opinion of the publisher, which takes no responsibility for the correctness of the statements made. It is a condition of purchase or acceptance of this publication that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in the publication, or from the use of information contained herein and the publisher makes no warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein. The publisher shall not be liable for any failure to publish any advertisement where such failure results from circumstances beyond their control. If advertising material is not supplied in accordance with deadlines, the publisher reserves the right to repeat any material previously provided by the advertiser. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit material. All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher.

W W W. P LU M B E R . C O M . A U

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The Problem Solver The Universal Transition Joiner.

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welcome F R O M

T H E

C ER OE S I D E N T P

SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL OUR MEMBERS As we approach the end of another year, I would like to thank all our members for their continued support; 2012 has been a year of change and challenge and I am pleased that the Association is able to continue to support our industry and its members.

This year we continued to lobby state and federal governments on behalf of members on issues that affect our industry, most importantly National Licensing, health and safety and training and development.

In June we once again recognised the talent in our industry, with the 105th Gold Medal and Training Awards being presented to our top performing apprentices and plumbers. It was wonderful to see more female plumbers being represented throughout the award categories.

I am proud that our Association continues to be a leader in what is an exciting and dynamic industry and I look forward to 2013 as another year where we strive to make a positive impact on the environment and the community.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to wish all our members, associates, affiliates, families and friends a very safe and merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Stephen Atherton President, Master Plumbers Association

A N D

C E O

THE INDUSTRY’S VOICE IS BEING HEARD Here we are again, with Christmas fast approaching and another year behind us. The key issues of the year for me have been the downturn and uncertainty in the construction sector and the ongoing negotiations in relation to a national plumbing licencing system.

The downturn has affected many members, particularly the reduction in new housing starts and the lack of major projects. There has been good activity in the apartment sector but that also looks to be reducing the further forward we look.

The National Licencing system has started to make progress with the release of the Regulatory Impact Statement and the draft regulations. The Association has provided strong representations in relation to the proposal and was well supported by members who put in their own direct submissions.

Master Plumbers has been to two ‘round table’ discussions with the Federal Government to further debate directly with Ministers the outcomes that would be acceptable to the industry and the union.

The Association has also been represented on the new Occupational Licensing Advisory Committee for Plumbing and Gasfitting. This Committee will be part of the future structure of the National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA) and will provide advice to the NOLA board.

There is a lot of work and negotiation remaining, but the industry’s voice is being heard and we are hoping for an acceptable outcome.

The process for a new National Council and Board for the Association is underway, with nominations for the National Council called for in November. We will announce the results of the nominations and elections and the new Board structure in early 2013.

In November, Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy announced the reform of building industry regulation.

A new Victorian Building Authority (VBA) will be established as the single over-arching body responsible for setting and enforcing building industry regulation.

The functions of the Building Commission, Plumbing Industry Commission and the Architects Registration board will be absorbed into the proposed new authority, which will provide a single point of governance for plumbers, builders and architects.

Finally, I’d like to thank all our members for their continued support over the year and wish them and their families a safe and Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year.

Ken Gardner CEO, Master Plumbers Association W W W. P LU M B E R . C O M . A U

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MEMBER

news GOLF DAY The 2012 annual Bendigo Charity Golf Day was held on Friday 5 October at Neangar Park Golf Club in Bendigo.

The weather was near perfect with beautiful sunshine and over 120 people in attendance ready to play golf, enjoy a bbq and raise money for Camp Quality.

According to event organiser Geoff Moroney, “There was some great, good, average and down right terrible golf played on the day by a great variety of players.

“The day was an Ambrose event and the huge field of players managed to keep up a good speed around the course which allowed everyone to put up their feet in the club house and share the stories about the day’s play over a few drinks.”

Thanks to the generosity of the event’s sponsors, there were some fantastic prizes up for grabs, with the main golf prizes being donated by Rheem Australia and Reece Plumbing Supplies.

There was also a raffle and charity auction. The major item in the auction was a Breezair evaporative air conditioner supplied by one of the event’s long-time sponsors, Seely International.

Over

$140,000 raised for charity

A big thank you to all of the events sponsors on the day, including Pentair Water, NAB Bank, Grundfos Pumps, RMC, Kleenheat Gas, B & KS Plumbing Supplies, the Plumbing Industry Commission and many more.

Four major sponsors were presented with certificates recognising over 20 years support for the golf day event.

This year the golf day raised $15,000!

The money was once again donated to the Camp Quality Cancer Foundation and will go a long way into paying the costs for a camp for kids and their families in the Bendigo region. The annual event has now raised over $140,000 for charity.

The winners of the Alf McMeekin Trophy and the handicapped event went to Brendan Jillbert, David Daley, Waren Roberts and Tony Woolley, with the scratch event winners being Steve Edwards, Russell Wallace, Rick Robinson and Phil Tero. The NAGA award for the worst score went to Rick Taylor, Richard Siebert and Greg Rieniets.

Geoff adds, “As always, a great day was had by all and I think this is one of the premier golfing events in the Victorian plumbing industry.”

A big thank you to the hard working event organisers: Geoff Moroney, Phil Kelly and Brett Crapper as well as their wives Helen, Marg and Jenny.

Next year we anticipate the golf day will be even more popular with organisers hoping to raise $20,000 and to set a new total of over $150,000 raised!

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS! C M Master Plumbers hit the road recently, visiting members across re the state as part of our series of th Industry Networking Events.

In We visited members in Bendigo, W Tullamarine, Wangaratta, Warragul T and Ararat to discuss various issues a including National Licensing, in Workplace Health and Safety reform W and commercial contract law. a Congratulations to our C door prize winners‌. d Peter Graham P Peter Graham Plumbing P $100 Stay Safe voucher $ John Coulter J Coulters Plumbing Service C $100 Stay Safe voucher $ Ben Groves B Groves Plumbing Solutions a pair of Steel Blue work boots valued at $150

W W W. P LU M B E R . C O M . A U

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MEMBER

news WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR BUSINESS

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Plumbing Industry House 525 King Street West Melbourne VIC 3003 T 03 9329 9622 F 03 9329 5060 E info@plumber.com.au www.plumber.com.au

NEED AN APPRENTICE? CALL 03 9329 9622

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CHRISTMAS DAY

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Movie Tickets from $10.501 Save on your next night out at the movies with discounts available at Hoyts, Village, Palace, Greater Union and more.

Up to 15% off accommodation Save up to 15% off the listed price on thousands of hotels worldwide, using our online accommodation booking service.

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Call 1300 853 352 or visit www.memberadvantage.com.au/masterplumbers

RDO

PUBLIC HOLIDAY

PLEASE CONFIRM DETAILS AT www.plumber.com.au

WELCOME NEW STAFF Linda Barnes Membership Administration Officer As part of the Membership Services Team, Linda is a key point of contact for members and is responsible for delivering a number of major member benefits and services. She also provides general support and assistance across the organisation.

Linda is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her family.

2013 WALL PLANNER OUT NOW Mem Members will have received a copy of the 2013 Master Plumbers wall planner with this issue of API magazine. w IIt highlights key dates for 2013 iincluding Victorian RDOs and public holidays. p If you require additional copies of the wall planner, please email publications@plumber.com.au pub Y can also view RDO and public You holiday dates online in the workplace h li relations area of our website, www.plumber.com.au

NATIONAL COUNCIL NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS In October the Association called for nominations for the election of a new National Council.

At the Association’s Annual General Meeting in April 2012 extensive rule changes were adopted for the purpose of restructuring the National Council and the Executive Board. These changes have now been approved by Fair Work Australia (FWA) and must be enacted this calendar year.

The restructure provides every member with the opportunity to come forward and make a contribution to the future of the Association.

We will keep members updated on nominations, election information and appointments to the National Council.

WELCOME Master Plumbers welcomes the following new members and affiliates who have joined the Association since 1 September 2012.

Aqua Plumbing Systems Eltham Burco Plumbing Services Nicholls Point AJM Plumbing Ringwood Plumber@Hand Geelong West Coulters Plumbing Service Yarrawonga LT Plumbing Seaford Re Roof Metal Roofing Mornington Pritchard's Plumbing & Gasfitting Beechworth Holloway Plumbers & Gasfitters Ballarat North Chapman Plumbing Pty Ltd Doreen Wise-Plumb Pty Ltd Epping Ridge Plumbing and Drainage Pty Ltd Thomastown Efficient Air Pty Ltd Macclesfield Hennig Plumbing Irymple Highland Plumbing & Heating Services Pty Ltd Northcote

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INDUSTRY

news Aaron Stephens has been through tough times and has a real dream to combine plumbing with flying helicopters. Brock Osbourne has a great generational story, his grandfather, father and two uncles are all plumbers who have worked together for the last 40 years. And Ben Devenish-Meares wants to travel the world using his plumbing skills to help third world country communities.

“These grants are a token of Rheem’s appreciation for young and mature age apprentices entering the industry. We hope the grants will give them a better chance to succeed. We would like to thank the many hundreds who applied for a grant and also the trainers and employers who supported them,“ says Mat Sexton, CEO Rheem Australia.

“Our panel of independent industry experts was extremely impressed with the very high standard of applications.

It’s clear that many apprentices are doing it tough and have made considerable financial and personal sacrifices to enter the trade. The level of passion, dedication and commitment demonstrated by today’s plumbing apprentices is to be commended.”

RHEEM CELEBRATES 75 YEARS AND AWARDS 75 RHEEM APPRENTICE PLUMBER GRANTS In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Rheem Australia has selected 75 successful applicants of a Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant.

The grants are an integral part of the Rheem Apprenticeships and Youth Scheme (RAYS) which aims to assist apprentices and young people to achieve their dreams and career objectives.

The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants are designed to thank the Australian plumbing industry for its ongoing support and to invest in its skills future.

The $1000 grants have been awarded to apprentice plumbers most in need of additional financial assistance and to help them pursue their chosen career.

Young apprentices Aaron Stephens (aged 19, from Queensland), Brock Osbourne (aged 20, from Victoria) and Ben Devenish-Meares (aged 20, from WA) all have compelling stories to tell.

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

NATIONAL ASBESTOS AWARENESS WEEK Asbestos might have been banned in Australia since 2004, but the damage it has already caused may only come to light in the next few decades – an estimated 30,000-40,000 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with asbestosrelated disease by 2020.

National Asbestos Awareness Week was held from the 26 to 30 November in order to raise awareness of asbestos and to remember those lost to asbestos-related diseases.

A survey run by Asbestoswise at the Herald Sun Home Show in August highlighted the validity of asbestos awareness. Of the respondents that noted that their house was built before 1991, only 43 per cent considered that it would contain asbestos and 31 per cent said that they did not even know.

Furthermore, 60 per cent of those surveyed were planning on carrying out at least some renovations in their home by themselves, which also supports the need for greater awareness.

Asbestoswise held a number of events throughout the week, including a number of forums and seminars as well as a commemoration service and the GARDS Annual Asbestos Awareness Day Ceremony in Morwell.

To find out more, visit the Asbestoswise website www.asbestoswise.com.au

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AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

INDUSTRY

news ROGUE PLUMBER GIVEN RESTRAINING ORDER The Magistrates’ Court of Victoria has placed a restraining order on a Melbourne man who had been working as a plumber since 2008 without being registered or licensed.

The Court restrained the unlicensed operator from advertising or performing any regulated plumbing work, or portraying himself as being entitled to carry out regulated plumbing unless he becomes licensed or registered with the Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC).

The Plumbing Industry Commissioner, Mr Michael Kefford, said the unlicensed operator had originally lost his licence and registration, and been fined almost $4000, in November 2008 after a PIC Disciplinary Inquiry found he carried out negligent or incompetent plumbing work at an Altona home.

“Even after the Commission’s disciplinary action, he continued to operate as a rogue plumber,” said Mr Kefford.

“This restraining order is the logical next step, considering he continued his reckless actions. If he still continues to perform plumbing work in defiance of the court’s orders, he risks serious consequences, even a custodial sentence.”

A PIC investigation found the unlicensed operator had conducted renovations to a bathroom at a customer’s Mount Waverley home in 2009. He appeared before the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court charged with two counts of carrying out regulated plumbing work whilst not registered or licensed, and was placed on a twelve month good behaviour undertaking.

“Even after committing to the court undertaking, he performed further regulated plumbing work – including the replacement of garage guttering and eaves to a Glen Waverley home in May 2012, and installing copper gas pipes for a heater at an Endeavour Hills home in July 2012,” said Mr Kefford.

“It is extremely concerning that this unlicensed operator performed gasfitting work without ever being registered as a gasfitter, and without the skills or knowledge to do so.”

Section 221D(1) of the Building Act 1993 stipulates that plumbers must be licensed or registered in the appropriate class of plumbing work for which they are performing.

Any Victorian aware of a plumber working without a license or registration should contact the Plumbing Industry Commission on 1300 815 127 or o visit www.pic.vic.gov.au

NEW CEO FOR PICAC Shayne La Combre will take up the role of CEO of the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC). He will take over from outgoing CEO Vin Ebejer, in early December.

Shayne was previously Director of the Plumbing Industry Commission, a role he has held since November 2005.

He is also a Board Member of the World Plumbing Council.

Earl Setches, Chairman at PICAC welcomed the appointment.

“Shayne is one of the best known people in our industry. He’s been a respected regulator for many years and a thought leader in the industry.

“He’s ideally placed to help us at PICAC in developing our industry so that they have the skills to continue to meet the challenges of climate change” he said.

Deputy Chair and CEO of the Master Plumbers, Ken Gardner also commended the appointment.

“Our members have had many years of experience dealing with Shayne.

His record as a fair-minded, considered and tireless regulator placed him as the prime candidate to build on the successes which we have already had in developing PICAC from the ground up” he said.

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INDUSTRY

news Master Plumbers’ CEO Ken Gardner and Earl Setches, Secretary of the PTEU, gave a presentation on ‘A training vision for Australian plumbing,” and discussed the changes that are occurring in our world and in society and how, from a plumbing skills perspective, we need to be on the front foot in responding to the climate change challenge.

2012 AUSTRALASIAN PLUMBING CONFERENCE The 2012 Australasian Plumbing Conference was held from 24 to 26 October in Cairns in far north Queensland.

The event combined a mix of technical, regulatory and business sessions, along with a number of social and networking events.

There were several hundred attendees from across all sectors of the industry, including plumbing contractors and inspectors, business managers, teachers, trainers and suppliers.

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

CARBON MONOXIDE INVESTIGATION – FINDINGS RELEASED API magazine ran a story in the September 2012 issue reporting on an incident in which a Rochester family of six escaped a potentially lethal dose of carbon monoxide poisoning from their gas heater (“Master Plumber saves lives”, September 2012, p 52).

Following an investigation by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) and the manufacturer, ESV reports that it has been established that, “The reason the heater exchanger became defective was because the appliance had not been correctly commissioned with the minimum gas pressure set at 2.5 times higher than the nominated pressure.

“Subsequently, it was determined that this resulted in a much higher heat exchanger temperature (approximately 265°C higher) which contributed to the deterioration of the heat exchanger.”

To find out more, visit the ESV website, www.esv.vic.gov.au

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DECEMBER 2012

At Raymor, we’re constantly building upon good things.

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INDUSTRY

news DESTINATION INDIA The 10th World Plumbing Conference will be held from the 14-15 November 2013 in New Delhi, India.

It’s a great chance to travel to experience the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most unique countries and a must-see destination.

Anywhere Travel in conjunction with Judy Collis Tours is proud to be the preferred booking agent for the 2013 World Plumbing Conference in Delhi, India.

For further information, package specials and early bird registration, visit www.anywheretravel.com.au

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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FRESH START FOR BUILDING INDUSTRY REGULATION

KEEPING YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY SAFE

Planning Minister Matthew Guy today announced he would reform the oversight of building industry regulation to meet the 21st century needs of consumers and industry participants.

End of year workplace parties and celebrations are regarded as an extension of the workplace.

A new Victorian Building Authority (VBA) will be established as the single over-arching body responsible for setting and enforcing building industry regulation following an extensive review of the existing structures.

The functions of the Building Commission, Plumbing Industry Commission and the Architects Registration Board will be absorbed into the proposed new Authority, which will provide a single point of governance for builders, plumbers and architects.

“The current system does not promote consistent service capability and dents consumer confidence and respect for the industry. The building industry and those who work in it are important to Victoria’s economic health – which makes these reforms critical,” Mr Guy said.

It is proposed that the VBA will be led by a Chief Executive Officer and constituted by an independent Board that will set strategic directions, operational policies, priorities and key performance measures in line with Government policy.

Consider the following when planning your Christmas event: Remind staff about standards of acceptable behaviour prior to the event (e.g. gifts, jokes, language) and their responsibilities to other employees and family members.

Hold the event away from the workplace and limit the length.

Ensure there is a responsible person who can monitor the hazards and responsible alcohol levels.

Where alcohol is provided, always supply food and low or non-alcoholic beverages.

Consider how employees will get home safely.

DECEMBER 2012

As an employer, you are required to take reasonable steps to ensure duty of care to OHS.

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A TAXING TIME FOR

REFRIGERANTS As part of its Clean Energy Future Plan, on July 1 the Australian Government introduced an equivalent carbon price – also known as carbon-equivalent levy – on synthetic greenhouse gas refrigerants. We asked AIRAH, the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating, to talk us through the impact of the levy.

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

So far this year, we’ve heard plenty about the carbon tax. Introduced on July 1, it received ample air play from both supporters and detractors. But there is a second, quieter string in the carbon tax bow that is also having a big impact on the cost of living and doing business: the carbon-equivalent levy on refrigerants.

Implemented at the same time as the carbon tax as part of the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future Legislative package, the refrigerant levy has significantly ratcheted up the price of refrigerant gasses in everyday systems, in some cases to the tune of 300–500 per cent.

The tax is based on each synthetic greenhouse gas (SGG) refrigerant’s global warming potential (GWP) as listed under the Kyoto Protocol. The higher the GWP, the higher the tax.

The tax is paid at import, so it will initially hit importers of bulk refrigerant or products already charged with refrigerant. However, the cost of that tax at import has a major knock-on effect down to the “man in the van”, and even the cost of food storage and transportation.

According to AIRAH board member and AG Coombs strategic development director Bryon Price, M.AIRAH, the levy will be responsible for an estimated $300,000,000 in revenue for the government.

THE LEVY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR AN ESTIMATED $300,000,000 IN REVENUE FOR THE GOVERNMENT

“Ultimately this cost will be passed onto the industry’s customers and they will seek to pass this onto consumers,” says Price. “For example, refrigeration contractors will charge supermarkets, and supermarkets will pass the cost increase onto all of us, as consumers, through our food prices.

“In order to not be hurt economically by this tax, businesses, and in particular small businesses – and there are many sole practitioners in the HVAC&R industry – will need to be very efficient at passing this new cost onto their customers.”

John Grayer, owner and operator of AC4U Air Conditioning, says that while contractors were aware of the refrigerant levy – and its potential impacts – many “had a believe-itwhen-we-see-it attitude”.

“I feel the reaction from the industry is that we are all being robbed, almost helpless,” says Grayer. “Our customers seem to have been unaware that the carbon tax [refrigerant levy] would have an impact on air conditioning products.

With all domestic split systems increasing between $40 and $160 each, all quotes will increase in price no matter the brands or suppliers you use.

I think the service/repair sector will find it hard passing on a ‘per kilo’ increase of such enormity to customers.”

But, says Grayer, the market will just have to adjust … as it has always done in the past.

It’s not just the levy itself that has seen refrigerant prices increase – changes to the cost of working capital, administration and insurance also contribute, as well as the impact of the carbon tax on the price of electricity and manufacture of materials.

As the cost of refrigerant goes up, so too does the cost of insuring what is now an immensely more valuable commodity. On top of that, wholesalers and distributors could be forgiven for passing on the cost of beefing up their security measures, in order to protect their costly refrigerant.

However, after the initial shock of the price hike, there remains a glimmer of industry optimism. Part of the government’s Clean Energy Future Plan, the levy was brought in as a market incentive for reducing the direct emission of HFCs from refrigeration and air conditioning. It is hoped that the tax will encourage better system design and installation standards to prevent leakage, as well as higher maintenance and refrigerant management standards.

AIRAH CEO Phil Wilkinson, M.AIRAH, says that additionally, the tax aims to encourage a move toward systems that use a smaller charge of refrigerant, or are charged with the “alternative” low-GWP refrigerants.

“This shift will need to be accompanied by industry training and education, to ensure the alternative refrigerants – which are often flammable, toxic or under high pressure – are handled and implemented safely,” Wilkinson says.

In the lead-up to the introduction of the levy AIRAH organised the AIRAH Industry Summit 2012, bringing together 30 key stakeholders and representatives from government and industry organisations to discuss implications arising from the carbon tax and the levy.

A communiqué was distilled from the summit’s conversations and sent to various state and federal government departments.

The communiqué called for government to form an Interdepartmental Committee that has representatives from government and industry; to provide funding in support of awareness-raising with industry via forums and other communication tools; and to allocate seed funding to extend the federally regulated refrigerant handling scheme to include all refrigerants.

AIRAH is also working on a roadmap to provide guidance for the HVAC&R industry into the future.

AIRAH, in conjunction with the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, has developed five HFC Refrigerant Levy fact sheets. The fact sheets offer an easy-to-understand explanation of the HFC refrigerant levy and its impact, and are made to be copied, reproduced, printed and shared.

They can be downloaded at www.airah.org.au – select the Resources tab, and then the HFC Refrigerant Levy tab.

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APPRENTICE

news

YOUR PLUMBING CAREER STARTS HERE! www.plumbingcareer.com.au Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria and the Master Plumbers have re-launched the Plumbing Careers website. plumbingcareer.com.au is a one-stop resource for all your plumbing apprenticeship needs, including information, contacts and other resources.

THINKING ABOUT A PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP?

A CAREER THAT CAN TAKE YOU ANYWHERE

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED USING A GROUP TRAINING SCHEME?

plumbingcareer.com.au is full of information for students, parents, mature age applicants, employers and teachers.

Find out about the different types of plumbing, what to expect from and apprenticeship and much more. plumbingcareer.com.au includes information on: > Awards, wages and conditions > Qualifications and skills > Training facilities > Careers in plumbing plumbingcareer.com.au is the best place to explore your future and find out that plumbing is more than just water and waste.

plumbingcareer.com.au also outlines the benefits of joining a Group Training Scheme, which allows you to work with a variety of plumbing businesses across all sectors of the industry, gaining a diverse range of valuable skills and work experience.

A group training scheme such as Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria looks after everything, including: > Enrolment and monitoring of trade school progress > Supply and issue of tools and protective clothing > Completion and lodgement of training agreement

Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria and Master Plumbers Group Training Scheme Queensland can take the headache out of employing an apprentice by managing the whole process, matching you with the right apprentice for your business.

To find out more about a career in plumbing, or hiring an apprentice, visit www.plumbingcareer.com.au com.au or visit us on Facebook.

plumbingcareer.com.au provides employers with all the information they need when considering hiring an apprentice, including information on wages, costs and conditions.

plumbingcareer.com.au IS A ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP NEEDS

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

LOOKING FOR AN APPRENTICE?

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DECEMBER 2012

Read more about hiring an apprentice Plumbing Apprenticeships see page 43 Victoria (PAV) is the industry’s Group Training Scheme. We’re dedicated to training multi-skilled plumbers and connecting them with plumbing businesses.

To find out how a PAV apprentice can help you get more out of your business, call 03 9329 9622 (Queensland call 07 3854 2345) or visit www.plumber.com.au

SUSTAINABLE, GREEN & HEALTHY AUSTRALIA’S NEW CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS Australia sure is the lucky country. Victoria and Queensland are both recipients of new state-of-the-art hospitals for children. Charlotte Roseby reports on the dramatic energy savings being made in these landmark buildings.

ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, MELBOURNE

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

The new Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Parkville, Melbourne, was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen in late October 2011. The patients were moved one month later. The Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) is on schedule to open its doors in South Brisbane at the end of 2014.

Traditionally, hospitals are large consumers of energy; they need large, ‘round-the-clock – completely uninterruptible – supplies of electricity, heating and cooling.

But both the new Victorian and Queensland hospitals are proudly green buildings: both incorporate sustainable innovations to make huge energy savings and dramatically reduce their carbon footprint.

QUEENSLAND CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ENERGY PLANT, SOUTH BRISBANE

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TRIGENERATION: A HEALTHY, ENERGY-SAVING CHOICE Each hospital features a key innovation: a specially designed, independent energy plant. It’s a great idea to start with but, even better, both systems use state-of-the-art trigeneration technology to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Put simply, trigeneration uses a single source of fuel to provide three things: electricity, heating and cooling, says Leigh Graham, National Engineering Manager at AE Smith. Cogeneration, a similar system, uses one source of fuel to provide two of these, usually electricity and heating.

Gas energy comes in, says Leigh, and goes through a gas generator.

This generates the electricity for the entire building. The ‘waste heat’, produced as a byproduct of power generation, is then captured to provide heating.

Now, here’s the really clever bit.

The heat runs through a heat exchanger, and a special absorption chiller. This refrigeration cycle then produces cooling for the building.

Trigeneration is a natural choice for commercial buildings and facilities like hospitals, laboratories, shopping centres and airports with large and constant electrical, heating and cooling requirements.

Because trigeneration uses gas, not coal, to generate power – and because gas is almost four times more efficient than burning coal – trigeneration reduces greenhouse gas emissions while reducing the demands on fossil fuel. It also reduces energy costs.

AE SMITH BRISBANE QCH (QUEENSLAND CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL) TEAM

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

THE RCH: VICTORIA’S LARGEST-EVER HEALTH PROJECT The new Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne is a $1 billion public private partnership (PPP) – a landmark construction for Victoria with 165,000m2 over 7 levels and 75,000m2 of car parking.

As well as housing a world-class paediatric hospital, the RCH partnered with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne to include research and education facilities over the 4.1 hectare site.

As you’ve probably heard – or seen – by now, the hospital incorporates a two-storey coral reef aquarium, a bean bag cinema and a Meerkat enclosure managed by Melbourne Zoo staff.

Doctors William Smith and John Singleton who first opened the hospital in 1870, would scarcely believe their eyes if they were to see it today. Their ‘Melbourne Free Hospital for Sick Children’ at 39 Stephen St (now 49 Exhibition St) in the CBD had just six inpatient beds.

In contrast, the RCH treated 33,560 inpatients in 2010 and there were 210,956 outpatient clinic appointments. And the new hospital has the capacity to treat an additional 35,000 patients every year.

RIGHT NOW, GAS POWER GENERATION IS THE BEST, MOST PRACTICAL AND FEASIBLE SOLUTION FOR GREEN BUILDINGS Green stars Inspired by its parkland setting, the new hospital design reflects growing evidence of the importance of nature and environment to the healing process.

The building is flooded with natural light and splashed with colour.

The RCH has a 5 Star Green Star rating target – the first for this type of facility.

As well as installing a trigeneration plant, there will be an overall 45% reduction in greenhouse gases through innovations such as: > energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems > a blackwater treatment system, rainwater collection, water-efficient fittings and water-conscious landscaping > 'active chilled beams', which use cold water and fresh air to provide gentle cooling, improved air quality and improved efficiency > roof-top solar panels providing around 40% of hot water for ward areas > green transport options for travelling to the hospital, including a tram super-stop and 500 secure bike parking spots.

Installation: a sustainable joint venture Given the sheer scale of the installation, AG Coombs and AE Smith formed a special joint venture called RACAH for the task of installing the mechanical services in the RCH. They were joined by Cummins who provided the generator sets and PSG Victoria, the principal electrical services contractor.

“It was an excellent collaboration,” said Kevin Wilson, Project Manager for AG Coombs, specialists in whole-of-life efficient building services.

“Our people fitted well together … we taught each other a lot.”

The project ran over four and a half years from bid to completion. The number of people in their mechanical services team reached 250 at one time.

“This was a huge challenge – the first installation of its kind in Australia,” says Kevin. “These are complex systems involving intricate services.”

They also needed to put a full plant replacement strategy in place.

“The generators are upwards of 15 tonnes,” says Nathan Saffery, Project Manager for PSG Victoria.

“Like a bit of Lego on a plan, we have to be able to manoeuvre them out of there, if required. We needed clear zones through corridors and doors at a certain height – so that was a challenge before we even started.”

The RCH trigeneration system incorporates two 1160 kW lean-burn gas generator sets in parallel, and three 2250 kVA diesel generator sets, controlled by two digital master controllers, one each for the gas and diesel generators. Active chilled beams use cold water and fresh air to provide gentle cooling with improved efficiency.

An 800kW biomass boiler uses renewable energy to help heat the hospital.

“Trigeneration is 50% more economical versus generating the same amount of energy via mains power. It will take 12 to 18 months to show the energy savings, but the hospital will then reap the benefits,” says Kevin.

“It was a very happy day when we turned the power on,” says Nathan.

“It was a huge milestone.”

The focus at the RCH now moves to Stage 2, which includes construction of a 90-room hotel, a gym and a small supermarket. It also includes the demolition of most of the old hospital.

Eventually, the old hospital site will be reinstated as parkland. This second stage is expected to be finished by the end of 2014.

AE SMITH COGENERATION TEAM

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THE QCH: A CENTREPIECE FOR QUEENSLAND The Queensland Children's Hospital project is a $1.5 billion program of works to improve children's health services in Queensland. The new hospital is bringing together the Royal Children's Hospital and Mater Children's Hospital to create a centrepiece for paediatric health care in the state.

The new QCH building will have 12 clinical levels and its own helipad for emergency access. The site also includes an academic and research facility dedicated to child and adolescent health. It will have a total floor space of approximately 80,000m2 – which is roughly equivalent to 12 rugby fields.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Queensland Health to create a new children’s hospital designed with the needs of children, young people and families in mind.

The vision for the QCH is a healthy living space inside and out to help children recover as quickly as possible. The architects developed a building design that is not only functional, but also sympathetic to the environment.

Environmentally sustainable design The design vision includes access to green space, rooftop gardens, natural light and fresh air, including extra large portals and windows to bring daylight into the building – features which are desperately missing in older hospitals.

The design of the QCH is based on the concept of a living tree with a network of trunks and branches which punctuate the building and connect the inside with the outside. These branches and atria will help promote natural ventilation and lighting, maximise external views and provide areas of respite for patients, visitors and staff.

Like the RCH, environmentally sustainable principles in the operation of the QCH will help improve the building’s indoor air quality and reduce its energy, water and resource consumption.

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DECEMBER 2012

Innovations include: > rain water harvesting for use in irrigation systems > high efficiency water and lighting fittings and fixtures > chilled beams for cooling in ward areas > façade that optimises light and reduces heat and glare > waste minimisation and recycling initiatives > secure bicycle facilities for staff and visitors > access to natural light, fresh air and green space.

With construction underway, approximately 90 per cent of materials removed from the construction site such as concrete, steel, timber, plaster board and electrical cable drums are either recycled or reused. General waste from the site is sent to a landfill that creates green or renewable electricity, and tool wash is treated and reused as recycled water for industry.

Installing trigeneration and turning the key Like the RCH, the QCH energy plant features trigeneration. What’s different is that energy efficiency and mechanical services specialists AE Smith had the chance to offer their own “turnkey” trigeneration package, complete with diesel generator backup and power generation controls.

Rather than electrical and mechanical services being contracted separately, AE Smith has taken the entire responsibility for detailed design documentation, installation and commissioning.

It’s a significant development for the industry, says Ashley Robinson, AE Smith Project Director. “The QCH energy plant will be a showcase for the technology. It will change the way mechanical services are delivered … and it’s an idea that builders love,” he says.

“It’s happening now. It’s not a future plan. Right now, gas power generation is the best, most practical and feasible solution for green buildings. And we’re doing everything.”

Their QCH solution includes a 6 MVA combined heat and power (CHP) unit powered through gas-fired engines.

This produces heat for all the heating systems, chilled water for air conditioning, and 4.8 MW of electricity.

It also includes 12 MVA stand-by diesel power generators.

The trigeneration facility will be a five-level structure with a total floor space of about 4500m2.

In addition to the trigeneration technology, the QCH energy plant will have diesel generators to provide full power security in the event of a blackout and water tanks to collect rain water for use in air conditioning. It will also house chillers, boilers, Energex substations and electrical switchboards.

By generating the hospital’s power during peak periods, the energy plant will save the local electricity grid the equivalent amount of power consumed by between 3000 and 4000 domestic households, or an entire suburb.

“It’s an opportunity to contribute something really worthwhile to the hospital, which will bring great benefits … This is future proofing,” says Leigh Graham, AE Smith National Engineering Manager.

Meanwhile, construction of the link between the new hospital and existing Mater Hospital buildings is underway.

Bulk excavation, then construction, of the QCH Academic and Research Facility will begin soon. The QCH team is happy to report all program works are on track, culminating with the opening of the new QCH in late 2014.

TRIGENERATION: A POWER SAVING CHOICE Trigeneration produces electricity, heat and cooling from a single fuel, usually natural gas.

The process typically involves an engine generator that produces electricity and a heat recovery system to capture the waste heat from the engine’s exhaust and cooling system; this is then used for heating. Waste heat is also converted with a broad absorption chiller to provide cooling.

Rather than generating the same amount of energy from mains power, trigeneration is energy efficient, reduces demands on fossil fuel, reduces greenhouse gas emissions – and saves on energy costs.

TAKE A WALK ON THE

WILD SIDE Alice Williams meets two plumbers who have used their skills to see the world and assist communities in developing nations.

At some stage most of us think about what it would be like to chuck it all in and go travelling, leave the weekly rote and hightail it to some white-sand Pacific island.

Or maybe you’re a little more altruistic?

Perhaps you think about lending a hand to a community less fortunate than our own and putting your experience and skillset to use where it’s needed most?

Australian Volunteers International (AVI), has been placing Aussie volunteers abroad for over 60 years and are currently looking for water and sanitation, renewable energy and environmental education professionals.

Communities across the Pacific need the support of volunteers to contribute to the sustainability of their towns, people who have technical knowledge in maintaining water and electrical systems and the ability to train local staff in maintenance and occupation health and safety.

But it’s not all hard work: think exotic locations, invaluable life and professional experience and the bragging rights to say you did something that really made a difference. On top of that all volunteers receive financial support, including airfares, visas, accommodation, a living allowance, insurance, and pre-departure training, in-country and post-assignment support.

We spoke to two AVI volunteers about their experiences.

WITH THE HELP OF LOCAL WORKERS IN MAJURO WE’VE INCREASED DAILY WATER SUPPLY FROM JUST ONE DAY PER WEEK TO FIVE.

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

WALLY STEWART CURRENTLY STATIONED IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS… Who are you and how did you get involved with AVI? My name is Wallace (Wally) Stewart and my hometown is Adelaide, where I hold a master plumbers licence. I retired in March 2007 and did some local volunteer work there. Around November 2010 I attended an AVI seminar in Adelaide and in February 2012 I applied for a position in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The rest, as they say, is history.

Can you tell me a little bit about your project and where you are based at the moment?

Operations and maintenance trainer (water and sanitation) with Majuro Water and Sanitation Company (MWSC) – a government-owned company in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands.

My main job is teaching local staff plumbing maintenance and repairs on water and sewer infrastructure.

What is a normal day like on your project?

I don’t think I have had a normal day by Australian standards since my arrival!

Every day is a different story: broken water pipes, sewer pipe blockages, seawater pipes blocking (all toilet cisterns use seawater) freshwater, seawater sewage pumping problems.

A normal day is very busy because of the age of infrastructure and lack of maintenance.

I’m the first person to teach the local guys and when they understand what I’m saying – the look on these guy’s faces – it’s a fantastic feeling for me as well as them. It's a bit, "Why has no one shown us how to do this before?”

With the help of local workers in Majuro we’ve increased daily water supply from just one day per week to five. You have to be a jack of a few different trades here.

I’ve now been joined by another AVI volunteer, Nigel Deacon; a water and sewage engineer from Jimboomba QLD. He’s made life much easier with his vast experience and planning skills.

We are currently fitting eleven large diameter water meters in the supply pipes to monitor how much water we collect, filter and distribute as part of Pacific Adaption to Climate Change (PACC) plan.

What advice would you offer other plumbers looking at getting into something similar?

Majuro RMI; Fantastic people, beautiful place, very humid, come on over! Also, be very patient and bring lots of energy drinks, enthusiasm and hands on experience.

YOUR RESPECTFUL INTERACTIONS WILL ALMOST ALWAYS BE WELCOME.

AVI PACTAM TRANSPORT ADVISOR BILL DAVISON WITH SOLOMON ISLANDS CHIEF ENGINEER MIKE QAQARA IN CENTRAL HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS INSPECTING A PROJECT IN HIBISCUS STREET HONIARA. REPLACING OLD OPEN DRAINS WITH NEW COVERED ROAD DRAINAGE STRUCTURES. BILL WORKS FOR THE MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT ADVISING ON A WIDE RANGE OF ROAD AND TRANSPORT ISSUES.

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RICHARD PETERSEN HAS RECENTLY RETURNED FROM A YEAR PLACEMENT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA… How did you get involved with AVI? I had a long term goal in my career to volunteer in a developing nation and when the timing was right I started to look at organisations to facilitate the process. AVI were both easy to find and professional in their processes.

Can you tell us a little bit about your project and where you were based?

I was in Namibia. I’m a plumber but I also have a degree in adult education so I was working with the Namibian Training Authority (NTA) training their trainers to teach plumbing skills and other background higher education functions at the same time.

I was placed in two locations, the first six months was on the banks of the Zambezi River out on the end of a strange little part of Namibia called the Caprivi strip, in a town called Katima Mulilo ( in the local language it means 'putting out the fire').

My time there was really interesting and we made significant improvements to both the content of the training and the way plumbing was being taught.

The people were very welcoming and I made some good friends and had a few exciting mini adventures on safari in Botswana's Chobi National Park and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Then I transferred to a town called Rundu, which is on the Kovango River, so fishing was on the agenda in both locations and I spent many hours on weekends trying my hand at catching Tiger Fish.

Rundu was a repeat of the training I’d done in Katima Mulilo, but with a different cultural group. From there I was able to travel inside Namibia and enjoy some of the incredibly spectacular sights it has to offer, such as Etosha National Park, and Sosusvlei which has the biggest sand dunes in the world – hard work to climb!

What was a standard day like on your project?

Starting at 7:00am I’d greet each colleague (a gentle clapping of hands if I was greeting a woman or the North Namibian handshake if greeting a man), always being careful to greet people in order of age if they are standing together. Then I’d greet the students and discuss what we were going to attempt to achieve by the end of the day.

Often I would take a session, with the trainers sitting in to watch training techniques I had gone over with them previously, and picking up on points to do with plumbing.

What advice would you offer anyone looking at getting into something similar?

The most useful things I took with me were my knowledge from being in the Plumbing industry for over 30 years, an idea of what I could expect in a developing nation, and a strong desire to make a difference.

It’s worth remembering, 'if people live there, then living there is possible, if it is safe enough, and you have an acceptable level of comfort, then your respectful interactions will almost always be welcome.'

Most of AVI’s placements are for 12-24 months at a time.

AVI holds quarterly recruitment drive which includes information sessions in most major cities and jobs are listed regularly on the website.

If you’re interested in becoming involved in the program, visit www.australianvolunteers.com or call 1800 331 292.

LEFT: AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEER RICHARD PETERSEN IN NAMIBIA ON ASSIGNMENT IN NAMIBIA. RIGHT & MIDDLE: AVI’S PACIFIC TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MECHANISM (PACTAM) DEPLOYEE, PITER VISSER WORKS AS A WATER AND SANITATION SPECIALIST IN HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS.

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

When it comes to super, you can rely on

At Cbus, we make meeting your super obligations easy: Easy online contribution payment options, including the Cbus Clearing House which will allow you to pay your employees’ super into multiple funds using the one system.

No fees or charges for employers.

Workplace financial advice for your employees.

Alex Weetra, Cbus Member, VIC

At Cbus we invest back into the building and construction industry as part of our investment strategy, thereby creating jobs for our members and employers.

Read the relevant Cbus Handbook (Product Disclosure Statement) to decide whether Cbus is right for you. For a copy: call Cbus on 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262.

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Business.gov.au’s

FREE

BUSINESS APPS!

Today’s mobile technology offers plumbers a plethora of resources to make your jobs easier and more efficient. With a smart phone or tablet computer you can access a wealth of resources and handy business apps that can help you streamline processes, plan for the future and achieve your business goals.

FREE BUSINESS APPS

The team at business.gov.au, the Australian Government’s principal business resource, have developed a suite of business planning apps to gain control and plan for the success of your business.

These free interactive tools give you convenient access to your important business documents, anytime, anywhere.

Since their launch, the apps have received over 10,000 downloads! There are three key iPad apps in the suite.

Each app was created by experts and provides an easy template to help you get started, guiding you through all steps of the process and provides tips and prompts along the way.

MYBIZPLAN

MARKETMYBIZ

MYBIZSHIELD

Developing a business plan is one of the most valuable activities you can undertake, providing your business with a roadmap for success.

Business planning might be time consuming and daunting but the good news is you don't have to start with a blank sheet of paper!

The MyBizPlan iPad app provides a template to help you get started. It guides you through the process of creating a solid, well-structured business plan, tailored to your business.

The MarketMyBiz app helps you develop a successful marketing plan to help you reach your target market, boost your customer base and increase your bottom line.

The app also helps you develop products and services that meet the needs of your target market.

Having an emergency management and recovery plan can help your business recover from unpredictable situations that can disrupt your business and prevent it from operating.

The MyBizShield app guides you through the process of creating an emergency management plan that covers preparation for emergencies, action taken during an emergency and recovery from an emergency situation.

MyBizPlan can help you to: > define your business objectives > learn about your industry, market and competitors > prepare you for challenges you may face, and > manage your business finances.

MarketMyBiz will help you: > Identify your target market and understand how your product or service meets their needs. > Identify your competitors and what your target customers perceive their strengths and weaknesses. > Position your brand, product and services so that your target market sees you as better than or different from the competition.

Business.gov.au app features include: > handy tips and prompts to guide you through each section of the plan > ability to see at a glance which sections you've finished and which sections you still need to complete > ability to select sections that only apply to your business, helping you personalise and tailor your plan to your business > options to back-up and easily access your plan by saving it as PDF, emailing it and saving it to the 'cloud'.

To find out more or to download any of these apps, visit www.business.gov.au AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

DITCH THE PAPER

Want to send an invoice from your smartphone?

Cloud computing is a buzz word that we’ve been hearing a lot lately. But what does it mean?

How can it save plumbers money? And why does it make better business sense for small businesses and contractors?

Emma Petroulas, co-founder of Nudge Online Accountants for Small Business and Contractors and lecturer in Small Business at the University of Technology shares some insights.

WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING? Cloud computing is a way in which you can access software or applications using the internet. It’s been around for many years – if you’ve used You-tube, Hotmail or Facebook, then you’ve used cloud computing.

Why it’s received a lot of attention lately is that cloud computing is starting to mature and a lot of industries are now jumping on board and using the capabilities of cloud computing. One industry which has been big in the take-up of cloud-computing is the accounting industry. They have brought out cloud-based technology which is saving plumbers time and money.

YOUR BOOKS IN THE CLOUDS

YOU CAN ACCESS YOUR COMPANY FILE FROM ANYWHERE WITH AN INTERNET CONNECTION EVEN FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE

When you think of software you can use to do your books, you probably think of purchasing an MYOB box off-the-shelf for roughly $300-$800. When you arrive home or to the office, you take the cd out of the box and download it onto your computer. You can only use MYOB on your computer, and if you want to send through your MYOB file at the end of the year to your accountant, you need to email it through or put it on a disc or USB. When it comes to invoicing customers, you generally invoice from MYOB in the office or at home, rather than when you see clients.

This is probably because it is too frustrating and time-consuming to lug your laptop around.

This is now changing. Existing providers (such as MYOB) and new accounting providers have brought out cloud-based systems which allow you to do your books in the cloud. What this means is that you can access your company file from anywhere with an internet connection – even from your smartphone.

BENEFITS OF USING CLOUDBASED ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS

WHY DOES IT MAKE BETTER BUSINESS SENSE?

Work from anywhere – All you need is an internet connection. This means you can do your books from home, work or even over lunch on your smartphone or tablet. You can also easily invite other users (such as your admin team or accountant) to access your file – this means no emailing files back and forth.

Invoice smarter – Take your smart phone or tablet to a customer and invoice at the end of the job. You can even email through the invoice as soon as the invoice is created. This means that you can keep on top of your invoicing as you go, without having to invoice customer’s back in the office or at the end of a busy day. Be sure to check out the features of the different cloud-based accounting systems, as the ease of invoicing on the go can vary across systems.

Less time doing the books – As many cloud-based accounting programs link-in with your business bank accounts and credit cards, you can save time doing the books. What this means is that a read-only copy of your bank and credit card statements is automatically downloaded into the cloud-based programs, so no more manually entering lines of bank and credit card transactions No upfront software costs – With most cloud-based accounting software, you pay a monthly subscription cost of generally between $20-50. This means no more having to pay for large upfront software costs and paying for annual updates.

No more backups – Most (if not all) cloud-based accounting software keep backups of your company file, just in case something goes wrong. When using off-the-shelf accounting programs, you are responsible for backing up your files.

Ease in paying staff – New features in a some of the cloud-based accounting software allow staff to log-into an employee portal and access their payslips and submit holiday requests.

This means no more printing out payslips. These new features also make it easier to pay and manage your staff.

Access your customer and supplier details from anywhere – On the road and forget a customer or suppliers contact details? You can pull them up on your smart phone.

A small business came to us a little while ago with a large bank overdraft and cost overruns which were starting to make the business unprofitable. The business owner had no idea what his numbers were each month – he was planning to wait until the end of the year when his accountant did his tax return to find out. Using the features available in cloud-based software, we were able to give him his numbers each month and he is now on track to take proactive steps to fix these problems now, not in a year’s time.

As most cloud based software syncs with your bank and credit card statements you have more visibility over your business performance, and regularly processing your numbers becomes a lot easier and faster. By knowing your numbers, you are able to make better business decisions.

BUT WHAT ABOUT SECURITY? Security needs to be taken very seriously.

Always ensure you enquire about the security of the cloud-based accounting software and use a reputable provider.

KEEN ON MOVING TO THE CLOUD? – NEXT STEPS > Start by having a chat to your accountant or bookkeeper. If you don’t have an existing accountant or bookkeeper and are keen to move your accounting to the cloud, contact an accountant or bookkeeper who focuses on cloud based software. > You can also consider getting started with cloud-based accounting programs by yourself. Make sure you consider each of the features to ensure you select the program which is best for you. Some of the well-known providers include: MYOB Live Accounts www.myob.com.au/LiveAccounts Xero www.xero.com SAASU www.saasu.com Quickbooks Hosted online.reckon.com.au To find out more visit www.nudgeaccounting.com.

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AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

SAFETY UPDATE S A F E T Y

T I P S

GAS CYLINDER WARNING WorkSafe recently released a reminder about the risk of explosion from leaking portable flammable gas cylinders inside work vehicles.

A N D

I D E A S

Workers have died or sustained serious injuries after their work vehicles have exploded. These explosions occurred when gas from leaking portable cylinders ignited inside vehicles.

In many cases the ignition source was the vehicles electrical system.

Flammable gas cylinders include those containing oxygen, acetylene, liquefied petroleum gas and propane or butane throwaway-style cylinders.

CONTROL MEASURES Gas cylinders should be stored and transported in vehicles with cargo areas open to the air, and not stored inside closed-type vehicles. When storing or transporting fuel gas cylinders, ensure: > main cylinder valves are tightly closed > there is no leakage from the main valve area > cylinders are secured in an upright position to prevent them from tipping or falling over > cylinders are always removed from the vehicle before the gas is used > at least one 10B dry-powder fire extinguisher is fitted in the driver’s cabin.

To find out more, visit the WorkSafe website, www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

NATIONAL SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA WEEK National Safe Work Australia Week was celebrated during October.

The week is an initiative of Safe Work Australia and encourages all working Australians to focus on improving health and safety in their workplaces to reduce death, injury and disease.

The theme of this year’s week was, Safety begins with ‘S’ but starts with You Throughout October the states and territories also raised awareness of work health and safety through their own safe work weeks and other activities.

WorkSafe Week was held in Victoria from 29 October to 1 November and there were over 100 free seminars and events held across the state as part of the event. ek, As part of WorkSafe Week, Master Plumbers held a seminar on asbestos, carbon monoxide and other hazards in the plumber’s world.

SAFETY BEGINS WITH ‘S’ BUT STARTS WITH YOU

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SAFETY UPDATE S A F E T Y

T I P S

SAFETY UNDER THE SUN

SKIN CANCER According to the Cancer Council, every year in Australia: skin cancers account for around 80% of newly diagnosed cancers between 95 and 99 per cent of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun the incidence of skin cancer is one of the highest in the world, three times the rates in Canada, the US and the UK. The facts on sunburn Sunburn causes 95 per cent of melanomas, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

In Australia, almost 14 per cent of adults, 24 per cent of teenagers and 8 per cent of children are sunburnt on an average summer weekend.

Always remember to…

SLIP on some sun-protective clothing SLOP on some SPF 30+ sunscreen SLAP on a hat SEEK out some shade SLIDE on some sunglasses

According to WorkSafe, Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world with more than 380,000 people treated for the disease every year. At least one out of every two Australians will require treatment in their lifetime for various forms of skin cancer.

Construction workers have a higher risk of skin cancer than many other workers due to long periods exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The risk to plumbers increases the longer they spend working outside.

In fact, a plumber working outdoors is 60 per cent more likely to develop a skin cancer than a plumber who works indoors.

So working in the sun in a singlet or without a shirt this summer is unacceptable and it makes sense to have an appropriate UV radiation policy in your plumbing business.

When working rking outdoors and under the sun, appropriate ropriate PPE should be worn, including a wide brim hat, loose fitting, long-sleeved ved collared (preferably cotton) shirt and long pants, sunglasses sunglass and sunscreen. sunscree n.

A N D

STAY HYDRATED! Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should.

It’s essential to stay hydrated throughout the hot summer months.

Symptoms of dehydration include: > Sweating > Fatigue and weakness > Dry mouth and increased thirst > Dizziness, headaches and muscle cramping > Poor mental and physical performance It is often better to drink small amounts of fluids often rather than large amounts of fluid at one time.

LONG-SLEEVED SHIRTS AND SUNSCREEN ARE ESSENTIAL TO AVOID SUNBURN WHEN WORKING OUTSIDE AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

I D E A S

DURING HOT WEATHER, WORKERS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO DRINK A CUP OF WATER EVERY 15 TO 20 MINUTES

WORKING IN THE HEAT Working outdoors in hot weather or where heat is generated as part of work can result in heat illness.

Heat illness occurs when the body cannot sufficiently cool itself and covers a range of medical conditions that can arise when the body is unable to properly cope with working in heat.

Conditions include: > Heat stroke – a life threatening condition that requires immediate first aid and medical attention > Fainting > Heat exhaustion and cramps > Rashes (also known as prickly heat) > Heat fatigue > Worsening of pre-existing illnesses and conditions Signs and symptoms of heat illness include feeling sick, nauseous, dizzy or weak. Clumsiness, collapse and convulsions may also be experienced as a result of heat illness.

Workers with these signs or symptoms need to seek immediate medical attention.

Workplace health and safety laws require the working environment to be safe and without risks to health and safety, so far as is reasonably practicable. This applies to any risk to health and safety, including illness from working in heat.

Identifying heat illness hazards Key risk factors that need to be taken into account are: > Air temperature > Humidity > Radiant heat (from the sun or other sources such as furnaces or ovens) > Air movement or wind speed > Workload (nature of the work and duration) > Physical fitness of the worker (including any pre-existing conditions eg overweight, heart/ circulatory diseases, skin diseases or use of certain medicines) Preventing heat illness The risk of heat illness can be minimised by modifying workload and measures including: > Rescheduling work so hot tasks are performed during the cooler part of the day > Doing the work at a different location > Providing extra rest breaks in a cool area > Using mechanical

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL The holiday period means warm summer weather and more parties, BBQs and gatherings with friends and family.

The festive season is a time for celebration but it is important to be mindful of safe alcohol consumption.

According to Incolink, research has shown that during summer or the warmer months there is a dramatic increase in the consumption of alcohol in the general community. This trend is also reflected in the construction industry.

After a long, hot day at work, one of the worst things that you can do to quench your thirst is to drink alcohol because your body is already dehydrated due to perspiration. When this is combined with the rapid ingestion of alcohol, your blood alcohol level increases quickly.

On average, a healthy liver can only process one standard drink of alcohol per hour. Drinking more than this means that alcohol builds up in the bloodstream and your ability to function normally will be affected.

A stubby or can of full strength beer is actually more than one standard drink!

Incolink offers the following tips for being safe while consuming alcohol… > Quench your thirst with water before you start to consume alcohol. > Limit the amount of alcoholic drinks you consume per hour. > Think of yourself as an individual an only drink as much as you decide is appropriate. Try to avoid getting involved in ‘shouts’. > Do think about the possible consequences associated with your drinking. > Plan ahead for your drinking session and try to eliminate as many risks as possible.

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master plumbers membership

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR BUSINESS As a member of the Master Plumbers Association, you can take advantage of a range of training, services and assistance that will benefit your business.

EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

BUSINESS TOOLS AND SERVICES

As an employer you have legal responsibilities to your workers and contractors. Members can access employment and workplace relations advice from our dedicated IR advisory team who can provide you with information on everything from conditions of employment and wage rates, to assistance with awards, collective agreements and disputes.

Running your own business can be challenging and Master Plumbers is here to help with a range of services, including access to advice and assistance on OHS, business issues, insurance and much more. We also have a full range of business tools and resources including contract books, labour rate calculators, stationery and more.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

COMMERCIAL BENEFITS

Training is an investment in the future of your business, adding value, expanding your skill base and introducing you to new products and technologies. As a Master Plumber member you have access to a wide range of industry, technical, business, environmental and OHS training courses. All courses are delivered at the state-of-the-art PICAC training centre in Brunswick, Melbourne.

We work hard to source the best value for our members who can take advantage of great savings and exclusive offers with a variety of suppliers. Get more out of your business with exclusive savings on vehicle and fuel purchases, banking products and services, insurance, business coaching, workwear and safety products and much more.

To find out more about the benefits of becoming a Master Plumber, contact our Membership Services team on 1800 133 871.

MASTERING WORKPLACE RELATIONS

>

apprentice employment

In this series, Sharon Kraemer (Master Plumbers Workplace Relations Adviser) explores various elements of Australian workplace law and how to effectively manage risk in your business.

Continued apprentice employment, training and development is essential for the survival of businesses and our industry, however apprentice employment presents a unique employment relationship.

Unlike ordinary employment relationships, when an employer engages an apprentice a situation will arise in which there are two separate but related contracts operating simultaneously. Each of these contracts will impact differently on the relationship between the employer and the apprentice.

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT The employment relationship will be similar to other employment contracts as terms and conditions of employment such as remuneration, hours of work and leave entitlements will be managed in accordance with Commonwealth laws. However, it is assumed that the apprentice contract of employment will be for a fixed-term, i.e. the employment will terminate when the training contract expires.

TRAINING CONTRACT The training contract is regulated by relevant state-based legislation and regulatory bodies, e.g. Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Victoria – Higher Education and Skills Unit.

It is essential that the training contract is signed by the employer and the apprentice within 14 days of the apprentice commencing employment.

This process must be completed through an approved Australian Apprenticeship Centre.

The employer will receive notification of registration of the training contract (including the nominal expiration date) from the state-based training authority.

Employers should always retain a copy of the training contract on the apprentice’s employee file.

AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICESHIP CENTRES Australian Apprenticeship Centres are contracted by the Commonwealth government to provide information and administrative support in relation to training contracts. Apprenticeships centres coordinate the completion and lodgement of the training contract and provide information on training incentives available to employers and trainees.

Apprenticeship centres are not empowered to advise or assist in relation to terms and conditions of employment, performance management or termination of the training contract.

APPRENTICE TRAINING AND TRADE QUALIFICATIONS In most cases the apprenticeship training contract (also known as apprenticeship or indentures) will be for a nominal period of four years of full-time employment1. Where the apprentice successfully completes the formal and informal requirements of the training contract, he/she will receive a trade qualification.

The formal training component is completed via a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE, and upon completion the apprentice will be issued with a Statement of Attainment.

Employers are required to release apprentices to attend the RTO during ordinary working hours (day or block release) without loss of pay. Subject to evidence of payment and satisfactory completion, the apprentice will also be entitled to reimbursement of course fees.2

Informal training requires the apprentice to complete a specified number of ‘on-the-job’ hours of work under the supervision or training of a qualified tradesperson.

Upon satisfaction of all training requirements, the apprentice will be issued with a trade qualification, often referred to as ‘Journey-mans’ or ‘Ticket’. The trade qualification must be presented to the relevant state-based industry regulator, e.g. Plumbing Industry Commission, Victoria, when applying for registration3 as a tradesperson.

SUSPENSION OR EXTENSION OF TRAINING CONTRACT There may be circumstances where the training contract can be suspended, including extended absences. In this circumstance, the employer should seek advice and assistance from the training authority. Any suspension will extend the expiration date of the training contract and must be formally approved.

E.g. The training contract commences on 3 January 2009 and is due to expire on 2 January 2013 (four years). The apprentice is unable to attend work for three months due to a broken leg incurred as a result of a sporting incident.

The apprentice will be entitled to paid/unpaid personal (sick) leave.

The employer notifies the training authority of the extended absence.

The training contract is amended to include a new expiration date of 2 April 2013.

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MASTERING WORKPLACE RELATIONS CONTINUED

>

TERMINATION OF THE TRAINING CONTRACT

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Either party may initiate termination of the training contract within the first three (3) months of employment (probationary/trial period4). Alternatively, employment will occur at the expiration of the training contract. Employment beyond the expiration of the training contract will be at the discretion of the employer and should be managed in the same way as ordinary employment.

Where the employment will be terminated during the probationary period or on the expiration of the training contract, notice of termination will be given in accordance with the relevant employment law.

Termination (for any reason) after the probationary period and before the expiration date, must be through mutual consent. It is strongly recommended that employers seek the early assistance and involvement of the state training authority in relation to performance or conduct issues, including attendance and performance at trade school.

Employers must satisfy the terms and conditions of employment applicable to apprentices as specified by employment laws and regulations, including the Modern Award or enterprise agreement relevant to the employer. Always check your obligations in relation to hours of work, overtime, leave entitlements, superannuation, wages and allowances.

Employers engaged in the plumbing industry will also have an obligation to register each apprentice and report on the hours of work to the state-based portable long service leave fund (E.g. CoInvest, Victoria).

A written contract of employment is recommended in all circumstances, containing a summary of key conditions of employment including the requirement to comply with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and rules of the employer that may apply during the course of employment duties.

As a minimum, the apprentice must be advised, in writing, of the type of employment and the classification.

Under the terms of the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2010 special wages provision exist for apprentices who are aged 21 years+ (adult apprentices) when they commence employment with each employer. These rates can be substantially higher than for other apprentices. Additionally the Award includes restriction on reductions in pay where an existing employee transitions to an apprenticeship.

Apprentices employed within the plumbing industry are currently paid in accordance with a time-based wages progression which is assessed by progress through the training contract.

To determine the correct wage rate, the employer should use the end date of the training contract and work backwards.

E.g. The training contract commenced on 15 April 2010 and is due to expire on 2 January 2013.

On 3 January 2012, the apprentice will be in his/her 4th year and will be entitled 4th year wage rates.

On 3 January 2011, the apprentice will be in his/her 3rd year and will be entitled to 3rd year wage rates.

On this basis, the apprentice will have commence employment as a 2nd year apprentice

PRE EMPLOYMENT In addition to standard pre-employment procedures including verification of identity and reference checking, before offering employment, employers should always ascertain the applicant’s date of birth and all previous industry experience for which the applicant will seek credit as both of these factors may impact on the wage rates that will be applicable to the employee.

Notes: 1 The term of the training contract may be shortened by previous experience in the industry (including previous apprenticeship service or pre-vocational training).

3 The employer is liable for one payment per unit of study.

3 Additional registration requirements may need to be satisfied including competency assessments, dependant on the regulator.

4 There are no provisions to extend the probationary period of the training contract.

Master Plumbers’ members can access information, advice and resources relating to workplace relations. Our dedicated Workplace Relations Adviser can help you clarify your obligations in relation to terms and conditions of employment, wages, entitlements and other matters. Contact Sharon Kraemer on 03 9329 9622 or 1800 133 871.

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TRAINING

news A GATEWAY INTO THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY Master Plumbers has partnered with the University of Ballarat and industry stakeholders to deliver Certificate II in Plumbing (Preapprenticeship) at PICAC, the plumbing industry’s world class training facility, in Brunswick.

Preapprenticeship training aims to introduce learners to plumbing and provides industry knowledge, workplace exposure and hands-on experience.

Participants gain basic skills that make them more attractive to prospective employers and have the chance to decide if plumbing p g is the right g career choice for them.

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The first preapprenticeship course kicked off at PICAC in September with 12 learners taking part in the 14 week full-time course.

Preapprentices learn about the various types of plumbing and are given a general introduction into a number of streams including general plumbing, roofing, drainage and gas.

Course work is a combination of practical hands-on work, theory (including mathematics and reading) and work experience placement.

Set within the grounds of the worldclass Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC), the purpose-built preapprenticeship facility includes a sand-pit that allows learners to practice setting gradients, laying pipes and pipeline sizing. Learners also have access to other areas of the facility, which provides training in the latest sustainable plumbing products and technologies.

Teacher Steve Le Tisser says the inaugural preapprenticeship training course is proving to be very successful, with all the learners demonstrating their engagement and commitment to training.

“This course is a fantastic opportunity for these guys,” says Steve.

“It’s a prelude to an apprenticeship and career in the plumbing industry. It’s also a great kick start for them and the outcomes for them – in terms of career opportunities – will be overwhelming.

“The key skills we teach them include hand skills and coordination and a lot of forward thinking and problem solving – so there are real life skills being learned. They seem to really enjoy the practical side of things and enjoy seeing how thing are put together and the way they work.

“The boys are fully committed to the course and d are gaining i i confidence fid and d showing great improvement,” he added.

Zac Bersey, 18, was working in roof tiling before making the switch to plumbing.

“I’ve got a few friends who work in the industry and this was a great course to get into; the teachers and facilities are great, the work is interesting and there are great people in the class,” he said.

Zac has been enjoying the course and finds the course work and topics engaging, saying: “We’ve been learning about drainage, working with sheet metal, welding and gas systems.

The work we do on pipe systems is also pretty interesting.”

Jack Robb, 20, plans to get an apprenticeship and eventually become a qualified plumber who “works in gas or water.”

“I had tried mechanics and fitting, but they weren’t for me. My dad suggested I give plumbing a try and so here I am.”

“The facilities are great and I really like the people in my class. I enjoy the work and doing the stuff with trenches is pretty good,” says Jack.

The current preapprenticeship course includes a two week work experience placement. Learners have been placed with contractors around Melbourne that will provide them with exposure to various sectors of the plumbing industry, including small businesses, large commercial companies and mechanical service contractors.

Cameron Mcarthur, M 19, is interested in i mechanical h i services and says, “I’m definitely enjoying the majority of the work. It’s all pretty interesting with lots of new stuff to do and learn,” says Cameron.

“Steve has been a great teacher and has done really well managing all our different skill and knowledge levels.

“Also, the facility is great – it’s all new and we’ve got that nice great big sandpit to play around in. I’d definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in plumbing,” he added.

Master Plumbers will be running another preapprenticeship course in 2013.

Find out more To find out more contact PICAC on 03 9356 8902 or email training@plumber.com.au

GREENPLUMBER TRAINING FOR APPRENTICES – LAST CHANCE TO TRAIN FOR FREE! Over 400 apprentices have completed one or more green plumber training programs as part of the Green Skills for Trades project since April 2011.

The next generation of plumbers is taking environmental sustainability very seriously and want to develop their understanding of emerging technologies.

Green Skills for Trades will continue in the first half of 2013.

The project provides free green training to apprentices at PICAC during single day courses, evening courses or the fast track ‘block’ program (seven courses in five days). We are also working with a number of TAFE partners to offer the green plumbing training to apprentices on campus as a value add to their apprenticeship qualification. Check with us to see if your TAFE is involved – or better still, ask your TAFE. The feedback from apprentices who have completed training has been very positive; many apprentices have encouraged their mates (and the odd boss) to attend as well. However we know we have many more apprentices to train, book in before July 2013 to train for free!

To find out more, contact PICAC on (03) 3956 8902 or visit www.plumber.com.au

FRngEfE or all

traini entices appr

A preapprenticeship is a prelude to an apprenticeship and career in the plumbing industry. It’s also a great kick start in terms of career opportunities.

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AUSTRALIA IN THE ASIAN CENTURY

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ASIA WILL SOON BE HOME TO THE MAJORITY OF THE WORLD’S MIDDLE CLASS

Robin Mellon, Executive Director of Advocacy at the Green Building Council of Australia discusses water efficiency measures across the Asia Pacific region.

Each year, around 44 million people in Asia – roughly double the population of Australia – leave their rural homes in search of opportunities in cities.

The scale and pace of urbanisation is just one of the opportunities identified by the Australian Government in its recently-released ‘Australia in the Asian Century’ white paper.

The white paper points to the fact that Asia will soon be home to the majority of the world’s middle class, all of whom need transportation, infrastructure, housing and utilities – and, crucially, access to clean, drinkable water.

Asia is already a water-scarce region, and the white paper argues that the complexity and scale of the region’s water challenges are set to increase as populations expand, diets change and lifestyles become more consumeroriented. In many parts of Asia, water quality is already poor – and it’s expected to get worse. More than half of the water in China’s Hai River basin is classified as ‘non-usable’. The Ganges and Yellow rivers are unfit for agriculture. Fifty of the Philippines’ 412 rivers are considered ‘dead’. In Indonesia, the seven sources of water that serve the nation’s capital, Jakarta, are heavily polluted.

While water efficiency measures across the Asia Pacific region have resulted in a modest one per cent improvement year on year, water demand in countries such as India and China could outstrip supply by 50 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively, by 2030. The implications for the region’s food and energy

production, the natural environment, and the health and wellbeing of its people will be far-reaching.

As water scarcity is set to increase, Australia can take a leadership role in promoting water efficiency, harvesting and recycling capabilities. As a ‘young’ country, Australia is far more used to managing scarcity than managing abundance, especially when it comes to water. Water-efficient buildings will play a vital role in any strategy to reduce consumption of this precious resource.

We now have more than 500 case studies of building projects around Australia that have achieved Green Star ratings and have independent verification that they meet best practice (or above) benchmarks for environmentally sustainable design and construction.

At Sydney Water’s headquarters in Parramatta, for instance, 60 per cent less potable water is consumed than at a comparable standard-practice building. The project has achieved the ‘trifecta’ of 5 Star Green Star ratings for Office Design, As Built and Interiors for a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives, including an onsite blackwater treatment system, which recycles the building’s waste water.

The system can produce up to 41,000 litres of recycled water each day to supply a range of non-potable uses including toilet-flushing and landscape irrigation. This equates to nearly six Olympic-sized swimming pools full of water each year.

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Water consumption is further reduced by the water-efficient fixtures that have been implemented throughout the building, including 6 Star WELS-rated urinals and 4 Star WELS-rated toilets and taps.

At Monash University’s Briggs and Jackomos Hall, the first project in Australia to achieve 5 Star Green Star – Multi Unit Residential As Built v1 certification, the solar pre-heat systems installed on the roofs of the two apartment buildings are capable of reducing the annual demand for hot water by five per cent, while 5 Star WELS-rated taps and 3 Star WELS-rated showers also reduce potable water consumption.

Furthermore, 100 per cent of the buildings’ non-potable water demand, including laundries, toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, is met through a combination of rainwater harvesting, fire test water reuse and greywater recycling, significantly reducing the development’s impact.

The Briggs and Jackomos project is an outstanding example of how Australian innovation is improving water quality – just the skills to export overseas.

Monash University was awarded a Green Star ‘Innovation’ point for exceeding the benchmarks of the Green Star ‘Watercourse Pollution’

credit. Prior to the Halls’ construction, external stormwater from surrounding areas received little treatment before being discharged to the small lake located at the rear of the development.

A holistic approach to water management has facilitated a significant reduction to peak stormwater flows and improvements to the quality of water discharged to the waterways surrounding the site.

Australia’s property and construction industry has a well-deserved international reputation for its sustainability skills. We’ve taken a leadership role in the World Green Building Council, and currently mentor green building councils in a number of Asian nations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong.

As the Chief Executive Officer of the World Green Building Council, Jane Henley, says: “Australia was one of the world’s earliest adopters of green building practices – and that leadership is evident today. Certainly, the GBCA’s international reputation has helped Australian companies to position themselves as leaders in the global green building market.”

Of course, the knowledge-sharing will not be one way. Many developing nations within the region have made a commitment to green buildings.

They have established green building councils, and are setting green building targets and mandates.

There are great opportunities for Australia to learn from how China is managing its water resources in its eco-cities; from how Singapore’s ’10% Challenge’ is encouraging hotels, schools, commercial and government office buildings to save 10 per cent of their monthly water consumption; and how India is aiming to halve water consumption in its ‘special economic zones’ with a custom-built environmental rating tool.

Certainly, exporting our skills and knowledge – particularly in burgeoning fields such as sustainability – can help us to create more prosperous and resilient communities in both Asia and Australia. But before we export our skills, we must ensure our environmental assets are managed sustainably, and that we can demonstrate that our buildings and cities are among the world’s most sustainable.

A sustainable, productive, liveable built environment – one which conserves our water assets – will ensure Australians are able to take advantage of the opportunities presented in the Asian century.

AUSTRALIA CAN TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN PROMOTING WATER EFFICIENCY, HARVESTING AND RECYCLING CAPABILITIES

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

Master Plumbers Member Benefits Program

Summer benefits for members

Accommodation deals

Entertainment and leisure

Save up to 15% off online bookings through HotelClub, with a selection of 74,000 hotels worldwide. If you’re travelling locally, save 10% off Best Western hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Receive discounted entry or percentage off bookings at hundreds of entertainment providers across Australia and New Zealand.

Choose from river cruises, golf, scuba diving, wildlife sanctuaries and more.

Airline lounge memberships

Online Shopping

Access exclusive corporate rates for Virgin Australia and Qantas Club airline lounges and save hundreds off the cost of your membership.

Enquire today on 1300 853 352 to learn more about the range of options.

Enjoy a range of great shopping benefits, including an 8% discount on on over 2,500 newspaper and magazine titles, 5% off over 10,000 products from DealsDirect and a 5% discount on a variety of gift cards.

What is the Master Plumbers Member Benefits Program?

John Smith Company Name 123456 EXP: 00/00

Master Plumbers has recently teamed up with Member Advantage to expand the range of benefits available to members. You can now access discounts and savings on a variety of products and services, including shopping, travel, entertainment and insurance!

For more information, call Member Advantage on 1300 853 352 or visit www.memberadvantage.com.au/masterplumbers * Terms and conditions apply. Please see the Member Advantage website for full details.

IS YOUR INSURANCE

SUB-PAR? FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF YOUR BUSINESS, ENSURE YOUR SUBBIES ARE COVERED.

A while ago, we told you about the financial impact your business may suffer, if not adequately insured for Public Liability claims.

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Although it’s vital for registered plumbers to be insured, it’s also important to ensure that any subcontractors that complete work on your behalf have their own current Public Liability Policy, even if working on a part-time or casual basis.

If you, as a licensed plumber, are hiring or engaging sub contractors, you should encourage them to take the steps necessary to be adequately covered against liability claims.

As a business owner, this should be considered as a vital part of your risk management strategy.

Below are some further steps you can take when engaging in sub contractors, in order to minimise the exposure to your business: > As receipt of cover placed, ensure you sight a Certificate of Currency.

An invoice will not count as proof of cover; it pays to have a Certificate documented which details the length of cover, in the event of a claim. > Wherever possible, engage in written contractual agreements between the licensed plumber and subcontractor. > Make sure you declare to your insurer that you are using sub contractors.

As accurately as possible, provide details of the kind of work they are undergoing, and all estimated payments.

Should your sub contractors require Public Liability insurance, contact Marsh on 1300 300 511

WHY DO I NEED COVER FOR MY TOOLS? Your tools are an important part of your work, so have you considered what you’d do if they were lost or stolen?

The work you can perform will be limited, and there’d be potential loss of business productivity which means you could suffer financial loss.

Insuring your tools means that you will be covered for their value should they be lost or stolen, therefore reducing your chance of lost productivity.

Marsh offers competitive pricing on public liability and tools cover for plumbers. For more information about how we can assist with your insurance requirements, contact a Marsh representative to discuss your individual needs.

To find out more about Marsh products or services, call 1300 300 511 or email mpib.australia@marsh.com

DISCLAIMER Statements concerning legal matters should be understood to be general observations based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and should not be relied upon as legal advice, which we are not authorized to provide. All such matters should be reviewed with your own qualified legal advisors.

Marsh Pty Ltd (ABN 86 004 651 512 AFSL 238983) trading as Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust) (“MPIB”) arrange the insurance and is not the insurer. The insurance solutions referred to in this article are underwritten by various insurers. When arranging insurance for you Marsh Pty Ltd will disclose to you the insurer and the basis upon which it acts. The MPIB name is owned by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) and used under licence by Marsh. MPMSAA receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by MPIB, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry. This article contains general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of insurance cover and before deciding whether a policy suits your needs please refer to the specific policy document or Product Disclosure Statement which is available from Marsh Pty Ltd. 12/0115 Copyright Marsh Pty Ltd, 2012

marsh.com.au

UNDERSTANDING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF PLUMBERS IS OUR BUSINESS. Marsh Pty Ltd, trading as Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust), has been operating in the plumbing industry for over 10 years. We have been working closely with Master Plumbers to provide insurance solutions tailored to the plumbing industry.

For your insurance needs, contact Marsh, the preferred insurance broker to Master Plumbers & Mechanical Services Association of Australia.

For obligation-free quote, call 1300 300 511 or email mpib.australia@marsh.com Marsh Pty Ltd (ABN 86 004 651512 AFSL 238983) trading as Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust) (“MPIB”) arranges this insurance and is not the insurer. The MPIB name is owned by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) and used under licence by Marsh. MPMSAA receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by MPIB, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry. This ad contains general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For further information about Marsh, visit www.marsh.com.au. 11/0204

Partnering for impactSM Marsh is one of the Marsh & McLennan Companies, together with Guy Carpenter, Mercer, and Oliver Wyman.

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PRODUCT

news UNICO AIR CONDITIONER

GRUNDFOS WEBSITE REDESIGN ENHANCES THE USER EXPERIENCE

Finally, an air-conditioner that comes with no outdoor unit. With the Olimpia Splendid Unico the outdoor compressor is completely eliminated, yes that’s right the all new Italian designed and manufactured Unico is the first fixed air-conditioner without the outdoor unit.

Climate control now comes without external pipework or condensers and makes installation a breeze.

The Unico comes with both inverter and fixed speed technology enabling it to deliver great performance. With the capability of delivering cool clean air in summer and warm fresh air in winter the Unico is perfect for any aspect of climate control. One of the Unico’s other great benefits is it’s extremely silent making it ideal for bedrooms.

For more detailed information on the unique Unico contact Noirot Australia on 03 9563 2778

Grundfos Pumps Australia has launched a new look website providing visitors with a refreshing online experience and a central hub for all pump and application information.

The website now features enhanced search functionality, improved selection tools and access to a variety of case studies from around the world. It aims to enhance the user experience with an updated look and feel.

The redesign features a new bold scrolling bar at the top of the page, new branding and more intuitive navigational tools. Amongst all the new improvements on the site, one very long-time favourite tool remains.

WebCAPS, Grundfos’ online computer aided product selection tool and technical catalogue, is still a key feature of the Grundfos website The two most significant improvements of the site are the ‘Find Product’ function and ‘Search’ tool, which have both proven popular with online visitors.

The ‘Find Product’ function allows users to simply and intelligently search for pumps by specifying an industry and application, while the user-friendly ‘Search’ function provides results based on users’ key word searches.

Visit the new website today at www.grundfos.com.au

WINNING JETTER UPGRADE Australian Pump, in consultation with plumbers around the country, has released a new range of Aussie drain cleaning jetters that feature 4,300 and 5000 psi performance.

Called the Aussie Cobras, the machines are a further development of the popular Aussie jetters that have led the drain cleaning revolution in Australia and are now conquering new markets in Africa and Asia.

Designed and built in Australia, the new machines unblock drains fast regardless of whether the blockage is caused by congealed waste or chokes used by tree roots. At the heart of the system is the new series of Italian ‘Big Berty’ Bertolini, heavy duty triplex pumps. The pumps, backed by a manufacturer’s three year warranty, feature a huge flow of 21.5 litres per minute. This flow, when combined with pressures up to 5000 psi, flush out obstacles fast.

Power is provided by the new more powerful series of Honda industrial twin cylinder engines with electric start, low oil alert and low oil cut out system built in as standard. All Honda GX series engines are backed with the worldwide Honda three year warranty and supported by an extensive Honda dealer network.

The jetters are enclosed in a new design heavy duty steel, galvanised, alvanised, slim line full frame. It includes an integrated stainless steel brake tank, a support shelf for the 11 litre fuel tank and is still compact enough to fit through conventional domestic doorways. s.

Further information n is available from Australian Pump Industries.

LUKE MCKEOWN FROM STATUS FLOW PLUMBING NG SHOWS OFF HIS NEW AUSSIE JETTER

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

An Australian Tradition just got re-invented

Introducing Faster, Smarter Copper Connections

www.kembla.com.au

www.cranecopper.com.au

www.copper.com.au Follow us on www.twitter.com/copperlife

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PRODUCT

news MANIA: 30 YEARS IN THE AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY

FAST COPPER STILL NEEDS TRAINED PLUMBERS

With manufacture jobs going offshore by the day, Mania Group Australia are bringing some back with the announcement that its Plumberlink exclusive brand Roo-Pex will now be produced in its Perth factory.

This will be accompanied by Australian standards of manufacture and quality control, by its existing team of machinists and some new recruits who also specialise in this field and have worked extensively locally and throughout Europe.

Mania National (now Mania Group Australia) was a pioneer in plumbing manufacture throughout the 80’s and 90’s, launching and supplying to this day some industry leading products (under various brand names).

Going from a 50 person welding and machine shop, to the 10 person team today was inevitable given the import revolution at the turn of the century.

But being manufacturers at heart, with a fully accredited NATA accredited laboratory onsite in Plumbing Testing Laboratory, Manias via Plumberlink has extensively consulted with its base of plumbers across the last 12 months.

The message kept coming back loud and clear: quality, consistency, price.

Supplying the plumbers direct from the manufacturer/importer takes care of the price aspect (including a nice margin for the plumber) but to deliver quality and consistency relying on imported product from a far away land can be another story.

The solution? Manufacture back in Australia, by Australians and back the product locally.

Roo – Pex Australian Made will be launched from January 2013, but forward orders have already commenced in droves for this outstanding product that you can proudly tell your customer is Aussie made, Aussie supplied, Aussie backed.

Press Fit jointing is fast but they rely on plumbers to make the right connections says John Fennell.

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

While Press Fit copper solutions from either Crane or Kembla have lots of quick benefits, some background knowledge is vital.

For a start Water and Gas require their own specific fittings and they’re not inter-changeable. It’s also smart to plan ahead to make sure you have all the fittings needed for the job.

The jaw sizes for all jobs up to 50mm should be clean and free from any copper build-up, while for the larger sizes, Press tool plus rings and actuator will also be needed.

Site circumstances should be assessed in advance especially to make sure that access for the press tool in tight situations is possible and that good, effective pressing will be possible.

You should always inspect any work to make sure all joints have been pressed and there’s full engagement of the fitting to insertion depth. Pressure testing should then be carried out.

For Water installations a Plumbers Licence is required to work with Press-Fit systems. For Gas installations a Gas- Fitters Licence, plus specific product training and accreditation is required.

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RS

For information on Crane, visit www.crane.com.au or to find out more on Kembla, visit www.kembla.com.au

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BILLABLE TIME 5HRS

BILLABLE TIME 6HRS

+20%

JOB TRAVEL ADMIN TRAVEL

JOB TRAVEL ADMIN TRAVEL

PRODUCT

news QUALITY OR VALUE?

When buying your trade or plumbing supplies, do you find yourself torn between the best price and the quality of the product? At the Plumbers Spot, you can have both!

The Plumbers Spot is a new online store, focussed entirely on selling plumbing and trade supplies to the tradies of Australia. We believe that tradies should be able to buy quality discounted supplies – we offer true trade prices by cutting out the retail side of the plumbing supplies industry.

The Plumbers Spot offers a vast range of trade supplies with an impressive list of reputable international and Australian suppliers to help deliver our promise to the plumbers Australiawide, and this list will continue to grow.

The steady growth and development of The Plumbers Spot will increase the benefits and discount prices that tradies will receive.

Our promise is to look after plumbers and tradies; however, our main focus is to offer the best quality products at true trade prices.

Whether you’re after copper pipe, brassware, tapware, pumps or DWV fittings, pay a visit to www.theplumbersspot.com.au and compare our prices.

Next time you’re forced to choose between quality and value, visit The Plumbers Spot and you can have both.

STRONG GROWTH IN THE PIPELINE FOR AMYROO Following acquisition late last year by RELN Holdings, Aymroo has released a bold new look and expanded range of large bore moulded PVC fittings, all of which can be found on the brand new website www.aymroo.com.au Aymroo has been manufacturing PVC plumbing fittings in Australia for the commercial and domestic markets for over 20 years. With 24 new moulded Stormwater and DWV fittings now available, the large bore PVC plumbing fittings range is now one of the most complete on offer in Australia, and all available through your local plumbing store.

RELN Holdings Group Managing Director Nigel Nattrass sees the acquisition as one that will greatly benefit both Amyroo and RELN, bringing together as it does RELN’s industryleading capabilities in the design and manufacture of water management products and Amyroo’s expertise in the production of large bore PVC pipe fittings and connections.

"This partnership will enable the research, development and manufacturing expertise of RELN to enhance the existing Aymroo platform,’’ he said. "Aymroo will continue to supply the market with large bore polymer plumbing fittings while extending the range for both generic and customer specific applications."

MORE ON RELN RELN Holdings is an Australian owned, family business which has been trading since 1955. A multi-award winning manufacturer, Reln provides design, product development, project management and custom moulding for leading companies in the automotive, medical, packaging and agricultural industries and is widely acclaimed in industry and environmental forums.

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PRODUCT

news GO PREMIUM, GO ELITE, GO BOSCH

WORLD PLUMBING DAY ON THE WAY!

Upholding their famous tagline, “Bosch, Invented for Life”, Bosch continues its promise by recently launching their Elite Series of closed-loop solar hot water systems into the Australian market.

The Bosch Elite Series is available in 2 types of systems; a split solar system and a rooftop solar system. The Split Solar System has the storage cylinder located on the ground and the solar collectors roof-mounted. Where as, the Rooftop Solar System has both the storage cylinder and the solar collectors mounted on the roof.

When the collectors are filled with a glycol solution, these solar systems are frost resistant down to -14ºC. The Elite Series is a premium product designed for all types of the typical Australian climates, not only in frost prone areas.

Available with a gas (Split system only) or electric boosted tank, one will enjoy hot water, smaller energy bills as well as significantly help reduce CO² emissions.

In contrast, the Bosch Elite Series Rooftop Solar System utilizes the thermosiphon principle where water naturally moves upwards when heated, forcing colder water into the bottom of the collectors to be heated. In colder periods, this principle ceases to work.

Hence, a 3kw electric boost element heats the water ensuring hot water all year round.

It also has the complete system on the roof which is ideal for when space is an issue. Additionally, the heat loss between heated collectors and tank is also removed.

Both systems in the Bosch Elite Series can also be installed on flat roofs or with cyclone-resistant mounting kits.

To find out more visit www.bosch-climate.com.au or call 1300 30 70 37

Plumbing practitioners and industry bodies will come together on Tuesday, 12 March 2013 to celebrate the fourth annual World Plumbing Day. Practitioners, apprentices and plumbing industry representatives can attend breakfast events across the state, with a luncheon also held at the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre in Brunswick. The activities are being organised by the Plumbing Industry Commission in conjunction with the Centre.

World Plumbing Day is an opportunity for Victoria’s 24,000 Licensed and Registered Plumbing Practitioners and the wider community to recognise and celebrate the vital role of plumbing in ensuring a safe and healthy community.

Access to clean water supplies and basic sanitation are things many Australians take for granted, yet the World Health Organisation estimates that worldwide 1.1 billion people have no access to safe water supplies and 2.6 billion people do not have effective sanitation systems.

In the lead-up to World Plumbing Day, a range of free activities for practitioners and the public will be held to help build awareness of plumbing’s vital role in community health and safety.

The World Plumbing Council has designated 11 March as the date for World Plumbing Day each year but as that date is a public holiday in 2013 the celebrations will be held the following day, Tuesday, 12 March.

For more information on World Plumbing Day, go to www.pic.vic.gov.au

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Unite for world health! h c r a 11 M 0 13 2 For more details about celebrations and activities go to www.pic.vic.gov.au

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AUSTRALIAN WINS 2012 WPC EDUCATION AND TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP IP Mr Peter Miles, Head Teacher of Plumbing at North Sydney College TAFE AFE NSW, was awarded the 2012 WPC Education and Training Scholarship, p, valued at up to US$10,000.

Chairman of the WPC, Mr GP Russ Chaney congratulated Peter, who has a strong family background in plumbing, growing up in a plumbing family consisting of his father, uncle, brother and son-in-law.

Peter completed his apprenticeship, worked in the family business and developed a real interest in training others. He took up full time training at TAFE in 1989.

In congratulating Peter, Mr Chaney made mention that he had already been involved with plumbers from countries around the world including Zimbabwe,

Swaziland, South Africa, Iran, Persia, Fiji, India, Korea, rea, Scotland, England and Ireland and in his current role. This exposure sure had given him a better understanding of the background ground and environment in which these plumbers had been working ng and the type of work they do.

Mr Chaney went onto say that Peter had been chosen from a very strong field of applicants from across the world and also congratulated all the applicants on their excellent work and commitment to plumbing.

Peter’s personal goal is to educate plumbers in order for them to be the best that they can be. This pursuit will now take him to England and Ireland to study their training regimes and look at streamlining recognition of the respective areas of competency between each country as part of the WPC Scholarship.

IAPMO BECOMES GLOBAL PARTNER OF THE WORLDSKILLS FOUNDATION WPC Chairman, Russ Chaney has announced that his organisation IAPMO, a longtime member of the World Plumbing Council, had signed on as a Global Partner and the only USA member of the WorldSkills Foundation Board of Trustees.

The WorldSkills Foundation was established in 2010 and aims to bring together and mobilise people, organizations and communities who have a common interest in skills.

In 2004, the World Plumbing Council and WorldSkills International established a partnership with the purpose of promoting the highest standards of vocational education and training for plumbing.

AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2012

The partnership also allows the WPC Chairman to award WPC medallions to plumbing industry competitors at every WorldSkills Competition.

Mr Chaney has attended every WorldSkills Competition since St. Gallen, Switzerland in 2003, including this year’s WorldSkills London Competition where as WPC Chairman he presented 48 WPC Medallions.

IAPMO is a non-profit membership based organization that specializes in developing codes that govern the Plumbing and Mechanical Industry since 1926.

For more information about the WorldSkills Foundation, visit www.worldskillsfoundation.org To find out more about IAPMO visit www.iapmomembership.org For more WPC news and information, visit www.worldplumbing.org

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Go Premium Go Elite Go Bosch

The Bosch Elite Series is the latest solar hot water system range introduced by Bosch. Installed with a high efficiency European designed solar collector, these closed-loop systems are ideal for any types of typical Australian climates, even in areas prone to frost.

Available with a gas (split system only) or electric boosted tank, one will enjoy hot water, smaller energy bills and at the same time significantly help reduce CO² emissions. The Bosch Elite Series also has a complete system on the roof which facilitates space issues.

Features of the Bosch Elite Series: 3 Ultra light-weight aluminium frame solar collectors 3 Unique tank front cover provides neat appearance 3 Premium quality materials for durability and reliability 3 Available in Gas or Electric Boost 3 Dual connections for easy installation 3 Dual anode for longer product life 3 Flat roof and cyclone area mounting kits are also available 3 Premium warranties providing peace of mind For more information, please call 1300 30 70 37 or visit www.bosch-climate.com.au