NZ Plumber April-May 2017

REPORTING BACK FROM THE 2017 NZ PLUMBING CONFERENCE—See p33

APRIL/MAY 2017

AMENDED G12/AS1

Safe tray requirements

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER The word on building & construction

MASTER PLUMBER OF THE YEAR This year’s winner!

NEW!

TECHNICAL THEME

MARGINS VS MARK-UP Know the difference?

ALL ABOUT GAS Certs, LPG, 5601 and more

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL PGDB/MICO CPD

ROAD SHOW 2017 DEVELOPMENT 2017

Jonathan Smith Certifying Plumber Tradesman Gasfitter Journeyman Drainlayer

Details of the work this licence holder is entitled to carry out are available at www.pgdb.co.nz

TO REGISTER VISIT WWW.SKILLS.ORG.NZ/PGDB2017 OR CALL 0508 754 557

0800 101 999 | www.mico.co.nz

Plumbers CPD Handbook 2017 4.0.indd 1

Presented by

23/02/17 9:27 PM

EDITORIAL

Volume 69, Number 2 MAGAZINE TEAM CEO Greg Wallace EDITOR Beverly Sellers 03 543 2008 beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz DESIGN Sally Travis Design www.sallytravisdesign.co.nz PRINT Service Printers 258 Taranaki Street Wellington 6141 SUBSCRIPTIONS NZ Plumber is published six times a year by Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ. MPGD members receive all six editions.

Non-members can subscribe online at www.masterplumbers.org.nz

Learning for life I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I LOVE THAT quote by American poet Maya Angelou. Unlike most of the attendees at the New Zealand Plumbing Conference in April, I’m not a plumbing business owner. But I still learned a heck of a lot to take home with me.

Particularly inspirational was Gilbert Enoka’s talk on reaching your maximum potential and performance. Brought up in an orphanage, Gilbert went on to become a pivotal member of the All Blacks’ leadership team and was awarded the ONZM in 2015.

Among the six steps he put forward were to set your challenge high, have the right mindset, think clearly, nurture a sense of belonging and keep a good balance of work and fun.

I also enjoyed Lynn Harris’ workshop on managing across the generational divide. In our groups, we attempted to sum up the traditionalists, baby boomers, Gen X, Y and Z to gain a better understanding of how they think and act. Fascinating stuff.

Turn to p33 for our full report of the event and the winners from the 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Awards. Check out the Master Plumbers’ Facebook page, too, for heaps more great photos from the night.

This edition of NZ Plumber sees the start of our new technical feature topics. We begin with gas—see pages 16 to 25 for a whole range of articles on this theme. In the next edition, the focus will be on bathroom innovations. We hope you find plenty to learn…

MAILING LIST For enquiries, or to update your details: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz Non-Master Plumbers’ members with address detail changes should notify the PGD Board direct, giving their registration number licensing@pgdb.co.nz TO ADVERTISE Contact Catherine Schuster 027 839 8398 cschuster@masterplumbers.org.nz

NZ Plumber is the official magazine of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc. Contact details for the MPGD Board, Society staff and Regional Associations are available at www.masterplumbers.org.nz ©NZ Plumber 2013. Registered as a Newspaper, GPO, Wellington, ISSN 0111-4379. NZ Plumber is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved in material accepted for publication, unless initially specified otherwise.

All letters and other material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled ‘Not for Publication’. Views expressed in articles in NZ Plumber magazine are not necessarily those of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc, or of the Editor. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication, the publisher and the Editor take no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this information. Publication of advertising material implies no endorsement of either a product or service.

Beverly Sellers Editor, NZ Plumber, beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz

OVER TO YOU The best email, letter, tip or photo published on this page wins a $30 prize voucher of your choice! Do you have a picture, story or news to share? Or feedback on any of the articles you’ve read in NZ Plumber? Email the Ed: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz. Or give me a call on 03 543 2008.

No letters this edition, so we thought we’d bag the space to bring you some extra photos from the fabulous social events at the New Zealand Plumbing Conference—the Mico Welcome Night and the vintage carnival-themed Marley and Dux Fun Night.

Above left: And you thought The Joker was scary? Carnival jester, aka Mark Watkins.

Above centre, from left: From left: Mike Foote, Dave McGall and Lisa Duston at the Mico Welcome Night.

Above right, from left: Circus masters Grayson Allen, Jeff La Haye and Greg Wallace.

April/May 2017

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62

Inside this issue

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APRIL/MAY 2017

WHAT’S ON 7 Gas Industry Forum; Buildnz designex; and Master Plumbers’ training courses

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS 8

CEO Greg Wallace on the recent NZ Plumbing Conference; new membership milestones; e-learning options and Best in Brand prize

IN FOCUS 12 Boom-time challenges

Building & Construction Minister Nick Smith’s Conference address

15 Safe trays

Amendments to G12/AS1

TECHNICAL THEME: GAS 17 Working with LPG

Regulatory requirements

20 Design & certification

Certified designs and gas certs

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April/May 2017

23 At your service

The importance of regular gas appliance servicing 25 Know your 5601

Using the standard for safe, compliant installations

NUTS & BOLTS 26 Gully traps

A look at the Building Code requirements

34 At the AGM

Reporting from Master Plumbers 37 We are the champions

The NZ Plumbing Awards winners 40 All on display

Roving the trade stands

SUPPLY LINES 41 Fishing & Adventure

Hirepool becomes show sponsor

28 Tech points

Technical updates in brief

54 PGDB & Mico CPD Roadshow

The 2017 Roadshow has just kicked off

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

INDUSTRY TALK

30 Block building

A new facilities block for Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park

42 Sam’s speak

Sometimes the only reaction is… WTF!

CONFERENCE 2017 33 Networking in Nelson Fun-filled event of learning and leisure

42 Recent convictions

Fines for unauthorised work

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER REPORTING BACK FROM THE 2017 NZ PLUMBING CONFERENCE—See p33

APRIL/MAY 2017

15

AMENDED G12/AS1

Safe tray requirements

12

37

33

43 RMA changes move closer

Update on the second stage of reforms 44 Five out of six!

A Rheem Big 6 Challenge record 47 Retention money options

The two options for protecting your money 47 A common complaint

Keep communication lines open!

48 Hydrology graduates

Another successful year for the Hydrology Study Retreat

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER The word on building & construction

MASTER PLUMBER OF THE YEAR This year’s winner!

NEW!

TECHNICAL THEME

MARGINS VS MARK-UP Know the difference?

16

ALL ABOUT GAS Certs, LPG, 5601 and more

56 Cover photograph: Changes to water supply Acceptable Solution.

SMART BUSINESS

NEXT GENERATION

56 Margins vs mark-up

Understanding the difference

66 University plumbing

A unique experience for apprentices

57 Agreements & policies

Do you have them in place in your business?

70 A different way of learning

How people with dyslexia can be a bonus in the workplace

59 Got an action plan?

Seven tips from BNZ

71 Calendar boy

Apprentice Jayden ‘September’ Higgins

TIMES PAST

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

60 In conference

The first-ever Master Plumbers’ conference, in 1901

74 Two pages of products to peruse

TECH SAVVY

50 Across the ditch

New column from our Aussie cousins

62 Picture this

Using smartphones to minimise risk

INNOVATION

AROUND ASSOCIATIONS

52 Ice cold in Ngarua

How ice bank technology works fast to keep milk cool

64 Pumped and primed

Hawke’s Bay Master Plumbers get an update on the region’s water supply

AND FINALLY 77 Offcuts

Memes and media oddities 77 Dodgy Plumbing

We know you love it!

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How ready are you?

Here at Vodafone we believe in helping businesses be great today and ready for tomorrow.

So we’ve created a simple online tool to work out how ready your business is.

All you have to do is answer a handful of questions and we’ll do the rest.

Take the free Ready Business Test at vodafone.co.nz/readybusiness Be a Ready Business VOD6651

What’s on Upcoming events on the industry calendar.

Buildnz designex Date: 25-27 June 2017 Venue: ASB Showgrounds, Auckland

Bringing together building and design professionals.

Buildnz designex brings together the building, construction, design and architecture industries to network and showcase products. Visit the trade show for the latest technologies across roofing, spouting, home automation, flooring, lighting and everything needed for the trade.

The event includes innovative building solutions, a timetable of CPD sessions, and is co-located with the National Safety Show.

Register at https://www.buildnz.com

Gas NZ Industry Forum Date: 7-9 November Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo

The annual event for the upstream and downstream gas industry.

The shape of the Forum programme is likely to remain similar to that of previous years. For updates on programme details and pricing, visit the Gas New Zealand website. If you’re planning to attend, it’s worth booking your accommodation early using the form on the website.

For more information and to book, visit www.gasnz.org.nz/nz-gas-industry

Facilities Integrate Date: 27-28 September Venue: ASB Showgrounds, Auckland This trade-only event is for people who make buildings smarter, safer and more efficient, including building operators, facility managers and installers. Try and buy equipment, source suppliers, network and stay up with what’s going on for the industry via workshops and speakers.

For facility management professionals, the event will cover building management systems, energy management services, HVAC systems, maintenance supplies and technologies, and more.

For more information, go to www.facilitiesintegrate.nz

EVENTS

If you have an event you would like to promote in a future edition of NZ Plumber, please email the Ed: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz

Water New Zealand Backflow Conference 2017 Date: 3-4 August Venue: Trinity Wharf Hotel, Tauranga The Water New Zealand Backflow Group will be holding its biennial conference over two days in August. The event is aimed at backflow practitioners, territorial water utilities, regional councils and Ministry of Health water assessors. Mark the date in your diary now.

For more information, visit www.waternz.org.nz/Events

How to Work with Hazardous Substances Dates: 23 & 25 May Venues: Rotorua & Hamilton This Master Plumbers’ training course outlines the precautions you need to take to help ensure the safety of you and your staff with a range of hazardous substances, including asbestos and concrete. Targeted at all plumbers and drainlayers, it aims to give you as much information as is currently available.

For more information and to book, visit www.masterplumbers.org.nz and go to the Training menu.

Growing your Business in 2017 and Beyond Dates: 16, 18, 24 May & 1 June Venues: Hamilton, New Plymouth, Dunedin & Christchurch Gain some basic business planning skills with this Master Plumbers’ training course.

For more information and to book, visit www.masterplumbers.org.nz and go to the Training menu.

Backflow Prevention Courses Dates: July and September Venues: Auckland and Christchurch Three-day backflow prevention and one-day refresher courses are being held by Opus Education. The three-day course covers the installation, testing and inspection requirements for backflow prevention.

For more information and to book, visit www.masterplumbers.org.nz and go to the Training menu.

April/May 2017

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MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

What an event

Thanks to everyone who attended the 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.

WE FEEL SURE we’ve got the recipe right for the New Zealand Plumbing Conference, having received so many positive comments from participants at this year’s event in Nelson. So many people told us they had got great value from attending and learned something to take back to their businesses.

Our congratulations to all the finalists and award winners at the 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Awards, sponsored by Plumbing World. This is real recognition of your hard work and achievements. We particularly congratulate the team at Plumbing & Gas Works in Hamilton, who received no fewer than three awards on the night, including the supreme 2017 Master Plumber of the Year.

We are extremely grateful to the exhibitors, supporters and sponsors who make the conference possible.

We particularly thank our evening sponsors Mico, Marley and Dux and, of course, Plumbing World—our Principal Conference and Awards Sponsor.

As we heard from Building and Construction Minister Hon Nick Smith, there is work to be done with regard to New Zealand standards and

the self-certification of plumbers, and we will be advocating on behalf of members around these matters.

It was interesting to learn from the Minister’s comments that New Zealand will potentially need 4,000 more plumbers to meet demand over the next 10 years. This is double the amount we had previously thought.

Almost every member I spoke with at the conference commented on the lack of resource. More than ever before, we must grow the percentage of plumbing firms that train our apprentices or we will look back on this time as a missed opportunity.

The shortage of plumbers will become a crisis unless we address this now, so we must take advantage of the opportunities the current market is presenting us with.

As highlighted at the conference, it is essential that members and their teams meet the upskilling requirements in the Master Plumbers’ Code of Conduct.

This should be over and above the CPD training available through the PGDB. Master Plumbers’ face-to-face courses can be booked through our website and we are happy to arrange individual training needs for the regions.

During the workshop session with Master Plumbers’ HR Advisor Lisa Duston, the audience expressed an interest in having template documents

NEW MEMBERS A warm welcome to new Master Plumbers’ member businesses: • Awesome Plumbing Ltd in Auckland • Brian Rofe Plumbing in Gisborne • BJ Towers Plumbing Ltd in Taranaki • Campbell Plumbing & Gasfitting Ltd in Auckland • CLR Plumbing & Gas Ltd in Huntly • Dewaters Plumbing and Gasfitting Ltd in Christchurch • Henry's Plumbing Ltd in Palmerston North

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April/May 2017

• JG Plumbing in Auckland • Maddever Plumbing 2015 in Havelock North • MIP Plumbing Ltd in Auckland • Network Plumbing Group Ltd T/A Laser Plumbing Petone • Plumbing Today Ltd in Auckland • Wai Plumbing Ltd in Auckland • Waiheke Plumbing & Gas Ltd in Auckland

Above: The new MasterLink brand was launched at the NZ Plumbing Conference.

for recruitment and performance reviews. Members can contact Lisa for these and we will also be making them available on the website in due course.

I hope that visitors to the Industry Exhibition noticed the fresh new branding at the MasterLink stand. Our goal is to attract more young people to our trades as a great career pathway that will set them up for life.

Once again, thank you to everyone who attended, supported and sponsored this year’s conference—and we look forward to another great event in the mighty Waikato in 2018!

Greg Wallace, CEO Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ

Want to join?

Discover the business benefits of becoming a member of Master Plumbers! Contact Catherine Schuster on 027 839 8398 or email cschuster@masterplumbers.org.nz SPECIAL TWO-YEAR MEMBERSHIP DEAL AVAILABLE!

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

2017 Master Plumber of the Year

Congratulations to Plumbing and Gas Works in Hamilton—the 2017 Master Plumber of the Year.

More young people should consider a career in plumbing, says Mike Foote, General Manager of Plumbing and Gas Works in Hamilton. The company became 2017 Master Plumber of the Year at the recent NZ Plumbing Awards, held in Nelson. Mike picked up the greenstone trophy on behalf of the 12-strong team, which is led by four shareholders. He said he hoped the award would help attract more skilled young apprentices to the firm at a time when construction is booming and tradespeople are in short supply. The judges praised Plumbing & Gas Works for its professionalism, high standards of customer service and commitment to training apprentices.

Right: Mike and Nicola Foote of Plumbing & Gas Works with Master Plumbers National President Rod Miller at the 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Awards in April.

Membership milestones

Our new Membership Milestone Awards recognise loyal and long-standing members.

It was fabulous to be able to present our inaugural Membership Milestone Awards at the NZ Plumbing Conference in April.

Members of 10-year-plus standing each receive a certificate in recognition of their loyalty and support of Master Plumbers.

We don’t have room on these pages to name all businesses individually, but we particularly want to acknowledge those businesses that have been members for 60 years and more, some of whom are pictured here. They are: 60 years • G Bristol & Sons, Wanganui

• • • • •

McIvor Plumbing Ltd, Otago Park & Clarke Ltd, Wellington Pat O’Sullivan Ltd, Southland W Roper Ltd, Hutt Valley Willcox Plumbing Ltd, North Canterbury

70 years • Brockelsby Plumbing & Gasfitting Ltd, Hutt Valley • Jackson Plumbing Ltd, Southland • Mander Plumbing Ltd, Wellington • Palmers Plumbing & Heating Ltd, Wanganui 80+ years • FB Hall & Co Ltd, Waikato

Above: Mike Wilson of FB Hall & Co Ltd.

Best in Brand winner!

We had lots of great entries this edition.

It was hard to pick a winner with so many fantastic examples of how members are using the Master Plumbers’ branding on their vehicles. In the end, as Brent (Red) Cunningham of Cunningham Plumbers put it himself, “South Canterbury leads the way”! Congratulations, Red, and a $200 prize voucher on its way to you.

Get your entries in For your chance to win, send us a photo of how you’re using the Master Plumbers’ brand in your business. Email them to vprice@masterplumbers.org.nz by Monday 22 May. >

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MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

Getting the most from your Mobilcard

A reminder that you can enjoy MobilCard savings at all New World and Pak’nSave fuel sites.

Use your Master Plumbers Mobilcard to get great savings on fuel for your fleet.

Your Mobilcard is accepted at hundreds of service stations all around New Zealand, including all New World and Pak’nSave supermarkets with fuel sites.

Find Mobilcard acceptors at www. mobilfuelfinder.co.nz or download the Mobil Fuel Finder app from the App Store or Google Play for real time maps, directions and station information.

Learn it online

Operations Manager Margaret Dawson explains what e-learning is and how Master Plumbers is putting it to good use.

E-learning is electronic learning and typically means using a computer to deliver part, or all, of a course.

This style of learning is radically changing the training industry. Just some of the major benefits of e-learning are:

Breakfast at Parex

•

Valentine’s Day was celebrated in style by Parex.

Master Plumbers’ Business Development Manager Catherine Schuster was among the guests at the National Kitchen & Bathroom Association and Parex Valentine’s Breakfast on 14 February. Guests were given an update on new products for Parex, including a new accessories range for InSinkErator Food Waste Disposers, the InSinkErator NeoTank and Schweigen BR500 bathroom fan, before being treated to breakfast with bubbles and a romantic red rose to take home.

•

•

Above: At the Valentine’s breakfast.

Keeping it safe

Master Plumbers gets the big tick for health and safety.

Once again, after a great deal of energy and effort, the Master Plumbers and MasterLink teams have met tertiary level requirements for ACC Workplace Safety Management Practices (WSMP).

We’re delighted with the result, which is

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April/May 2017

effective until February 2019.

ACC has now closed the WSMP programme to further applicants, as it wants to change its focus to rewarding businesses through their levies for reducing workplace injuries and claims.

It is still developing ideas for improving its experience-rating programme, and has set up a website where people can give their feedback on workplace incentives that might drive businesses to improve their health and safety performance.

To submit your own ideas, go to www.shapeyouracc.co.nz/proposals/ workplace-incentives/

When learning materials are online, users are able to access content from anywhere and at any time. This gives flexibility and allows employees the freedom to learn at their own convenience and at a pace that is right for them.

E-learning is accessible from a desktop computer, mobile phone or tablet.

It can be a cheaper option in that it reduces any need for travel by employees attending face-to-face training.

During our recent survey on training, members were asked to indicate their preferred delivery style—and 77% said face-to-face courses. We acknowledge this preference, but we are also going to bring some e-learning opportunities to you free of charge so you can experience the benefits of this kind of learning.

The first is a video recording on gas safety, which gives a full explanation of both gas certificates and gasfitting risk levels. It is available to view at any time on the Master Plumbers website by going to the Training menu and accessing the E-Learning option.

We will have a full online, interactive course on gas installation Standard AS/NZS 5601—again accessible through the E-Learning option on the website.

Plus, we will have webinars for you to view free of charge. A webinar is an informative, instructional presentation that has been recorded and posted online. It has audio along with slides.

We encourage you to take the opportunity to experience some e-learning free of charge and give us feedback on what you think of it.

is still the answer to unequal pressure When you work on New Zealand homes that suffer from unequal hot and cold water pressure, Methven’s patented Fastflow® shower mixing technology is the right solution.

Fastflow® technology is available in the following Methven shower mixers:

AIO

MAKU

TAHI

WAIPORI

KOHA

MINIMALIST

KIRI

AROHA

FUTURA

SURFACE

CELESTE

For more information on Fastflow ® visit methven.com/fastflow

IN FOCUS

Boom-time challenges

In his conference address, Building and Construction Minister Dr Nick Smith discussed housing supply, plumber shortages and imminent proposals for Building Act reform.

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE the engine room of New Zealand’s economy yet, unlike the big players, their voice doesn’t always get heard at government level, said Building and Construction Minister Dr Nick Smith at the recent NZ Plumbing Conference.

He acknowledged the importance of lobbying organisations such as Master Plumbers in providing a voice for the sector.

Housing and infrastructure growth The plumbing industry would be feeling the pressure from the current construction boom, noted the Minister.

In his 25 years as a Member of Parliament, he could not recall a better time for economic growth. “New Zealand is doing incredibly well, which is adding to the pressures around housing and infrastructure.”

Today’s boom was different due to its breadth, he noted. “In 2004, 10 percent of the activity was commercial. Today, it’s 25 percent. There is also a record high level of investment in infrastructure.”

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The number of residential houses being built each year had also increased from 13,000 in 2011 to 30,000 today.

By 2019, the Minister expected the level of demand for registered plumbers to increase to 16,000 from the current 12,300.

This, in turn, would mean increasing the number of plumbing apprentices from 1,400 to 2,200.

“We need the support of your sector and the Tertiary Education Commission to bring more plumbers through,” he said. There was also a job to be done by the education sector in making the construction trades more attractive as a career option.

High cost of sections The biggest challenge for the

Minister was growing the supply and affordability of houses— particularly given the high cost of sections. Prices had increased enormously, with the average price of an Auckland section going from $100,000 in 1990 to the current $530,000.

According the Minister, a number of things had contributed to the price growth, including “artificial urban limits” around towns.

The Auckland Unitary Plan would see 422,000 extra houses being built over the next 25 years, with 38 percent of them outside the current urban boundary.

Proposed reforms to the Resource Management Act would create a faster planning process by introducing national planning standards, he said. Currently, councils all have their own district planning rules, some of them many thousands of pages long.

Also contributing to the high price of sections was government agencies sitting on blocks of unused land, such as former school sites. “We need to be smart about surplus land and freeing it up for homes,” said the Minister.

Plus, infrastructure was needed for land opened up for residential use. Through its Housing Infrastructure Fund, the Government would make $1 billion available to high-growth councils to help with water, sewage and roading projects, he said.

Building Act reforms A discussion document is due to be released in June on proposed reforms to the Building Act. Reforms would centre around three key elements that, according to the Minister, could not be treated in isolation: • • •

Occupational regulation Product regulation System regulation (eg, building consents).

As things stand, there are different statutes for Licensed Building Practitioners, electricians, plumbers, gasfitters and others. A consistent approach would address the various anomalies that exist, he said, such as the ability for electricians and gasfitters to self-certify, but not plumbers.

The Minister acknowledged that a greater level of certainty was needed in terms of product regulation. However, he also noted that in New Zealand’s relatively small market, it was in the public interest to get intensity of competition within the sector. “We need the pressure of internationally competitively priced product to ensure the best value for money for consumers.”

New Zealand Standards provide a level of quality assurance around products, and the Government was seeking industry input into which Standards might need updating.

Changes to building liability would also be proposed as part of the reform. Councils currently collected 2.3 percent of revenue from the average building project, said the Minister, but picked up around 60 percent of the cost of a failed project. The Government would be considering commercial incentives to produce quality, deliver innovation and improve productivity in the sector.

Hurry, places are filling up fast.

Talk to your local Plumbing World branch for more details.

CCA amendments Concluding his address, the Minister reminded the audience that amendments to the Construction Contracts Act came into effect on 1 April, requiring main contractors to hold subcontractors’ retention money in trust. “I implore the sector to get familiar with the changes,” he said. ■

Branches Nationwide. Freephone 0800 800 686 plumbingworld.co.nz

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Platinum Partners Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Platinum Partners for their support:

Gold Partners Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Gold Partners for their support:

Silver Partners Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ thanks the following Silver Partners for their support:

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IN FOCUS

Safe trays

MBIE’s Building System Performance clarifies the recent amendment to G12/AS1 relating to safe trays within household units.

BUILDING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE has been asked for clarification about the amendment to Acceptable Solution for Water Supplies G12/AS1, Paragraph 5.2.3 that was published on 1 January 2017, which will come into full effect on 1 June 2017.

When installing a storage water heater, where there was not one before, and G12/AS1 is the nominated means of complying with the Building Code, a safe tray is required with storage water heaters when installed in household units and occupancies adjoining household units.

When replacing an existing storage water heater with another storage water heater, a safe tray, while it is a good idea and will give additional protection to the homeowner from water damage, is not required.

Why are safe trays required?

Safe trays are required as a means to prevent water damage caused by storage water heaters, to household units.

Why are safe trays not required for replacement storage water heaters?

The building work of installing a storage water heater, including attaching the pipes, valves and seismic restraint, is new building work that is required to comply with the Building Code.

The work associated with the replacement of an existing storage water heater is considered an ‘alteration to an existing building’ under the Building

safe trays are required as a means to prevent water damage

buildings solely used as commercial buildings do not require safe trays

Act. The Building Act has upgrading provisions for alterations. These provisions relate to means of escape from fire—and access and facilities for people with disabilities—and that after the alteration the building will continue to comply at least to the same extent as before the building work.

In the situation where an existing storage water heater that does not have a safe tray is replaced as an alteration to an existing building, a safe tray is not required, as the building is only required to comply at least to the same extent as before the alteration.

Are there other places that safe trays are not required?

Safe trays are not required in buildings that are not household units, unless the adjoining occupancy is a household unit.

Buildings solely used as commercial buildings, such as offices or warehouses, do not require safe trays.

Safe trays are not required for nonstorage water heaters, such as underbench boilers/chillers and instantaneous water heaters.

Options for consideration for new or replacement storage water heaters where a safe tray is difficult to install Where a safe tray is difficult to install, whether in a new or replacement situation, other options can be discussed between the plumber or building designer and the owner of the building.

These can include: • • •

Locating the storage water heater outside Using instantaneous water heaters Utilising some forward planning to facilitate easy installation of the safe tray and storage water heater. ■

View or download G12/AS1 at www.building.govt.nz/building-codecompliance/g-services-and-facilities/g12water-supplies

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TECHNICAL THEME

ALL ABOUT GAS In the first of our new technical themes each edition, we take a look at gasfitting—certification, standards, servicing and LPG solutions.

In this section

17 20 23 25

16

Working with LPG Gasfitting design & certification Gas servicing Know your 5601

April/May 2017

TECHNICAL THEME

Working with LPG With LPG used in over 96,000 NZ homes, gasfitters need to have a good understanding of the regulatory requirements, says David Whitfield.

GIVEN THE POTENTIAL hazards of working with LPG, there is a fair amount of regulation around how it is used and installed.

Gasfitting starts at the outlet of the cylinder valve and includes work on fixed installations connected to cylinders of 9kg and above. For any work on larger tanks or cylinders that are liquid supplied, gasfitting begins at the outlet of the first stage regulator of the vapour phase. This does not mean you are free to do what you like, however. Your work may still be covered by: • • •

AS/NZS 1596 The storage and handling of LP Gas AS/NZS 5601 Gas installations AS/NZS 1869 Hose and hose assemblies for liquefied petroleum gases (LP Gas), natural gas and town gas.

Guidance according to cylinder capacity

If you are working on installations of less than 100kg, use the guidance in AS/NZS 5601 Gas installations. Appendix G gives a summary of the relevant requirements of AS/NZS 1596 Storage and handling of LP Gas. Also use the LPG Association’s Code of Practice for the Installation and Maintenance of Twin 45kg LPG Cylinder Systems, available at www.gasnz.org.nz (under LPG Association, About Us).

For all other installations, the regulations under HSNO Act apply.

A consolidated set of requirements can be found at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)’s website in a publication called Site and Storage Conditions for Compressed Gases. Find it at www.epa.govt.nz/Publications/gs-compressedgas-storage.pdf If you are working on installations supplied from cylinders with greater than 100kg capacity, use the LPG Association’s Code of Practice for the Installation and Maintenance of LPG MultiCylinder Systems, available at www.gasnz.org.nz Warning people of the hazardous properties on site is imperative, and part of the safety requirements of the HSNO Act. Signage is also required when total storage capacity is over 250kg.

apart and the area between each must be free of flammable or combustible materials.

A list of test certifiers is available at www.epa.govt.nz/ hazardous-substances/certifications/test-certifiers/

Cylinder access and clearance

Unless it is reticulated, LPG is delivered to homes by exchanging cylinders or filling in situ. For this reason, there are rules around the location of cylinder installations to allow for gas to be delivered safely by one person without excessive handling or risk to the customer’s property. The installation must also be designed to allow for the swapping or in situ filling of cylinders.

For example, there should be a minimum distance of 600mm between the front of the cylinder installation and other structures to allow adequate delivery access. Detailed requirements are given in Section 3 of the LPG Association's >

Location Test Certificates

For installations of 100kg or more, the gasfitter needs to speak to the LPG supplier and inform the customer that they will need to arrange for a test certifier to carry out the first inspection and issue a HSNO Location Test Certificate.

The LPG supplier can only supply the customer’s LPG if they have this certificate. It is normally issued for three years and is the customer’s responsibility.

If there is more than one building on a property and each is supplied by an installation of less than 100kg, a certificate is not required. However, the buildings must be detached, at least 5m

Above: Minimum clearance to a drain or openings into a building.

April/May 2017

17

TECHNICAL THEME

Code of Practice for the Installation and Maintenance of Twin 45kg LPG Cylinder Systems.

For quantities under 100kg, distances must be 1m from the building openings.

For quantities between 100kg and 300kg, distances must be: • 2m from the building openings; OR • within 2m of drains etc.

For more information, refer to the HSNO regulations, AS/NZS 1596 (section 4) and AS/NZS 2430.3.4 (for identification of hazardous zones and clearances from sources of ignition).

Above: Clearance of exchange cylinders from ignition sources.

Clearance from ignition sources

Particularly in a new build situation, it’s wise to notify other tradespeople of these clearances. Some installations are found to be non-compliant when heat pumps, telecom/fibre connections and pool pumps are installed within the hazardous area after the gasfitter completes his installation.

Different rules apply for clearances where an LPG installation is connected to a reticulated system with a gas meter. ■ This information is taken from the Master Plumbers’ LPG Solutions course, presented by David Whitfield. The course also covers design and installation of systems, vaporisation and LPG operations. It costs $60+GST for Master Plumbers’ members; $90+GST for non-members. More details at www.masterplumbers.org.nz (under Training).

Above: Clearance of in-situ fill cylinders from ignition sources.

About the author: David Whitfield has been involved in the gas industry for over 30 years. David has written a number of courses during his training career and has been on the Board of both the Gas and LPG Associations of New Zealand.

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April/May 2017

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Technical Details 900mm x 900mm 900mm x 1000mm

1000mm x 90 1000mm x 10

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356

135

663 337

365

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Installation Notes: • Doors are handed, denoted by the side that the handle is o • The door retracts into the enclosure - ensure the door swin • Door installation requires double studs in the wall framing.

• 8mm glass is very heavy and requires a two-person install.

• Wall retainers must be installed onto the waterproof membr

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TECHNICAL THEME

Design & certification THE GAS (SAFETY & Measurement) Regulations 2010 (GSMR) state that every person who designs, installs, tests, commissions or connects a gas installation (or part installation) must do so in accordance with any applicable certified design and whichever of the following applies: • AS/NZS 5601.1 or • AS/NZS 5601.2.

The GSMR cites which version of the Standard is acceptable for use (eg, unamended AS/NZS 5601.1:2013). If you choose to do the work according to any other standards (eg, using a newer version of 5601 that’s not cited in the regulations), the work will be acceptable for use if it conforms to a certified design.

Certified designs Any competent person can do a certified design of a gas system or installation—for example, an engineer, architect or gasfitter.

A certified design takes the responsibility for the safety of the design elements from the installer and places them on the designer.

According to the GSMR (regulation 43), the design for an installation, or part installation, is a certified design if:

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April/May 2017

• •

•

Gas design and certification are among the topics addressed by Energy Safety’s Anthony Christenhusz in a new e-learning resource.

It identifies the location or proposed location of the gas installation or part installation; and It identifies the Standards (if any) with which the proposed or actual gas installation or part installation complies, or is intended to comply; and The person who prepared the design signs and dates it.

This last point is critical. Architects’ and engineers’ spec sheets are not certified designs unless they are signed and dated.

A certified design must comply with the GSMR. In other words, it must be safe. If the gasfitter relies in good faith on the certified design, responsibility for the design falls on the designer.

However, if the gasfitter suspects that something is wrong with the design and installs it anyway, this is not acceptable. The gasfitter should go back to the designer to let them know and, if the designer doesn’t want to listen, the gasfitter should contact WorkSafe’s Energy Safety team.

Likewise, if the gasfitter doesn’t do the installation work exactly to the design, the gasfitter takes full responsibility for its safety. If you want a variation to the design, you must first get the designer to sign it off.

TECHNICAL THEME

Gasfitting certification There are three types of gasfitting certification: • Certificate of Compliance (CoC) • Gas Safety Certificate (GSC) • Certificate of Verification (CoV) Certificate of Compliance Each Certifying Gasfitter who performs, or supervises, general or high-risk gasfitting on an installation, or part installation, must issue a Certificate of Compliance after the work is done and before the gas is connected.

After issuing a CoC for high-risk work, the Certifying Gasfitter has 20 days to put the details of the work on Energy Safety’s High Risk Database. The database acts as a record of the certification, but doesn’t require same amount of detail.

If you’re not sure if work is general or high risk, there is nothing preventing you entering the details on the database.

A CoC is not required for low-risk gasfitting work, but you may choose to issue one anyway.

Before issuing a CoC, the Certifying Gasfitter must make sure: • • •

the work has been done to GSMR requirements and is safe testing has been done to GSMR requirements and any manufacturer’s instructions the work does not adversely affect the safety of any part of an existing installation.

Although the gasfitter issuing the CoC is only responsible for the safety of their own work, if there is an obvious safety issue with another gas appliance or fitting in the same property, the gasfitter can’t just turn the gas back on.

For example, if you are fitting a heater in one room and see an old heater in another room that’s covered in soot, you must do something about this before turning on the gas.

A copy of the CoC must be provided to the customer who contracted the work or, if they can’t be tracked down, the current occupier of the premises.

When carrying out gasfitting work, the manufacturers’ installation instructions may differ from AS/NZS 5601—and you can choose to use either. If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and they differ from AS/NZS 5601, the instructions

can form the basis for compliance. The safety of the part of the installation that the instructions refer to is the manufacturer's responsibility, but you must keep evidence to support this, including details of the make and model on your CoC, as well as a copy of the instructions.

You may decide to provide a link to the website where the instructions can be found, but it’s best to keep a hard copy as well in case the instructions are removed from the website at some point.

It is also a good idea to keep other documentation, such as photographs and diagrams, as added protection.

Gas Safety Certificate The person who connects the completed work to the gas (or their supervisor) must issue a Gas Safety Certificate once they are completely satisfied that the installation, or part installation, is safe to use. This applies whatever level of risk: high, low or general.

Connection is the final part of gasfitting work, and involves connecting the new part to the old part via, for example, a union or crimp—rather than actually turning the gas on.

The Certifying Gasfitter has 20 working days to issue the GSC. This means that if, for example, the CoC has been issued and a gas leak is found during the testing phase, there is time to fix it and retest.

More than one gasfitter may have been involved in the work done. Gasfitter A may have issued a CoC on completion of the gas pre-pipe work, say, and Gasfitter B for the installation of the gas water heater. The person who does the actual connection to the gas issues the GSC—and that could potentially be Gasfitter C. Before issuing a GSC, the Certifying Gasfitter must ensure the work hasn’t adversely affected any part of an existing installation.

If you are not satisfied with the safety of the work, you must disconnect the gas supply.

The person issuing the GSC can rely in good faith on another gasfitter’s CoC. However, this is not acceptable if there is something unsafe about the work done.

You may hear GSCs referred to as Energy Works Certificates, which is what the GSC represents under the Building Act 2004.

This is the only certificate a council requires for sign off.

Certificate of Verification If a client or territorial authority requests gas certification in order to get a retrospective consent for existing high-risk >

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TECHNICAL THEME

or general-risk gasfitting work, only the Certifying Gasfitter who performed, or supervised, the original work can issue the Certificate of Compliance or Gas Safety Certificate.

If that person is unable to do so (they may have died, for example), a Certificate of Verification is the way to go. This entails inspecting the work according to NZS 5255:2014 Safety of verification of existing gas installations. By signing the CoV, the Certifying Gasfitter is verifying that the work is not unsafe.

Another example of when a CoV may be used is by a landlord at the start of a tenancy agreement or by a company hiring out a caravan that contains a gas installation as a means of ensuring safety. ■

Above: Watch the free presentation on gasfitting certification and risk levels at www.masterplumbers.org.nz (under Training/E-Learning).

Preparing your own certificates There is no prescribed form for the CoC, GSC or CoV, but there are certain details that each must contain and these are given in the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations.

When issuing your CoC, for example, you might choose to include the required details with your invoice. Or, for larger jobs, you might prefer to provide your clients with the details in a dossier, along with extra information pertaining to the project.

Master Plumbers have produced template gasfitting certificates to help members comply with the GSMR (as long as they are filled out and issued correctly). These include a combined CoC/GSC, allowing for less repetition of information.

Energy Safety also have template certificates. Their combined CoC/GSC is slightly different in that it allows for CoC information from multiple gasfitters.

When issuing or storing CoCs, the Certifying Gasfitter must attach a copy of any relevant manufacturer’s instructions and certified designs. It’s also a good idea to keep other relevant support documentation, such as diagrams and annotated photographs, for added protection.

Please note that no general or high-risk work can be treated as complete until the CoC has been issued. It cannot be withheld as a way of ensuring payment. Similarly, no work is complete until the GSC is issued.

“There’s no such thing as a ‘temporary solution’ when it comes to gasfitting work. Even a short-term, emergency fix needs a GSC, whether it’s low, general or high-risk. It also needs a CoC if it is general or high risk gasfitting.”

“Always remember to sign your certificates. If you’re sending digital copies, this can be a scanned signature.

Make sure the email can be traceable to the Certifier—not an admin@ or office@ address.”

About the author: Anthony Christenhusz is Technical Officer at Energy Safety, part of WorkSafe New Zealand. Anthony is a Certifying Gasfitter and Plumber and Registered Drainlayer.

Certification timeline Required timelines for the Certifying Gasfitter.

Certificate

Task

Timeframe

Use For

CoC

Issue CoC to person who contracted the work or the occupier of the premises

On completion of the work and before connection is undertaken

General and high-risk work

CoC

Enter details of high-risk work on Energy Safety High Risk Database

Within 20 days of the work being completed

High-risk work

GSC

Issue GSC to person who contracted the work or the occupier of the premises

Within 20 days of the work being connected to the gas supply

Low, general and highrisk work

CoC

Provide copy if requested by person who contracted the work, occupier of premises, WorkSafe or TA

Within 10 working days

General and high-risk work

GSC

Provide copy if requested by person who contracted the work, occupier of premises, WorkSafe or TA

Within 7 working days

Low, general and highrisk work

Combined CoC/GSC

Provide copy if requested by person who contracted the work, occupier of premises, WorkSafe or TA

Within 7 working days

General and high-risk work

CoC, GSC, CoV

Store certificates

7 years

As applicable

22

April/May 2017

At your service

TECHNICAL THEME

Stephen Parslow of Rheem NZ explains the importance of regular gas appliance servicing.

MODERN GAS APPLIANCES are designed to be inherently safe, perform efficiently and give many years of reliable service. Of course, like anything else, gas appliances need to be installed correctly and maintained at regular intervals to ensure this is the case. Service intervals vary depending on appliance type and use, but typically will be every one to two years.

Over time, through normal use, a gas appliance will gather dust and contaminates as air for combustion is drawn in. This will affect the aeration of the burner and the efficiency of the appliance. Without any intervention, the burner can produce a yellow flame, the formation of soot in and around the appliance, and carbon monoxide. Flameeffect gas fires are designed to burn with a luminous flame for a more realistic appearance, making early warning signs of

poor combustion less obvious.

Carbon monoxide can be deadly and early signs should not be ignored. Danger signs may include an unpleasant odour similar to car exhaust and, if the appliance is indoors, occupants may feel unwell with flu type symptoms and watery eyes. The appliance should be turned off immediately and arrangements made for a registered gasfitter to check the installation.

A service visit should include checking the correct operation and termination of flue systems and ensuring any ventilation is not blocked or restricted. Appliance checks should include identifying correct inlet gas pressure, burner pressure, the operation of any safety devices, inspecting and cleaning the burners and any air or water filters.

LPG installations should be inspected to ensure the changeover regulator and

flexible pigtails are in good condition and in working order. It is recommended that pigtails be replaced after six years from date of manufacture.

The regulator should be installed above the height of the cylinder valves and incorporate a condensate trap immediately after the regulator. Condensate traps should be emptied at least every two years or whenever work is carried out on the gas installation.

Regular servicing should be emphasised when installing an appliance, to ensure safe, reliable operation and to ensure that the maximum life of the appliance is achieved. ■ About the author: Stephen Parslow is Rheem New Zealand’s Technical and Training Officer.

A qualified gasfitter, Stephen has over 35 years’ experience in the industry.

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23

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Know your 5601

TECHNICAL THEME

Do you know how to use AS/NZS 5601 to prepare and perform safe, compliant gas installations? David Whitfield explains.

CAN YOU ANSWER yes to any of the following?

• I design, install or commission gas installations • These installations are intended for use with fuel gases • My work is downstream of: - The consumer billing meter; or - The cylinder valve on a fixed installation on a site where LPG cylinders are installed; or - The first regulator on a site where LPG gas is reticulated from storage off site and no meter is installed • A gas supply pressure of less than 700kPa applies to my work.

If you can, you must comply with gas installation Standard AS/NZS 5601.

This Standard has been developed by the industry to set consistent standards for gasfitting work. It is split into two parts: Part 1 for general installations and Part 2 for LPG installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes.

Both parts are broken into sections, some of which are informative and some mandatory. You need to comply with the mandatory sections to meet your responsibilities under the Gas Act and Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations.

Part of your toolkit

5601 applies throughout gas installation work—from verifying the gas supply and pipe sizing to testing the installation and doing the actual installation. It’s sensible to have access to a copy while completing the job.

Working out what is acceptable and how to meet compliance has been done for you and is recorded in 5601, so you can use it as a planning and reference tool for all your gas installations.

Keeping records

5601 requires that any safety related practice, not in accordance with the means of compliance contained in Sections 3-6 must be established in a safety assessment and documented.

So, if you choose a compliance method other than that described in AS/NZS 5601, you must keep extra records to show that it meets the mandatory requirements of Section 2

Getting hold of 5601 Registered gasfitters can get free access to an online version of AS/NZS5601 in their trade log-in at www.pgdb.co.nz.

Master Plumbers’ members can also access hard copy or PDF versions of AS/NZS 5601 within the Master Plumbers’ Essentials Catalogue from Standards New Zealand. Find out more at www.masterplumbers.org.nz Or you can purchase the Standard direct from www.standards.co.nz

(performance criteria) of the Standard. Your records must also show how you have complied.

The riskier or more unusual the work, the more records you should keep. For every job you do, keep a record of who worked on it and any relevant training they have.

As well as general staff and health and safety records, your business should keep records relating to compliance, safety, installation and maintenance work carried out, as well as communications with clients, suppliers and Energy Safety.

Keeping records leads to better business efficiency and organisation, and you’ll be well prepared for any audit. ■ Test your knowledge of AS/NZS 5601 with a new e-learning module, available free at www.masterplumbers.org.nz (under Training). The module includes a useful gas installation checklist and a recordkeeping guide.

About the author: David Whitfield has been involved in the gas industry for over 30 years. David has written a number of courses during his training career and has been on the Board of both the Gas and LPG Associations of New Zealand.

April/May 2017

25

NUTS & BOLTS

Gully traps The Building Code has precise requirements for the installation and location of gully traps. As well as locating and building them correctly, make sure any decks and other structures built over top allow access for cleaning. By Alide Elkink.

GULLY TRAPS ARE part of the foulwater drainage system receiving discharge from kitchen, bathroom (apart from toilet pans) and laundry wastewater fixtures before the discharge enters the sewer system.

They are located externally to ensure that, if the drainage system becomes blocked, the wastewater will overflow outside instead of inside the building. Gully traps include a water seal to block odours from the sewer.

Building Code requirements Installation of sanitary plumbing and drainage systems in New Zealand must be in accordance with New Zealand Building Code clause G13 Foul water. Compliance with clause G13 can be achieved by meeting the requirements of Acceptable Solution G13/AS2 or AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and drainage. Select one document for compliance—do not mix and match requirements from both.

Both documents cover below-ground foul drains up to 150mm in diameter, and neither cover the discharge of industrial, chemical or toxic waste.

Every dwelling needs one Every residential building must have at least one gully trap with at least one wastepipe discharging into it so that the water seal is retained.

A single-fixture discharge pipe must not be more than 3.5m in length (G13) between the water seal of the fixture and the gully trap unless it is vented. A number of discharge pipes may drain into a single gully trap.

Above: Figure 1 Gully trap.

Requirements for gully traps Waste pipes may discharge into a gully trap from the top through the grating or through the back of the chamber. Discharge pipes must be arranged to permit easy cleaning of the gully trap.

Specific requirements for gully traps include: • being located within the legal boundary of the land the building is on • being installed so that the rim of the gully dish is at least 150mm below the overflow level of the lowest fixture that drains into it • having a water seal that is no more than 600mm below the rim of the gully dish

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having a minimum water seal depth of 65mm not allowing surface water to flow into the trap being constructed so the grate will allow a surcharge or overloading from discharge pipes or from a blocked sewer line.

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Above: Figure 2 Gully trap dimensions

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No surface or groundwater Surface water is prevented from flowing into the trap by ensuring that the rim of the gully dish is at least: • 25mm higher than a paved surface • 100mm higher than an unpaved surface.

The outlet pipe from the gully must be at least 100mm in diameter. A minimum of one waste pipe must discharge into the gully dish and be located a minimum of 20mm above the water seal level and 20mm below the grating. The pipe connection must be watertight so groundwater cannot enter the sewer system.

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Gully traps must be accessible for cleaning and maintenance.

A deck may be built over a gully trap, but at least 600mm of clear access space above the trap must be provided. This is for access to the gully trap and drainage inspection points.

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Installing a gully trap When installing a gully trap, it must be adequately supported by either: • being set in compacted bedding material such as granular, non-cohesive fill that has a maximum particle size of 20mm • 75mm thick concrete surrounding the entire gully dish and separated from the building foundation. ■

Note While drainage pipes can be run under a slab (see Pipes under slabs article from Build 157, featured in NZ Plumber Feb-Mar 2017), it may be prudent, if sufficient fall is available, to run them around the building’s perimeter for ease of maintenance.

This article first featured in BRANZ Build 158; www.buildmagazine.org.nz

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NUTS & BOLTS

Tech points STORMWATER STANDARD UNDER REVISION Public comment stage has just closed on draft DR AS/NZS 3500.3:2017 – Plumbing and drainage Part 3: Stormwater drainage. The objective of the Standard is to provide stormwater drainage solutions for compliance with the Australian National Construction Code and the Building Code of New Zealand for stormwater drainage. The aim of the revision is to: • update the design rainfall data to latest Bureau of Meteorology information • include provisions for siphonic systems • provide information on balcony and terrace drainage • provide overflow provisions in eaves gutters and box gutters.

QUARTERLY GAS ACCIDENT SUMMARY WorkSafe NZ has released summaries of five LPG-related accidents for which investigations were completed between July and September 2016.

In the first, a clothes rack fell onto a cabinet heater and ignited the clothes, causing the bedroom to be badly burned. The second involved a young boy suffering burns to about 35 percent of his body after poking his T-shirt into the cabinet heater to see if the cloth would melt. His recovery was expected to take at least three months.

Two other notified events involved house fires, with one resulting in damage to 80 percent of the building. The occupant of this house had made several attempts to light a heater he had not used for several years. It appears that unburned gas had accumulated on the floor and, when it did ignite, set fire to a rug. The unburned gas may have come from a leak in the regulator/cylinder connection, or from the unsuccessful lighting attempts.

The fifth incident related to a gas explosion in a home, as a result of a leaking LPG cylinder filling a room with gas. This was ignited when an occupant lit a cigarette. The explosion blew out the windows and lifted the ceiling but the occupant suffered no injuries.

LEARNINGS FROM SCIRT The Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team has launched a website that distils valuable lessons learnt over six years spent repairing Christchurch's underground pipe networks, roads, bridges and retaining walls.

By sharing information, concepts, plans and policies, SCIRT hopes the website will benefit others, here and overseas, facing similar challenges in the future. "If we can help other communities facing a similar experience, or preparing and planning for one, the site will have done its job," says SCIRT Executive General Manager Ian Campbell.

SCIRT is nearing the completion of its six-year $2.2 billion repair programme, funded by the Government and Christchurch City Council. "Thank you to Christchurch people for their incredible support and patience throughout the past six years," says Ian. Find the website at https://scirtlearninglegacy.org.nz 28

April/May 2017

Technical updates in brief.

PORTABLE AND MOBILE GAS APPLIANCES IN CARAVANS Energy Safety is reminding consumers not to use portable or mobile gas appliances, such as gas lanterns or cabinet heaters, in caravans or motorhomes.

These appliances significantly increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Camping appliances such as gas lanterns are designed and certified for outdoor use only.

Cabinet heaters should never be used in a caravan or motorhome as they are high capacity appliances and require greater air volume than is available in most caravans or motorhomes.

WHEN THE CUSTOMER SUPPLIES PRODUCT Plumbers are responsible for meeting the Building Code in all their work, but there is no practical way for plumbers to test most plumbing products themselves. The PGDB advises in its InfoBrief (Edition 10) that it is best practice to install only reputable products sold from reputable plumbing merchants.

If the customer supplies product, such as tapware, of unknown origin, it is best practice not to install this. If you do go ahead, MBIE’s advice is to get in writing that the customer has chosen the particular product and that you have explained to them what you believe to be the best solution in your professional opinion. However, a written document cannot be used as an opt-out of responsibility to install clearly substandard or unsafe products—and does not guarantee that you won’t be held accountable. This process should only be used for external fittings, advises the PGDB, and does not apply for gasfitting.

Master Plumbers provides a template letter for members’ use at www.masterplumbers.org.nz

EXTERNAL CLADDING FIRE SAFETY A restriction on the use of combustible external cladding was published on 1 January as part of Amendment 4 to Acceptable Solutions C/AS2-7. Previously, buildings up to 25m high, or those with sprinkler protection, required no testing of external cladding material. Now, all cladding for 7m high requires a fire test. The change has been made as a result of high-profile fires in Melbourne and Dubai. Although these buildings were all fully sprinkler protected, fires that started on the outside of the building were responsible for rapid fire spread over several storeys.

A cladding system is defined as the outside or exterior weatherresistant surface of a building and includes cladding, underlays, cavity components, windows, doors and all penetrations, flashings, seals, joints and junctions.

Until 30 May 2017, the previous version (Amendment 3) of the Acceptable Solution can be used to show compliance with C1-6, and for all building consent applications submitted before 31 May 2017. Go to www.building.govt.nz for more information.

Master Plumbers has a brand new training programme for 2017 Our training courses are designed to be practical, interactive and cover a wide range of technical, business and legal topics. Face to face courses are usually for 3 or 4 hours at either the beginning or end of the day.

Visit the Master Plumbers website and click on the training menu for full details—including online registration and payment.

These are just some of the courses coming up over the next few months: Growing Your Business in 2017 and Beyond Gain some basic planning skills that will lead to a more sustainable business

LPG Solutions A solution based approach to working with LPG installations

How to Get the Best From Your Staff Practical assistance on dealing with situations that arise in the workplace

Entering into a Contract and What to do When Things go Wrong Learn about contracts and how to set one up—plus what to do if there’s a dispute

How to Work with Hazardous Substances Precautions you need to take to ensure your team’s safety across a range of hazardous substances

www.masterplumbers.org.nz

E-Learning Check out the free e-learning opportunities in the Training menu on the website

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Block building

Photograph courtesy of www.wanaka.co.nz

Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park has a new energy-efficient facilities block, thanks to May Plumbing and Gas. Matthew Lowe reports.

THE COMPLEX PIPEWORK in a major plumbing project usually remains hidden from public view once the job is complete.

But not at Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park, where a $1.5 million facilities block has recently been completed and pictures of its intricate plumbing are going to decorate the lounge area used by holidaymakers.

The park’s lessees, Aggi and Rudi Sanders, are so impressed with the work of the team from Master Plumbers’ member May Plumbing & Gas, which has bases in Cromwell and Wanaka, that they want to show guests what is hidden within the block’s walls.

“I look in amazement at the block and how it all works,” Aggi says. “One of the plumbers—Matthew Prince—said, ‘No one will ever see all my lovely work because it goes behind the walls’, but

I took some photos and have blown them up into big prints that will go up as artwork in the lounge!”

Out with the old, in with the new

A demolition team knocked down the old facilities block in May 2016. Its replacement was built on the same spot and opened the day before Christmas after a concerted push by May Plumbing & Gas. The firm’s owner and managing director, Mike May, says the project normally saw about five of his staff on site but in the festive run-up that doubled, with “the whole firm bar one man” at the park.

Above: The block’s roof features 570 solar evacuated tubes.

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30

April/May 2017

Heat-recovery system

Alongside standard facilities for holidaymakers, the Sanders were keen for some form of heat-recovery system to make the building more economical to run.

“The biggest challenge of the whole project was the solar system because it’s unusual to have such a big system and you need somewhere to store all the energy you acquire,” Mike says.

“We have managed to integrate the solar hot water system so it can provide heating in the winter months when not so many people are at the camp and the demand for showers is less. You need somewhere to use the hot water given the amount of solar energy you are gathering from the roof and we’ve come up with a

Key figures • •

• • • • •

27 showers are in the facilities block. The flow rate total for these when running is 216 litres per minute.

42 hand basins are also in the building, along with 22 toilets, 8 kitchen sinks, 4 urinals, 4 laundry units, 1 sauna and 1 spa.

10,000 litres is the amount of hot water used over three hours in a morning at peak holiday times.

3.5km of underfloor heating pipe is in the slab.

150+ pipe penetrations go through the slab.

570 solar evacuated tubes are on the roof.

5.1 tonnes of water can be stored in the plant room’s water cylinders.

Above: Gas water heaters in the block’s plant room.

Above: Use of small bore tubing means no fluctuations in water temperature in the showers.

way to store that energy and use it later.”

The hot water can be kept in three custom-built cylinders that are in the block’s plant room, where there is also a high-tech monitoring system to gather detailed data on energy and water use.

“The three 1700-litre hot water cylinders had to be specially made to fit the plant room. We also had to get metal structures built to seismically restrain the cylinders because you don’t want 5.1 tonnes of water rocking around in the event of an earthquake,” Mike says.

“It was hard work to design everything, especially the solar aspect, but with the knowledge gained from this job I could replicate the systems we have created on different scales.”

Lower gas bills

Aggi is impressed with the design of the facilities—which she and Rudi were keen to update after taking on the park’s lease in 2014—and the savings it has brought.

“It’s great. I’ve had my first gas bill to compare with last year and it almost went down half and we were a lot busier this year than last year,” she says.

“The plumbers really put a lot of thought into how it should all work. The old building had one big pipe pumping hot water around, but now every shower has its individual hot water supply and the showers are closer to that supply so you save a lot of lost heat and it is more efficient.”

The previous block at the Queenstown Lakes District Councilowned accommodation was believed to be at least 50 years old and was “just breeze blocks, corrugated iron as a roof and some openings still just had chicken wire for windows”.

“We think we’ve got extra business because of the new building,” Aggi says. “We always had lots of comments from guests about our great spot in Wanaka but people would say the facilities were old and horrible—those comments have disappeared now.” ■

All photograph by May Plumbing & Gas except where noted.

“The guys worked long hours and walked away at 2am on the last day of the job and then all the campers arrived.”

While the facilities block was in use over the park’s peak summer period, when it averaged 400 guests a night, the final touches to the solar hot water and heating system were not completed until late March this year.

Mike says “every turn there was a new challenge” in creating the block that includes 27 showers, 42 hand basins, 22 toilets, eight kitchen sinks, four laundry units, four urinals, a sauna and spa, plus solar collectors on the roof.

“The owners had run camping grounds for many years and had a clear wish list of what they wanted, including a very energy-efficient building, and we made that happen as best as we could,” he says.

“We had to design everything from scratch, from the drainage system and plumbing to a heating system that has 3.5km of underfloor heating pipe in the slab. It was a huge job; we had more than 150 pipes sticking through the slabs before the building was even constructed.”

One of the puzzles for Mike and his team to solve was being able to regulate each shower and avoid fluctuations in water temperature when park guests turned on other showers or taps.

“We have used small bore tubing out to each of the shower mixers, which is a different way of doing it from days of old,” Mike says.

“The owners wanted customers to be able to adjust the temperature a bit so we had to deliver hot water and mix it but without fluctuation.

“It was quite difficult and it wasn’t until 23 December, when one of our guys went in a shower and the rest of us ran around turning on taps and other showers, that we knew what we had come up with definitely worked.”

®

SecuraGoldTM

KemPex

Auspex

Ginde

Forza

Averaged Install Times (Min/Sec)

18.07

26.17

26.48

28.49

29.02

% average slower to install vs SecuraGoldTM

-

45.08%

47.93%

59.06%

60.26%

NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE i 2017

10-12 April 2017

Networking in Nelson Rain didn’t stop play at the 2017 NZ Plumbing Conference in Nelson.

EVEN BEFORE CYCLONE Cook’s arrival, heavy rain battered much of the country in the week of the NZ Plumbing Conference. ‘Sunny’ Nelson wasn’t spared, and after blue skies on the first day, the wet weather set in.

It didn’t dampen the spirits of the attendees, though, with positive feedback on the many business speakers and technical sessions. All Blacks’ Leadership Manager Gilbert Enoka spoke to a packed room about the six steps to get a business from great to great by having a vision, getting in the right mindset and using clear thinking.

Building and Construction Minister Hon Nick Smith outlined the challenges for the New Zealand housing sector, progress for the RMA reforms and the proposed changes for the occupational regulation of our trades. He also defined the three key elements that would need to be progressed before selfcertification of plumbers could become a reality.

With the business world becoming increasingly paperless, guest speaker Jamie Roy explained how online tools can be used to market your business and improve the bottom line.

Master Plumbers’ Platinum Partners simPRO and Vodafone also demonstrated how technology is changing the business landscape for improved efficiency and connectivity.

With all morning, afternoon teas and lunches held in the exhibition space, there was constant foot traffic through the trade stands (see p40) at the Rutherford Hotel venue.

The action continued into the evening, with the Mico Welcome Night at Nelson’s historic Boathouse, followed by the vintage carnival themed Marley and Dux Fun Night on the Tuesday.

Around 250 guests assembled in the hotel foyer on the final night for the black-tie 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Awards Dinner, sponsored by Plumbing World. Winners in nine categories were recognised for their achievements, including a number of promising industry newcomers and the 2017 Master Plumber of the Year Plumbing and Gas Works of Hamilton.

Turn to p38 for more about this year’s winners.

Once again, a PGDB & Mico CPD half-day training session and backflow group meeting ran in conjunction with this year’s NZ Plumbing Conference—both providing some great learning opportunities for the industry. >

“I come to the conference every year and always learn something that brings extra dollars to my business.”

Top left: Johnny Cash, MC Greg Ward’s way.

Top right: Stilt walking at the station.

Centre: Guests and winners at the NZ Plumbing Awards.

Above: At the Mico Welcome Night.

Left: On the train to the Marley and Dux Vintage Carnival Fun Night.

Ray Galt, Baxter & Neilson Plumbers Ltd, Invercargill

April/May 2017

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NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE i 2017

10-12 April 2017

At the AGM THE WILLINGNESS OF members to share knowledge openly and frankly is second to none in the trades sector, said Martin de Gouw in his final report to the AGM as National President.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to be President for the last two years, and to see how other Associations and branches operate.”

Whilst the industry is in good hands, Martin noted the need for new blood to guide the organisation over the next decade.

Those who support and give back gain a wealth of knowledge, a network of support and, often, lifelong friendships, he said.

Martin thanked CEO Greg Wallace for his continuing hard work on behalf of all members. “I strongly believe that the Society is in the strongest position and developing more for our industry and membership than it has for many of the last 20 years I have been involved.”

In his own report, Greg noted the healthy increase in membership in the first half of 2017, with strong growth expected for the rest of the year.

“We couldn’t provide services to members without our Business Partners, who contribute enormously to our financial success,” he said.

MasterLink growth The MasterLink apprentice programme had returned a significant dividend to Master Plumbers by the year-end, and there was plenty of opportunity for its growth and expansion in today’s market, said Greg.

“Given the current state of the construction sector, there continues to be high demand for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers—and the only real solution is to train apprentices.”

The number of apprentices employed by MasterLink stood at around 160 by year-end, with 98 host firms providing on-job training. There had been strong emphasis on health and safety during 2016, with new initiatives including an innovative apprentice health and safety app for accident, incident and nearmiss reporting.

MasterLink had also enhanced its pre-employment medicals.

All apprentices now receive the same medical and drug tests, are fully vaccinated and have baseline hearing and lung function before starting work.

Lisa Duston had been appointed as a full-time HR Advisor, sharing her role between MasterLink and Master Plumbers’ membership services. “She has proved a valuable member of the team and brought a wealth of HR and recruitment knowledge,” said MasterLink Chairman Mark Whitehead in his report.

In 2017, MasterLink would be rolling out an online payroll system to save time for hosts and apprentices.

NZ Plumber awarded During 2016, NZ Plumber magazine had entered the TABPI international trade publication awards, and had been picked 34

April/May 2017

Master Plumbers is in good heart and going from strength to strength, as the AGM reports showed.

from among 400 entries to receive a Silver Award in the Best Department category. It was also listed in the Best Single Issue Award Top 25.

This was a great result for the magazine, said Master Plumbers’ Chairman Craig Foley, confirming its place as the recognised industry magazine. It has huge support from Master Plumbers’ Business Partners, noted Craig, not only in their commitment to advertising but in providing industry-relevant topics that add value to readers across New Zealand.

The digital version is freely available to all members, allowing them to access the magazine at any time on their desktop or mobile devices.

Training to the fore The beginning of 2017 had seen the launch of the revamped Master Plumbers’ training programme, with a range of highquality, relevant courses on offer around the country. “I can’t emphasise enough the importance of members continuing to upskill themselves and their staff,” said Greg Wallace.

“Master Plumbers will continue to encourage training through our in-house training solution in order to meet our membership code of practice and strengthen the skill set of the industry’s future leaders,” noted Martin de Gouw. Continuing learning should be seen as an essential, core task for every business operator and tradesman, he said.

The Master Plumbers’ website had been updated to enable the industry to book and purchase face-to-face training online.

E-learning opportunities were also to be made freely available on the website, with the first to be launched covering gas certification and the high-risk database.

All training courses are free to MasterLink apprentices to attend.

Marketing moves Master Plumbers is now in the second year of its comprehensive marketing plan, which includes digital, social media, print and other channels. “It is our aim to have the widest possible marketing coverage across New Zealand, whilst remaining cost effective,” said Greg in his report.

“It has been good to see the growing use of our relatively new brand among members,” he added. “The more members that display the brand, the higher our profile among consumers.”

Next stop Waikato During the AGM, members of the Waikato Association handed out goody packs, promoting the mighty Waikato as the destination for the 2018 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.

Home to the famous Waitomo Caves, hot pools, adventure activities and surf beaches, the Waikato is a great place to visit!

2017-18 Master Plumbers’ Board The 2017-18 Board of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc comprises: • • • •

Craig Foley (Chairman) Rod Miller (President) Grayson Allen John DeBernardo

• • • •

Martin de Gouw Dave Strong Bruce Trenwith Mark Whitehead

MOBILE APP & CLOUD APPLICATION

Above: Back row from left: John DeBernardo, Grayson Allen, Dave Strong, Bruce Trenwith, Mark Whitehead. Front row, from left: Martin de Gouw (outgoing President), Craig Foley (Chairman), Rod Miller (President).

So many to thank Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ is enormously grateful to all the sponsors and supporters of the 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Conference—particularly to Plumbing World as the Principal Conference and New Zealand Plumbing Awards Sponsor.

Thanks also go to Platinum Sponsor Mico for the fantastic Welcome Night and to Platinum Sponsors Marley and Dux for another superbly themed Fun Night.

The New Zealand Plumbing Conference would not be possible without the support of Master Plumbers’ Business Partners, sponsors and trade show exhibitors (turn to p40 for the full list of exhibitors).

Thanks to the following for their support: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Allproof Industries – Master Plumbers Kick Start Happy Hour Sponsor Central Heating New Zealand – Partner Activity Programme Sponsor Greens Tapware – Keynote Speaker Sponsor: Jamie Roy Fergus Software – Trade Industry Sponsor MM Kembla – Keynote Speaker Sponsor: Gilbert Enoka Mobilcard – Leisure Afternoon Sponsor Rinnai – Coffee Cart Sponsor RWC – Business Partner Sponsor simPRO Software – Business Partner Sponsor Teletrac Navman – Coffee Cart Sponsor The Skills Organisation – Conference Sponsor Vodafone – Conference Sponsor >

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PAGE TAG NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE i 2017

10-12 April 2017

We are the champions!

Huge congratulations to all the winners at the 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Awards, sponsored by Plumbing World.

THE NEW ZEALAND

MASTER PLUMBER OF THE YEAR 2017 The winner is: Plumbing & Gas Works Ltd in Hamilton “Where service begins” is the maxim at Plumbing & Gas Works Ltd, and the 12-strong team adheres to it. The company has been in business for over 16 years and is involved in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors, with many loyal and longstanding clients. Committed to training apprentices, PGW always has at least 20 percent of its team in apprenticeships, and is thrilled to have several regional award winners at the company. It facilitates study groups for apprentices working at Master Plumbers’ member firms in the region and also enjoys hosting local high school students for work experience.

A dedicated member of Master Plumbers, PGW has had an active representative on the Waikato executive for 15 years, and administrates the specialist equipment hire service for Association members. The firm is committed to health and safety, carrying out active health monitoring of staff, and providing them with the necessary training as well as individual access to the Master Plumbers’ health and safety app.

PLUMBER, GASFITTER OR DRAINLAYER OF THE YEAR 2017 The winner is: Jacob Smith, Foreman at Plumbing & Gas Works Ltd in Hamilton A Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer, Jacob Smith has worked for over 10 years at Plumbing & Gas Works Ltd in Hamilton.

Jacob’s boss Mike Foote Above: Jacob Smith with Plumbing nominated him for his World General Manager Rob Kidd (left) confidence, can-do attitude and Master Plumbers’ Chairman Craig Foley (right). and meticulous planning abilities.

Passionate about his trade, Jacob is always pushing the firm’s estimator to find him fresh challenges on out-of-the-ordinary projects. “This gives him the opportunity to think outside the box and come up with new and better ways of doing things—and he’s more than happy to share his new techniques,” says Mike.

Jacob loves taking on new apprentices and passing on his knowledge. “He leads by example and, due to his drive and determination, is always pushing his apprentices to be the best they can be.”

Above: Nicola and Mike Foote of Plumbing & Gas Works in Hamilton, 2017 Master Plumber of the Year with, from left, Peter Jackson of Peter Jackson Plumbing, 2016 Master Plumber of the Year; National President Rod Miller; Plumbing World General Manager Rob Kidd.

Congratulations to this well-deserving winner of the supreme national award. Look out for a business profile of Plumbing & Gas Works in the next edition of NZ Plumber.

OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO THE INDUSTRY 2017 The winner is: Dave Strong, Managing Director at Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services A Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer, Dave Strong is a former National President of Master Plumbers and has been on the Master Plumbers’ Board for eight years. He has also served on the executive committee of the Above: Dave and Lynda Waikato Master Plumbers Association for Strong.

14 consecutive years.

A true Master Plumber in every sense, Dave is always willing to share his knowledge and help out other members. He is recognised by other bodies for his leadership as an advocate for our industry and as a mentor to the young through his involvement with Wintec.

A firm supporter of professional development, Dave has developed LPG training for members of Master Plumbers and delivered other courses to members.

He holds major contracts with large companies in the Waikato region and provides ongoing servicing and support to keep these businesses running. His company also offers skills to other businesses, such as reticulated gas systems and large LPG installations.

April/May 2017

37

NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE i 2017

10-12 April 2017

INDUSTRY SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR 2017

PLUMBING WORLD SCHOLARSHIPS 2017

The winner is: Plumbing World

The winners are:

Plumbing World supports the newcomers to the industry through its highly successful Young Plumbers Club (YPC), launched four years ago. Now with 700-plus members, YPC nurtures young plumbers, upskills them and keeps them passionate about the plumbing industry. With its business, social and learning aspects, the club helps them on their way to a long and successful career in the industry, with mentors available for support.

Plumbing World has just launched the Young Plumber of the Year competition, open to plumbers under the age of 31. This nationwide competition aims to put the spotlight on this industry and raise awareness of the career opportunities on offer.

Above: Plumbing World General Manager Rob Kidd collecting the award.

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2017 The winner is: KemPress from MM Kembla KemPress is a new and innovative option for installing copper pipe systems that delivers multiple benefits to plumbers and gasfitters. Quick and easy to assemble, KemPress has a flame-free connection system, making soldering a thing Above: MM Kembla Country of the past—and no hot work permit means no need to carry Manager John Alexander (left) and Regional Sales Manager ox-acetylene bottles in vans or Craig Earons. on sites.

The KemPress push and stay feature enables pre-fabrication on site, particularly on vertical applications. AS1432 copper tube can be integrated with larger roll-grooved copper tube systems.

The product has been developed specifically to meet local conditions and comes with a 25-year guarantee. Certificated installation training is also provided.

KemPress continues to grow and develop, extending its range into stainless steel. With the recent introduction of Press Fit Valves, size specific pipe clamps and insulation, it is set to offer the NZ industry even more benefits.

38

April/May 2017

• • • • •

Brendan Baker of Tauranga Hardware and Plumbing Josh Edwards of the University of Otago’s Property Services Division, Dunedin Robert Harrop of Heron Plumbing, Auckland Braden Lawton of Fusion Plumbing and Solar, Nelson Tane McGuire of Tech Mechanical Services, Napier

Each year, Plumbing World awards scholarships to five MasterLink apprentices, nominated by their MasterLink Regional Manager, Coordinator or Host for showing diligence, maturity and great progress in their training. Congratulations to this year’s recipients, who each receive a $1,000 credit at their local Plumbing World branch.

Above, left to right: Scholarship winners Braden Lawton, Tane McGuire, Josh Edwards, Robert Harrop and Brendan Baker with Master Plumbers Chairman Craig Foley (left) and Plumbing World National Sales and Operations Manager Simon Lavery.

GRAEME VICTOR SMITH CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY AWARD 2017 The winner is: Wayne Copestake, Director of Copestake Gas and Plumbing in New Plymouth A third generation plumber, Wayne Copestake has been involved in the plumbing industry for over 25 years.

As a Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer, he has successfully run Above: Christine and Wayne Copestake Gas and Plumbing Copestake. for 13 years, training over 12 apprentices during this time. His dedication to training saw him co-run a study group at the Taranaki Polytechnic for apprentices preparing for their exams. Passionate about the industry and Master Plumbers, Wayne was serving his second term as President of the Taranaki Master Plumbers when he regrettably had to resign due to health issues. He has now stepped aside from actively plumbing but, due to the systems and processes he has put in place, his business continues to run under his wife Christine’s direction. He remains committed to the industry and has set up weekly study sessions with the firm’s current apprentices to help them prepare for their block courses and registration exams.

NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE i 2017

10-12 April 2017

TRAINING LEADER OF THE YEAR 2017 The winner is: Dale Lovell of Heron Plumbing in Auckland This award recognises industry leadership in apprentice training.

Dale Lovell has unparalleled dedication to training the next generation of tradespeople. Fiercely loyal to MasterLink, he maintains a constant cycle of MasterLink apprentices at Heron Plumbing, with 13 currently in training.

Dale’s dedication to mentoring and training apprentices includes taking on trainees that have been handed back by other hosts for various reasons. His leadership and knowledge is of an extremely high standard and he is always willing to share his skills with apprentices. A Certifying Plumber and Gasfitter, Dale is an active member of Master Plumbers and also participates in a number of advisory groups. He is committed to health and safety in the workplace and always ensures that his team stay up to date with training.

Above: Dale Lovell of Heron Plumbing with Master Plumbers’ Chairman Craig Foley (left) and Plumbing World's Simon Lavery and Skills CE Garry Fissenden.

JAMES DOUGLAS MEDALLION 2017 The finalists are: Colby Baker (Drainlaying), Andrew Ranger (Gasfitting) Kris Rangitaawa (Plumbing) The winner is: Kris Rangitaawa, Plumber and Gasfitter at Plumbing & Gas Works Ltd in Hamilton The James Douglas Medallion is presented to the previous year’s outstanding apprentice who has completed their National Certificates and passed their registration exams.

Kris Rangitaawa began his apprenticeship at Plumbing & Gas Works through MasterLink, coming to the firm as a mature apprentice after being a carpenter for 10 years. He went on to become a Plumbing World Scholarship recipient and to win three of the four awards he was nominated for at the 2015 Waikato Master Plumbers’ Awards.

“Kris is an asset to our company, always offering to help out other team members and the first to put his hand up to work additional hours to complete a job,” says Mike. “He is well liked by all our team members and customers.”

A quick learner, Kris is always keen to learn new skills and not afraid of jumping in and giving anything a go. “He maintains

Above: Overall winner Kris Rangitaawa (centre) with Andrew Ranger (left) and Colby Baker (right).

high standards on the job with both the quality of his work and his professionalism.”

SECOND DIP AT THE KAVA CUP! Congratulations to the Wanganui Association for winning the Kava Cup for the second year running for their further voluntary work on the ablution block for the Bushy Park Trust. Good work guys.

Above: From left: Neville Palmer, Michelle Pickard, Braden Hammond and Andrew Palmer of the Wanganui Association.

April/May 2017

39

NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE i 2017

10-12 April 2017

All on display With plenty of prizes and new products on show, the Industry Exhibition was humming.

CLOSE ON 40 exhibitors were in Nelson to show their latest products, services and technologies.

With bathroomware, pipe systems, valves, gas equipment, hot water solutions, insurance offerings, business software and communications, there was something of interest to everyone in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying trades.

Thanks to Vodafone and MM Kembla, all morning and afternoon teas and lunches were held in the exhibition space— and the Rinnai and Teletrac Navman coffee carts did a roaring trade!

Congratulations to Jim Rate of Rates Plumbing and Drainlaying in Geraldine for winning the industry exhibition prize draw. Jim wins free entry to next year's conference in Hamilton!

A-Z of exhibitors Master Plumbers would like to thank all the exhibitors at the 2017 Industry Exhibition: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

40

Allproof Industries Apex Valves Aquatherm NZ Buteline NZ Caroma Industries Central Heating New Zealand Dux Industries Fergus Software Greens Global Hydroflow Distributors Jet Spark (WaterSaver) Kohler/Englefield Konnect Ridgid Leap Australasia

April/May 2017

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Marley NZ MM Kembla MasterLink Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Methven Mico Mike Henry Insurance Brokers Mobil Oil NZ (Mobilcard) Peter Cocks Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board Plumbing World Pumps & Filters

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Reliance Worldwide Corporation Rheem NZ Rinnai NZ simPRO Software Spratt Financial Services System Control Engineering NZ Teletrac Navman The Skills Organisation Ullrich Aluminium Unitray Vodafone WorkSafe NZ

Fishing & Adventure

SCOTT AND MIG—two Kiwi blokes, mad about fishing—started a fishing show in 2011.

The concept for Fishing & Adventure was landed while the two cousins were out fishing in their hometown of Raglan.

The boys saw a gap in the market for a fresh new approach with the two of them at the helm. They didn’t know the first thing about creating a TV show but were determined to make it happen.

So, they took their blokeish banter, put it on a boat with a bunch of fishing gear, and threw in a few cameras.

A lot of hard work, being told ‘no’ many times and one seriously steep learning curve later—the first episode of Fishing & Adventure aired in February 2013.

The show has gone from strength to strength, but to create a fifth season, Scott and Mig needed to secure sponsors to help them fund their fishing shenanigans.

They approached Hirepool to get on board.

“We’ve been hiring gear to New Zealand tradies for over 60 years, so we’ve had a few conversations about those secret fishing spots! When Fishing & Adventure hosts, Scott Parry and Mig Rumney came calling—we answered,” explains Hirepool General Manager of

SUPPLY LINES

Get hooked on the Fishing & Adventure show, brought to you by Hirepool.

Above: Hirepool Fishing & Adventure hosts Scott Parry and Mig Rumney.

Sales & Marketing, Gary Richardson.

“Fishing is in our veins in this country and when tradies go fishing, they take it seriously. Kiwi fishos plan ahead. They check their gear, the forecasts, and plot strategies to land their targets. We see this day in and day out when plumbers and drainlayers come in to hire gear, so it was a natural fit to be the naming sponsor for the show.”

Earlier seasons of Fishing & Adventure were broadcast on Prime TV and Sky

Sport NZ, but with Hirepool coming on board, the boys landed a primetime spot on the country’s top channel, TVNZ One. The Fishing & Adventure show combines top class fishing with a downto-earth, grassroots attitude. It’s the perfect balance between entertainment and education.

“We know our customers right across the country will be pretty stoked with this partnership and we can’t wait to see the new season,” says Richardson.

To celebrate the partnership, Hirepool has launched a fishing club called BaitMates. It’s a club for tradies to get behind-the-scenes access to Scott and Mig, share fishing tips, enjoy some banter and win prizes. ■ Go to www.baitmates.co.nz to find out more

Above: The lads fishing for kingi and enjoying the scenery in the Bay of Islands at The Hole in the Rock.

Platinum Partner

April/May 2017

41

INDUSTRY TALK

Sam’s speak

Sometimes the only reaction is… WTF!

I consider myself to be a good person. I show respect, I listen to people, am mindful of what they’re going through, and help where I can. If you were to ask anyone what I was like, they would most likely say, “Oh Sam, yeah, she’s nice.”

Somehow, though, there are people who think you sit in your business as a bad person deciding, okay, who am I going to rip off today, who can I get away with overcharging, and whose job can I stuff up just to annoy them?

As an example, I received this email over the weekend: “How dare you charge $1,000 for 3 metres of spouting... and what the hell is a H&S buddy... $78 an hour... don’t think so... and she supplied her own spouting... you’ll be hearing from me again...” with no reference of a name.

It turns out, our plumber—also a good person—had to come back to the workshop to make up some customised angles, buy extra spouting as the actual two metres supplied wasn’t enough and, as they were working at heights, had a health and safety

buddy on site assisting. The customer even rang after the job had been finished saying what a great job we’d done.

Then she got the itemised bill, and we received the email from her concerned son.

Recently, I learnt the difference between being sympathetic and empathetic. If I was being ‘sympathetic’ I would say, “Crikey that’s a big bill—I’ll tell you what, why don’t I knock $500 off; will that make you feel better?” Basically, I would be feeling sorry for their misfortune and want to take away their pain.

But as I have now learnt to be more ‘empathetic’, I will say, “Yes, that certainly is a big bill to receive. I understand it must have been a bit of a surprise. It wasn’t a straightforward job. I’m sure you wanted it done right… how about you pay half now and the other half next month?”

I reckon there are a bunch of us good people out there, putting in a lot of effort to try and do the right thing by people, who when receiving such emails, or phone calls, question their own integrity and think, like I do… WTF!

Recent convictions Recent fines for illegal work.

•

Byungsung Lim, an Auckland builder and Director of L&B Construction Ltd, has been fined a total of $6,650 and ordered to pay $113 solicitor’s costs for doing unauthorised plumbing and gasfitting work. Never registered or licensed as a gasfitter or plumber, he illegally installed a toilet and gas hob/cooker while doing kitchen and bathroom renovations for the complainant. His work was defective and about one month after the installation, a strong smell of gas, sooty flames and carbon build-up on one of the gas nozzles were noticed.

•

Tauranga man Jason Ash has been fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $226 solicitor’s costs for doing gasfitting work in a motorhome without a licence. He installed a refrigerator and associated gas pipes, connected the gas pipes to the gas supply and installed a ventilation system for the gas appliance—all without holding a gasfitting licence. The manner of his work created a substantial risk that the fridge would overheat and fail—which it did. It also created a risk of a gas leak, which in turn created a risk of fire or explosion.

New workplace policy builder Build your own workplace policies with this new tool.

Policies set out the ‘house rules’ for your workplace. Together with an employment agreement, they’re a good foundation for employment relationships. Policies tell your workers what you expect from them, and what they can expect from you.

A new online tool from business.govt.nz and Employment NZ enables you to create your own policies, customised to your business—helping you comply with your obligations as an employer.

42

April/May 2017

The new tool, which will be kept updated, has started with three policies: • flexible work policy • IT and social media policy • Leave and holidays policy.

Find it at wpb.business.govt.nz

Above: The new Workplace Policy Builder works on desktops, tablets and smartphones.

RMA changes move closer

The second stage of reforms to resource management legislation are edging nearer.

Forty proposals for change to the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and other laws are included in the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill, which has just moved one step closer to being passed by Parliament.

The proposed new legislation aims to open up land supply, reduce the time taken to get consents, reduce the cost of subdividing land and enable infrastructure construction, says Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith.

Recommendations in the Bill include: • National planning standards to reduce complexity and cost • Discretion for councils to exempt an activity from consents • New 10-day consent category for minor activities • New requirements for council to free up land for housing • Collaborative planning process to encourage communityled solutions • Amended Maori participation arrangements.

The Green Party has opposed the Bill, saying the sweeping changes are short-term thinking that favour private developers over sustainability and community wellbeing. “The Bill is a charter for property developers with its permissive approach to subdivision,” said Green Party environment spokesperson Eugenie Sage in March. “It encourages urban sprawl, ad hoc subdivision and development with little consideration of the impacts on neighbours, streams, beaches, transport and infrastructure provision.”

Federated Farmers are pleased to see reforms underway, saying they are particularly interested to see the detail in the proposed legislation around enabling stock exclusion from waterways.

“We’ll also be keen to see the proposals around requirements for councils to free up more land for housing. This is becoming an area of keen interest and concern for our members,” said spokesperson Chris Allen last November. “In my opinion government agencies need to make sure high quality soils and land isn’t sacrificed to housing, because we’ll never get it back.”

At the end of March, the Productivity Commission released its final Better Urban Planning Report. “The Government asked the Commission to take a blue-skies approach to what a future urban planning system could look like,” said Commission Chair Murray Sherwin.

Among the Commission’s 64 recommendations is to have one law governing both the built and natural environment. This law, it says, should replace the RMA which has become a point of weakness in the planning system.

“Our current planning system tends to be adversarial and reactive to the views of well-resourced and mobilised groups rather than the majority.”

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INDUSTRY TALK

Five out of six!

Wellington plumber Tony Cain has set a new record for the Rheem Big Six Challenge.

When Wellington plumber Tony Cain arived in Auckland early one morning in January, he had no idea he was going to head out onto the Hauraki Gulf and catch a bunch of snapper before heading south and catching a pair of trout.

Tony’s dream trip started when he won a promotion to enter the Rheem Big Six Challenge, which sets a target of catching two different saltwater fish, two trout and shooting two game animals—all within 48 hours.

Over the past five years, nobody has beaten four out of the six trophies, but Tony was about to set a new record.

Fishing lesson There was a good lesson in fishing the gulf, for when he dropped his first baits the charter boat skipper, Len Rameka, showed him how to keep in touch with the line as the six-ounce sinker plummeted to the sea bed 36 metres below. He keeps a finger on the edge of the spool of the large spin reel as the line

flicks off the spool, so the line stays tight and does not belly out, while pointing the rod at the water.

Lenny had dropped anchor north of Tiritiri Matangi Island, after circling until he found fish sign on the screen of the fish finder. “There have been a lot of snapper here, and they are still here because the water temperature is two degrees cooler than normal,” he explained.

The temperature gauge showed 19.7 degrees, when it would usually be over 21 degrees. As a result the bulk of the snapper have not moved into the channels like the Rangitoto and Motuihe Channels, where they would normally be expected to be found in late January.

The tide was also less than an hour from high, and Lenny explained that the fishing would be slow until the tide turned and started flowing out. “You need the flow. Current gets everything moving and feeding, the small fish feed on plankton and the big fish feed on the small fish.”

Sure enough, when the tide started the bites started. Small snapper are the first to show interest, then as the current increases the larger specimens turn up.

sure enough, when the tide started the bites started You only needed to catch two fish—one each of different species and they could be a trevally, kingfish, kahawai or snapper (any fish that qualifies for world records).

He soon had half a dozen nice snapper in the box and then his line tightened and rose in the water, pulled out and up.

“That’s a kahawai,” said Lenny, and when he netted the feisty fighter, Tony had ticked the first two boxes.

And it only took an hour and a half.

Above: Scoring a record five out of six for the Rheem Big Six Challenge: a snapper, a kahawai, two trout and a billy goat.

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April/May 2017

On the hunt Then it was into Geoff Thomas’ Hilux and down the highway to Rotorua where they

Above: Tony Cain caught his biggest snapper after the current started running.

settled into GT’s lodge at Lake Tarawera.

It was a 4am start the next day and as light dawned Tony and the crew were sitting under a tree while the hunting guide, Gus Donald, glassed the valley.

He spotted several hinds, but it was a stag they needed so it was back to Tarawera where Tony managed to catch a bin full of trout. He only needed two fish, but the team managed to put nine in the box.

Four out of six boxes ticked—equal to the best score in five years of the Rheem Big Six Challenge.

On the last morning a walk in the forest in the rain proved fruitless but then, when the sun came out, Gus spotted a billy goat feeding on the edge of the forest and Tony nailed it, finishing the challenge with a score of five out of six—a new record.

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INDUSTRY TALK

Retention money options

Two options are now available for protecting subcontractors’ money under the amended Construction Contracts Act—and new explanatory guidelines are available.

New requirements for protecting retention money came into effect on 31 March, and are set out in the Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2015 (CCAA). The provisions are designed to ensure payment of retention money to subcontractors, even in the event of insolvency.

A last-minute change to this Act clarifies that the new trust regime applies only to contracts entered into, or renewed on or after 31 March 2017.

The CCAA contains the power to make regulations, but none are currently proposed. As a result, the NZ Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) has teamed with Registered Master Builders and the Specialist Trade Contractors Federation to produce the Retentions Guidelines Bulletin #1.

NZIQS spokesperson Peter Degerholm explains that the retention regime requires all retentions on new commercial contracts to be held on trust, so they are protected for the builders and subcontractors who performed the work.

If the payer becomes insolvent, the retentions are also protected from receivers and any creditors, he says.

If retentions are not released when the defects have been remedied, the payer must pay interest.

The payer who holds retentions—owner, government department, developer or builder—has a statutory duty as trustee.

The last minute changes mean that the payer may now avoid the trust obligation by providing a ‘financial instrument’, such as a payment bond from a bank or insurer. In addition, the payer must keep proper records and disclose full details of how the retentions are protected.

Peter Degerholm says, in order for the industry to comply with the Act, it required a better understanding of what it means in practice. “That's the purpose of the bulletin. The retention regime will have a significant impact on the industry as a whole and the way it manages retention money, and we need to know how to comply with it.

“Retentions have been used for decades as a rough and ready way of ensuring builders and subcontractors fix their defects.

Looking forward, this change also provides an opportunity for industry to consider whether there are smarter ways of delivering building work that is free of defects.

“It will, of course, take time to measure the success of the retention regime, but I am confident that the industry, working together, will collectively improve its management of retentions.”

Read the Retentions Guidelines Bulletin #1 at http://www. nziqs.co.nz/Resources/Construction-Contracts-AmendmentAct-2015

A common complaint

Keep those lines of communication open with your customers, advises the PGDB. More often than not, this results in a needless complaint being made to the investigations team, says Jayson. “The number of calls are increasing from homeowners wanting to complain about work being done ‘unlawfully’ when in actuality there is nothing wrong other than a misunderstanding of the practitioner’s role.

“Practitioners exercising vigilance in ensuring customers are fully informed and understand the service that is being provided will go a long way towards staying safe, keeping your reputation intact and homeowners happy.”

When working at an address, make sure the homeowner is fully briefed and that they understand: • • • •

What you are doing there What your role covers The scope of the work The impending result.

This is the advice from Jayson Thomas, Investigations Manager at the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB) in the Board’s InfoBrief (Edition 10). “What we are starting to see is a common occurrence when investigating complaints, that the homeowner and the practitioner frequently experience a break-down in communication.”

Above: The PGDB’s Jayson Thomas.

April/May 2017

47

INDUSTRY TALK

Hydrology graduates Participants at this year’s Southland Master Plumbers’ Advanced Hydrology Study Retreat gained an excellent understanding of the movement of liquids in the remote geological setting of Fiordland National Park.

Plumbers, sponsors and supporters enjoyed a unique field of study at the 2017 Advanced Hydrology Retreat. Equipped with warm clothing, sensible footwear and a bottle or two of their favourite tipple, participants were primed to explore the very frontiers of NZ from their Borland Lodge base.

In a change from previous years, they were to spend two nights within the study area itself, giving them plenty of time to complete their assignments, which included bush walks, fishing and rock climbing.

“This year’s attendees outdid themselves with the commitment shown to achieving another outstanding result,” says research study convenor Ray Galt. “The plumbing industry will be so much better off now that we all have that extra knowledge.”

To complete their study papers, Ray asked attendees to provide photographic evidence of the sort that could be shared.

“I understand there are a few that shouldn’t see the light of day...”

Some of that selection was sent to NZ Plumber by participants Darrin and Shelley McKillop for the enlightenment of the wider readership… Enjoy!

48

April/May 2017

Top: A helicopter arrives at Lake Manapouri to bring in the bread rolls for lunch and take participants on a scenic flight over parts of Fiordland and Lake Manapouri. It then dropped the group on top of Mount Titiroa to explore the mountaintop before flying them back to the lake’s edge.

Above: The vans stopped for morning tea at the top of the Borland Saddle looking down into the Grebe Valley—magic!

Above: Plumbing World Invercargill’s Neil Barrett and RMC’s Bart Morrisey fly in the helicopter over Lake Manapouri.

Above: Having a drink and a debrief of the day's activities—all recorded on a selfie. The debrief may have taken some into the early hours of the next morning…

Above: Darrin McKillop from Hydroflow at the top of Mount Titiroa—truly an amazing panorama. Mount Titiroa is 1,715m high and a three-day climb.

Thanks to Ray Galt for arranging a helicopter.

Above: Martin De Gouw from Clyne & Bennie abseils his way down a HUGE (depending on who you talk to) cliff face.

WORLD VIEW

Across the ditch

Want to know what’s happening across the Tasman? In this new column for NZ Plumber, we take a quick journey to find out.

New chairman for national association Robert Pearshouse has been appointed Chairman of Master Plumbers Australia Ltd (MPA).

Rob is the Managing Director of a plumbing business in Tasmania and a Past President of the Master Plumbers Association of Tasmania, as well as a former councillor of the Institute of Plumbing Australia.

He brings significant and Above: Rob Pearshouse. invaluable experience to the role and will consult on a wide range of policies and procedures that impact not only Tasmania’s plumbing industry but throughout Australia.

MPA represents Master Plumber Associations across the country, including WA, SA, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

The Association serves as the collective national voice for the Australian plumbing industry, allowing the state-based Associations to collaborate on national issues.

It also represents plumbing contractors from sole operators to medium-sized plumbing businesses and large contracting firms.

In recent years, MPA has grown in strength, working on the excellent co-operative relationships that exist between member organisations. This has led to the adoption of a unified MPA policy position in the areas of licensing, qualifications and regulation.

industry because of ongoing issues with some roof installations, has drawn criticism from builders and roof installers, who claim it could lead to excessive wait times and increased costs for homeowners.

But, according to Master Plumbers Association Queensland Executive Director Penny Cornah, the lack of any qualification requirement for people carrying out roofing was a concern.

“There are standards for plumbers, electricians and other trades but for roofers there aren’t and we can’t understand why,” Penny Cornah said.

“Plumbers are taught units of competency around roofing as part of their apprenticeship, so it is a good fit.”

Under the proposal, those wishing to carry out the work would need to have completed a plumbing apprenticeship.

It is one of a range of reforms outlined in the Queensland Building Plan and advocated by MPQA. Another key proposed reform includes the implementation of Project Building Accounts to accommodate security of payment for subcontractors.

Other reforms deal with temperature control devices, restriction on the sale of some non-Watermark certified products, and a range of improvements to legislation including updating the Plumbing and Drainage Act.

Builders hit roof over proposed plan A proposed licensing reform in Queensland would require metal roof installers to hold a plumbing qualification, according to a recent article in Brisbane’s Courier Mail.

The proposal is part of Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni’s Queensland Building Plan.

The move, which has long been mooted by the plumbing

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April/May 2017

Boom expected to drive plumbing demand A major building and construction boom is looming in Tasmania, with an estimated $1.2 billion in new works due over the next six to eight years.

The growth will have a positive impact on plumbing in the State, which is already experiencing a shortage of qualified plumbing professionals. As well as quality apprentices, Master Plumbers Tasmania (MPAT) says there will be opportunities for more experienced tradespeople to move into operational and managerial roles.

In anticipation of the growth, MPAT has partnered with Work and Training, Tasmanian Independent Builders Association and On Road Off Road Training, receiving State Government funding to deliver a pilot programme entitled ‘Work Ready for the Building & Construction Industry’.

Above: PICAC opens its second campus.

The programme will provide six weeks of intense technical and employability skills training and workplace experience to 16 young jobseekers, to ensure they have the skills required to be ready for work. A number of MPAT member organisations will receive mentor training in preparation to provide work experience to the pilot group.

MPAT is also working with the Tasmanian Building & Construction Industry Training Board to develop a Workforce Development Plan for the plumbing industry. The plan will identify deficits and develop strategies required to strengthen the profession.

PICAC campus opens in Geelong Industry training in Victoria received another boost with the opening of the State’s second Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) campus in Geelong late last year.

The new facility joins PICAC’s first training centre in the central Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, with a third centre commencing construction in the city’s south east this year. The combination of training facilities and range of courses on offer will ensure the greater Melbourne area and parts of regional Victoria are well catered for when it comes to pre and post qualification training.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle joined key industry leaders at the official opening of the PICAC Geelong Centre.

“This is about putting people first and giving workers in the plumbing industry the specialist skills and training they need to help build our state’s future,” said Daniel Andrews.

“We’re also supporting retrenched automotive workers and allowing them to retrain in one of Victoria’s key growth sectors.”

Master Plumbers’ CEO Ken Gardner said the Geelong centre would initially offer a range of post trade, pre-apprenticeship and licensing qualifications. The aim was to move from being a state-based training institution to a national one.

“Through PICAC and our partners, we have merged with the Services Training College in Brisbane,” he said.

“We will consolidate the plumbing trade into a group called Plumbing Industry Training, which will be responsible for delivering the apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training in all of our centres. It’s our aim to integrate all of these organisations.”

PICAC is an industry partnership supported by the Plumbing Trades Employees Union, Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association, National Fire Industry Association and the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association. ■

INNOVATION

Ice cold in Ngarua Milk can be cooled quickly after milking using pioneering ice bank technology. Ross Miller reports.

A FAIR BIT of new plumbing will be going on in dairy sheds around the country, as farmers ensure they comply with the new milk cooling rules that will apply to all farms in just over a year’s time.

Raw milk grows bacteria rapidly above 7°C and the new standards mean that it must be cooled to 10ºC or below within four hours of the start of milking, and cooled to 6ºC or below within six hours of the start of milking or within two hours of the completion of milking—whichever is sooner.

The milk must also be held at or below 6ºC without freezing until collection or the next milking, and additional milkings

into the vat must not exceed 10ºC. On farms where there is continuous milking, such as a robotic system, the milk must enter the bulk milk tank at 6ºC or below.

Farmers must also have an auditable system that confirms these new rules are met.

Ngarua farmer Cameron Berry’s solution was to opt for the innovative Packo Ice Bank (PIB), which builds a thermal storage of ice and ice water in an insulated tank, the size of which is determined by the temperature of the milk (pre-cooled using ambient water or not), the amount of milk produced during milkings, and whether there are one or

Above and below left: The Packo Ice Bank in operation at Cameron Berry’s farm.

two milkings per day.

Ice water (+/- 0.2ºC) is pumped through a heat exchanger that snapchills the milk to between 3°C and 5ºC, depending on flow. The ice water returns to the PIB and mixes with the ice storage water as the ice melts, providing continuous ice cold water for snap-chilling the milk, and the process continues until milking is finished.

Chris Farmer, of parent company Eurotec, explains that the PIB has an aerator that blows air up through the ice water and ice bank during milking, mixing the returning cold water and 52

April/May 2017

providing an even melt of the ice bank.

“Typically the refrigeration plant on the vat does not run during milking, as the milk is well below the required +6ºC. In many instances, the same refrigeration plant can be used for running the Packo Ice Bank. This depends on the capacity and condition of the existing plant.”

As refrigeration is not Above: Ngarua farmer Cameron Berry. required during milking, this reduces maximum power consumption during peak power times. Other milk cooling systems require the plant to be running when milking to try and match the milking load on demand. The energy is already stored in the PIB and the only thing that runs is the water pump and aerator blower motor.

“A smaller refrigeration unit can potentially be used, as the ice bank is stored over several hours, rather than cooling on demand as is the case with water chillers and chilled water tanks,” says Chris.

Cameron’s previous system was upgraded with a new ice bank and a new chiller unit, and the milkshed plumbing was upgraded with an exchanger that recycles hot water to be used for cleaning, saving on the electricity bill (milk cooling traditionally accounts for about 30 percent of the total energy costs of operating a dairy).

Cameron is a supplier for the Tatua Cooperative Dairy Company. “Tatua prides itself on leading in compliance and told us it wanted all suppliers to be working at the new standard by the end of 2016,” he says. “I had noticed the base temperature in my vat was creeping up and I was looking at the situation of the milk cooling the water, not the other way round.”

The new system means a big power saving, but just as importantly it has brought an unexpected bonus for the staff.

The farm is the first on the tanker run in his area, which means up early, especially if you want the milk at the right temperature when the tanker arrives at 7.20am. “Now the staff get another 3045 minutes in bed and the milk is going into the tanker at 4.2ºC. “At first I thought it was crazy spending this sort of money in a downturn, but after some study with advisors, it became obvious that spending the money meant the milk was guaranteed to go on the tanker, not be ditched because it was too warm. It has made a fantastic difference and the system should pay for itself inside the first season.”

Plumbing installation for an ice bank is straightforward—either a second heat exchanger or a double heat exchanger is used to snap-chill the milk using the +0.5°C PIB water. The dairy plumber—in this case Bruce Morley of Matamata—needs to alter the existing stainless pipework for the milk to connect to the heat exchanger, and the ice water pipework from and returning to the PIB is typically carried out using PVC and then insulated. ■

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SUPPLY LINES

2017 PGDB & Mico CPD Roadshow The 2017 PGDB & Mico CPD Roadshow has just kicked off—and it’s coming your way.

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS of the inaugural 2016 CPD Roadshow, Mico is excited to once again be hosting the CPD training events in 2017, in association with the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB).

The 2016 roadshow hosted nearly 5,000 registered practitioners from the plumbing fraternity (75% of the industry), which was a pleasing result.

The new CPD training model requires all registered plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in New Zealand to complete a compulsory half-day of learning prepared by the PGDB, either by attending the roadshow or completing the course online. Last year’s roadshow fulfilled the CPD requirements towards relicensing for the 1 April 2017-31 March 2018 year.

The PGDB reported that the roadshow exceeded their expectations and are delighted to have Mico on board again as the 2017 sponsor. PGDB Chief Executive Martin Sawyers believes the CPD sessions are critical to ensuring those employed in the industry stay at the top of their game.

In 2016, the sessions, facilitated by The Skills Organisation, covered key topics like supervision, health and safety, industry approved products and disciplinary processes. According to Martin, attendees were relieved to get

Above: Attendance at a CPD roadshow event goes towards renewing your licence in April 2018.

54

April/May 2017

Above: Stephen Heal driving out of the showroom with his prize.

“CPD sessions are critical to ensuring those employed in the industry stay at the top of their game” all their CPD done for the year in one convenient three-hour session.

Paul Carrington, National Sales Manager at Mico Plumbing and Bathrooms, was also pleased with the success of the roadshow. “I think it has definitely been invaluable for Mico.

We’ve had a unique opportunity to get out there and talk to our customers and non-customers and tell them what makes Mico special. We received great feedback from attendees and the Board, so it made sense for us to extend our sponsorship into 2017,” said Paul.

Amongst the many competitions run

during the roadshow, Mico and Caroma teamed up to give attendees the chance to win a brand new Ford 4WD XLT Double Cab Ute with tow bar and lockable hard lid.

A demonstration ute travelled to every single venue throughout the country and was finally driven home by lucky prize winner Stephen Heal from Laser Plumbing in New Plymouth. As it happens, Stephen was already looking at upgrading his vehicle to a new Ford Ute, just days before the prize was drawn—so he was completely floored to drive away with the grand prize! ■

The 2017 roadshow runs from 8 May until 5 September. To book online, go to www.skills.org.nz/pgdb2017

Platinum Partner

WIN, EAT, LEARN, NETWORK • Get access to exclusive trade stand deals • Attend the interactive training session • Your chance to ask the questions you need answering • Get the latest product updates at the trade stands

• Have a catch up with other industry members • We’ll shout you breakfast for the morning sessions • Have a bite and a drink on us at the Mingle • BE IN TO WIN! Trade stand competitions on offer

SESSIONS MORNING SESSION WITH TRADE SHOW

MORNING SESSION WITHOUT TRADE SHOW

AFTERNOON SESSION WITH TRADE SHOW

AFTERNOON SESSION WITH TRADE SHOW

7:00am – 8:00am (Breakfast and browse trade stands)

7:45 – 8:15am (Business Improvement Seminar)*

2:00pm – 3:00pm (Browse trade stands)

1:15pm – 1:45pm (Business Improvement Seminar)*

7:30am – 7:50am (Breakout session – exhibitor technical training)

8:30 – 11:30am (CPD training)

3:00pm – 6:00pm (CPD training) 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Mingle)

2:00pm – 5:00pm (CPD training) 5:00pm – 6:00pm (Mingle)

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8:00am – 11:00am (CPD training)

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= Session without Trade Show

DATE

SESSION

VENUE

DATE

SESSION

VENUE

Mon 8/5

Invercargill PM

Workingmen’s Club

Wed 2/8

Hastings AM

Hawke’s Bay Racing Centre

Tue 9/5

Dunedin PM

Forsyth Barr Stadium

Thu 3/8

Gisborne AM

Waikanae Surf Club

Wed 10/5

Dunedin AM

Forsyth Barr Stadium

Mon 7/8

Rotorua PM

Copthorne Hotel

Thu 11/5

Arrowtown AM

Millbrook Resort

Tue 8/8

Tauranga PM

Tauranga Racecourse

Thu 11/5

Arrowtown PM

Millbrook Resort

Wed 9/8

Tauranga AM

Tauranga Racecourse

Mon 15/5

Timaru PM

Timaru Town & Country Club

Wed 9/8

Tauranga PM

Tauranga Racecourse

Tue 16/5

Christchurch PM

Addington Raceway

Mon 14/8

Hamilton PM

Hamilton Gardens

Wed 17/5

Christchurch AM

Addington Raceway

Tue 15/8

Hamilton AM

Hamilton Gardens

Wed 17/5

Christchurch PM

Addington Raceway

Tue 15/8

Hamilton PM

Hamilton Gardens

Thu 18/5

Greymouth PM

Shantytown

Wed 16/8

Thames PM

Thames Fire Brigade

Tue 23/5

Blenheim PM

Marlborough Convention Centre

Tue 22/8

AKL South AM

Pukekohe Indian Community Centre

Wed 24/5

Nelson PM

Annesbrooke Church Auditorium

Tue 22/8

AKL Central PM

Ellerslie Event Centre

Mon 29/5

Wellington PM

Westpac Stadium

Wed 23/8

AKL Central AM

Ellerslie Event Centre

Tue 30/5

Wellington AM

Westpac Stadium

Wed 23/8

AKL Central PM

Ellerslie Event Centre

Wed 31/5

Masterton AM

Copthorne Hotel Solway Park

Thu 24/8

AKL North AM

QBE Stadium

Thu 1/6

Kapiti AM

Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf

Thu 24/8

AKL North PM

QBE Stadium

Wed 7/6

P North AM

PN Convention Centre

Fri 25/8

AKL North AM

QBE Stadium

Wed 7/6

Wanganui PM

Wanganui Racecourse

Thu 31/8

AKL West PM

Trust Arena

Thu 8/6

Wanganui AM

Wanganui Racecourse

Fri 1/9

AKL West AM

Trust Arena

Fri 9/6

New Plymouth AM

Yarrow Stadium

Mon 4/9

Whangarei PM

Toll Stadium

Mon 31/7

Taupo PM

Great Lake Centre

Tue 5/9

Kerikeri PM

Kerikeri RSA

Tue 1/8

Hastings PM

Hawke’s Bay Racing Centre

SMART BUSINESS

Margins vs mark-up

Understanding the difference between gross profit and mark-up will change the way you price your jobs, says Tony Fraser-Jones.

YOUR APPROACH TO pricing work is a crucial element to a profitable, fun-toown plumbing business.

There are many ways to price, including quoted work, tenders, charge-up (time and materials) or even having a set price book.

If you don’t understand the difference between gross profit margin and mark-up, you’ll cost yourself plenty with whatever approach you use.

When you price your jobs, if you get all the costs and then put a 15%, 20% or 30% mark-up on top of the cost price, odds on you are not clear on the difference between gross profit margin and mark-up.

Working example

I’ve included an example to demonstrate how it works.

Firstly, when you do a project you’ve got the cost of doing the project. Call it the Cost of Sales. Cost of Sales includes the labour, materials and any other job specific costs, such as sub-contractors or equipment hire. For this example, let’s say we’re doing a small bathroom alteration and the cost is $10,000.

Next you have the quoted price (or charge-up price) the client pays. Let’s say that’s $13,000. To calculate the gross profit, we subtract the cost of sales from the sale price. In this case it would be $13,000 minus $10,000. We are left with a gross profit of $3,000. Gross profit is the profit from doing the job.

$13,000 Quote / Charge Up (Sale Price)

Sale Price – Cost of Sales – Gross Profit

Gross Profit = $3,000 $10,000 (Cost of Sales – Labour, Materials, Subbies)

So how does this translate into mark-up versus gross profit margin?

Mark-up is calculated using this formula. Gross profit divided by cost of sales ($3,000 / $10,000 x 100 = 30%).

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But is that our profit margin? No it’s not.

Your gross profit margin is the profit you make from your jobs. The formula for gross profit margin is gross profit divided by sales ($3,000 / $13,000 x 100) = 23%.

Now 23% is what we get to keep, not the 30% we thought we were getting with our mark-up.

Mathematical relationship

The difference between mark-up and gross profit margin explains why, when you price jobs, you think there’s enough fat in the job—but when you actually do the job, the money’s just not there in the bank account.

The relationship between mark-up and gross profit margin is a mathematical one.

Your mark-up is always going to be higher than your gross profit margin.

The chart below shows the relationship between mark-up and gross profit margin.

So how do you implement gross margin versus mark-up?

The first thing is to set a target gross profit margin when you’re pricing and invoicing jobs. For instance, you may aim for 55% or better gross profit margin for maintenance and servicing work.

Second, back cost all the jobs you complete and analyse what gross profit margin you achieved. Third, compare the result with your target and analyse why there may be a difference. Labour overruns are a common cause, which may be caused by poor estimating or low productivity.

Use the information to adjust your pricing for the next project or job.

If you want more information about pricing and margins, including what target margins to aim for, I have a free report The 3 Steps of Pricing To Make Profit.

Visit http://profitabletradie.com/pricingmistakes to get a copy now. ■

30% Mark-up ➝ 23% Gross Margin 33.3% Mark-up ➝ 25% Gross Margin 43% Mark-up ➝ 30% Gross Margin 75% Mark-up ➝ 42.9% Gross Margin 100% Mark-up ➝ 50% Gross Margin The key is when you use gross profit margin for pricing, because it can actually completely change the profitability of your business and indeed your life.

About the author: Tony Fraser-Jones is the director at Profitable Tradie. Over the past eight and a half years, Profitable Tradie has helped more than 285 plumbers and other trades businesses to improve their systems, make more profit and get their time under control.

Profitable Tradie’s Million Dollar Tradie training programme has helped turn good plumbers, drainlayers and gasfitters into great business owners. Visit profitabletradie.com, call Tony on 07 859 3425 or email info@profitabletradie.com

SMART BUSINESS

Agreements & policies MASTER PLUMBERS HAS done a lot of work over the last 12 months to ensure its business and those of its members have compliant employment agreements in place. All employees must be provided with an individual employment agreement when starting with an employer.

Many businesses are reviewing their employee agreements and policies to ensure they comply with legislation, and Master Plumbers is assisting with this exercise by providing up-to-date individual employment agreements, house rules (code of conduct) and drug and alcohol policies.

In a recent case, the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) imposed a hefty fine on an employer for failing to provide employment contracts for its employees.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) received a complaint from one of the employees, who claimed they had not been given an employment agreement and was not being paid to the minimum wage threshold.

A labour inspector carried out an investigation and found that a number of employees had not received employment agreements and no holiday pay or leave records were being kept by the business.

In an industry such as plumbing, it was fairly common practice ‘back in the day’ to offer employment on a handshake.

These days everything needs to be documented and businesses must have polices in place to ensure the business and its people know what is expected of them and what they are entitled to.

Does your business have up-to-date employment agreements, policies and house rules in place?

This means if there are any issues or misunderstandings, the employment agreement and/or polices are the ‘go to’ place to clarify things.

If your business needs a review of its current policies and procedures, the updated agreements and policies can all be found in the Business Resources section of the Master Plumbers’ website.

For any further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss. ■ About the author: Lisa Duston is HR Advisor at Master Plumbers. Lisa offers HR support to members at specially reduced rates. Call Lisa during normal business hours on 021 245 1704 or email lduston@masterplumbers.org.nz

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SMART BUSINESS

Got an action plan?

BNZ has seven tips for SMEs looking to up their game.

TO HELP SMALL and medium-size businesses live up to their ambitions, BNZ Head of Small Business Harry Ferreira offers seven brief action points.

1

Plan to succeed

“Have a written plan,” says Ferreira.

“Outline your objectives, what your strategy is and how it links into the other plans in your business, like your sales and marketing plans. Make sure you’re linking into your financial objectives— your revenue and cash flow.”

A company needs to be clear on where it sits financially. Successful businesses understand what levers they can pull to generate different financial outcomes. If finances are not a strong skill, the business should ensure that it has the support of an experienced accounting firm.

Listen to others who can help improve your business. Take on an advisory board, suggests Ferreira. By picking up the phone or sitting down once a month and talking to an advisory board, a business owner can avoid becoming blinkered. “You talk about the strategy, your objectives, your sales and marketing plan, and how you’re delivering towards your goals.”

Ask for feedback from customers and suppliers whenever you can. What does your advisory board have to say about the feedback and your proposed response?

Where do you find your advisory

board? Ferreira says there are plenty of experienced people who are glad to offer input to an innovative, growing company.

He and his team at BNZ play their part to bring together people with the right skills to take a business forward. “This is where a bank can really help.”

2

Focus on training

“In our experience, high-performing small businesses spend a significant amount of time in training and upskilling their staff,” says Ferreira. That creates an expectation of how the business owner intends the business to deliver to its customers. It can bring stronger staff engagement, higher productivity, better safety and greater understanding of risks.

It doesn’t have to be expensive. “It’s the little inputs in training and coaching that often have far larger outcomes than you would expect.”

3

Embrace the millennials

Young people entering the workforce are digitally connected and instinctively look for creative ways to improve processes. “This is a group immersed in a world that innovates at a faster rate,” says Ferreira. “They don’t mind change and they move pretty quickly.” This can help businesses tackle outdated processes.

4

Be e-commerce savvy

Having a website isn’t enough. More companies should be capable of doing business online, says Ferreira. A good website creates a shop front. And online payment often means getting paid faster and without unnecessary paperwork.

5

Be cyber-secure

Above: Harry Ferreira

Businesses have to keep on top of cyber security. Too often they have some sort of security but don’t do enough to ensure it

is up to date and that they have adequate back-up if something goes wrong, says Ferreira. The results can be disastrous.

Ferreira says that rather than just buy security products off the shelf, businesses should get advice from professional cyber-security experts.

6

Make social media work for you

“Social media is a platform I believe every business should use,” says Ferreira.

The opportunities for engagement with customers are too good to miss. “You’ve got to make the time to run social media platforms.”

7

Manage your cash

“The best businesses I see manage their cash well,” says Ferreira. “They’re conservative in their spending and they manage their costs extremely well.”

Such companies are always looking for ways to eliminate wastage. Ferreira says they also make sure they have robust, well-explained terms of trade, and waste no time in billing for the goods or services they provide.

Something to keep in mind when thinking of investing: “Spend on things that will help grow your revenue, not your cost base.”

Finally, Ferreira advises businesses to maintain a transparent relationship with their bank. “Make sure your banker is completely across all of these things— what your business is trying to achieve, how you’re going about things. The more you can tell your banker, the more they can help you manage your business and your money.” ■ Give your small business the edge.

Talk to BNZ Small Business specialists on 0800 269 763.

April/May 2017

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TIMES PAST

In conference

With the 116th NZ plumbing conference just behind us, we travel back in time to the first ever national conference, held in 1901.

THIS FIRST CONVENTION of Master Plumbers of New Zealand was held in Christchurch on 8 January 1901. “Almost certainly this first Convention conceived the birth of the New Zealand Association,” say Eric Shaw and John Simpson in their commemorative book of 100 years for the Otago Association.

According to the authors, national plumbing conferences go back almost as far as the earliest provincial Associations, with mention of a New Zealand Convention in the Otago Association records in 1900.

The Christchurch Master Plumbers Association had written to seek Otago’s opinion on holding this first convention. “In true Otago style it was unanimously resolved that the Christchurch Association could depend on the support of Otago and also the attendance of a delegate to represent Dunedin,” say the authors.

National body beginnings The minutes of the Dunedin Association meeting two months after this inaugural convention record the very first mention of a National Association, with a letter being sent about trade discounts from the ‘National Association of Master Plumbers of New Zealand’.

Dunedin went on to host the second National Convention, which was held between 31 December 1901 and 3 January 1902.

A discussion was held at a Dunedin Association meeting in November 1901 about entertaining the delegates. Planning was to

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include the reservation of a room in the Town Hall for their use.

However, after more discussion, it was decided that this room would be too public and the Dunedin Association’s own rooms should be used. “Distempering of the rooms for the Convention should be commenced immediately!”

Social and business activities Suggested agenda items included dealing directly with architects, trade discounts and compulsory technical education for apprentices.

On New Year’s Day, as part of the social planning for the Convention, drays were to be ordered for a one-day drive.

“An order was prepared for items necessary to host a successful Convention. These included two dozen bottles of beer, two dozen bottles of soft stuff, and two bottles of whisky.”

Costs were also considered: admission to the smoke concert, three shillings, 50 tickets to be printed, the hire of Oddfellows Hall, twelve shillings and six pence, catering for the concert, one shilling and six pence per head.

There were several presenters at this second event. One member of the Christchurch Association delivered a paper on hydraulic rams, and another on Christchurch’s sewage system. A Wellington delegate spoke about inspection chambers in connection with private drains, and a Dunedin delegate about house drainage and sanitary plumbing.

‘The good of the public weal’ As the event got underway, the Dunedin Association was thanked for the “hearty welcome tendered”, with the speaker saying that “this Conference of Master Plumbers had much work before it, and must not forget the great importance attached to their deliberations. The health of the community was to a great extent in their hands”.

He hoped that the National Association of Master Plumbers of New Zealand “would rise to the occasion, and in their discussions the delegates would sink all selfish and personal advantages for the good of the public weal”.

The head count at the convention was 13, with an apology from the Westland delegate for being unable to attend.

The first morning’s session included a discussion of proposed amendments to the membership rules, and it was resolved: “That the Rules of the National Association be not interfered with at present, and that when firms consisting of more than one individual member join an Association affiliated to the National Association, it is not incumbent on all members of such firm to pay the subscription, but that a certificate shall only be made out in the name of any one member of such a firm, provided that any other member of such firm may receive an additional certificate on payment of the per capita tax of ten shillings.”

The afternoon session began with a consideration of financial matters. This showed that subscriptions had been received for National Association membership from Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch, Westland, Southland and Wanganui. The Annual Report, however, showed that the Auckland Association had opted not to join the national body at this time.

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Branding and communication A motto and seal for the Association was also discussed at the event. “It is recorded that after considerable discussion, it was eventually decided to adopt as a crest, a hand holding a torch signifying light, in conjunction with the motto ‘Salus populi suprema lex’, meaning ‘the health of the people is supreme law’.”

On the second day, discussion centred around the proposal to urge the government to take prompt action in the matter of registering plumbers on a statutory basis. There was also discussion on a proposal to solicit the additional training of apprentices off-site, at technical classes. “This was another concept that eventually became historically significant in the annals of plumbing in New Zealand,” say the book’s authors.

The following day included the decision to send a record of the conference discussions to the Mining and Engineering Journal, Australasian Hardware and Machinery and the Plumber and Decorator. “The delegates to the 1901-02 Convention were awake to the importance of communications and publicity!” say the authors. “Was this the conception of a dream that was to materialise some 45 years later with the birth of the New Zealand Plumbers’ Journal?”

At the end of the 1901-1902 event it was agreed that the third National Convention would be held in Wellington in January 1903. However, there are no records available to confirm that this event ever took place. ■

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TECH SAVVY

Picture this Use your smartphone camera to minimise your risk, advises Debbie Mayo-Smith.

EVER HAD AN argument with your client over work you or your staff have completed? How about if problems occur down the road? Who is liable?

Here is a simple, free and easy three-step solution for you and your team.

1. When the initial inspection for your quote is taking place, have the person snap some photos on their smartphone. This photo can also be added onto, or sent along with, your quote for the work to be completed.

2. Open a free online file storage account. For example you have OneDrive by Microsoft; GoogleDrive by Google, and Dropbox. All are free. Dropbox gives you two gigabytes of storage.

OneDrive is five, Google Drive 10 (although it is a combined Google limit, so if you use Gmail that is included in the storage limit).

3. All you need is an app on the phone (again, all free) and this will allow the photos to be uploaded.

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When the account is set up, give all your staff access to it so they can upload images.

For easy future searching, I recommend that you instruct staff to first create a folder with either the client name or address; then upload the images they took.

When the work is underway (if you deem it a good idea) and then when it is completed, repeat the photo (or video) taking process and again upload the images to the client folder.

This way, if there ever is a question that arises one month, one year, even two years after the job has been done, you’ll have visuals to go back to in support of the work your business completed. ■ About the author: Debbie Mayo-Smith trains teams on communication, technology and productivity. Sign up for her monthly quick tip newsletter here. http:// debbiespeaks.com/newsletter/ newsletter-sign-up/ To have Debbie speak at your next event or train your team, call 027 575 5359 or visit www.debbiespeaks.com

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The successful applicant will have to have good communication skills and excellent knowledge of products and plumbing practices.

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Apply in writing with attached CV and photo to millars.plumbing@xtra.co.nz Phone Graeme on 0274340705.

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AROUND ASSOCIATIONS

Pumped and primed The Hawke’s Bay Master Plumbers arranged a meeting with Hastings District Council in March for an update on the water supply.

MUCH SCAREMONGERING AND misinformation has been circulating in Hawke’s Bay since the campylobacter incident last August, says Hawke’s Bay Master Plumbers Association President Grayson Allen. “We organised a meeting with Hastings District Council, so we could educate plumbers about the facts to help them when dealing with customers.”

Fifty-eight plumbers from the region turned up to the meeting, along with builders, electricians and merchants—all of them affected in their work by the water contamination event.

Open and upfront

“The meeting was run by Craig Thew and Brett Chapman, who had both attended the recent court hearings,” says Grayson.

Also attending were Water Reticulation Manager Tony Dench and Water Supply Manager Dylan Stuijt. “They were very open and upfront about the causes, their findings and how they were approaching the issue.”

The investigations had identified a new connection from an area of ponding of the Mangateretere Stream to the underground water tables, causing ingress of water that was less than a year old. This new connection, coupled with the heavy weather event experienced eight days before the campylobacter outbreak, resulted in contaminated water from the pond making its way down into the aquifer and through to the bore supplying drinking water to Havelock North.

The HDC representatives also explained that other investigations have highlighted wider concerns in regards to changes in the reported age of water drawn from the region's deep aquifers. These investigations were indicating that the water was much younger than it had once been, to the point that some bores may no longer be considered secure and, therefore, additional water treatment will be required to ensure safe drinking water was provided.

Multi-layer treatment

As a direct result of the Havelock North event and the subsequent investigations, it has been decided in the short-term to treat the town water supply by chlorinating the main supply.

The loss of the source water supply in Havelock North had required water restrictions. To alleviate this, the step was taken to provide a multi-stage treatment process of source treatment by filtration and UV sterilisation, and then ensuring residual chlorine throughout the reticulation. The level of treatment used is beyond what the standards require but Council wanted the additional assurance for the community that the treated supply is safe. In the longer term, HDC would be consulting the community on options for water supply and treatment.

Discussion was also had on water pressures, with members asking if it had been increased. Hastings staff explained how the system works—particularly the need to pump to fill the reservoirs, and that the mains water pressure is consistently

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April/May 2017

Above: Visiting the Brookvale water treatment plant.

high in the remaining areas where pressure reduction has not yet been implemented.

HDC confirmed that prressures were not actually altered substantially to cope with the loss of supply from Brookvale.

In fact, the key pressure issue was low pressures at some properties. This required water restrictions to manage demand until the Brookvale treatment and pumping came on line. This happened in March, and plumbers attending the meeting were given a chance to visit.

Chlorine concerns

Since the chlorination of the water supply, several local residents have complained about damage to copper pipework and hot water cylinders in their homes, and plumbers have been kept busy with replacement work.

“It would take many years for chlorine to have any potential effect on copper pipework,” says Grayson. “Much of it is in the 30 to 40-year-old bracket, so it would seem more likely that age is the factor in most cases.

“At the meeting we were shown dosing charts, which demonstrate that the chlorination is well within the New Zealand standards and, in fact, lower than many other areas of the country.”

Other residents are not happy with the odour and taste of chlorine in their drinking water, and some were noting skin irritation. Whilst filter systems were a valid solution, Grayson says that some firms in the region had been profiteering from the August event by convincing consumers of the need for high-cost filtration in their homes to prevent further sickness.

“The Council is now doing this at source and the water entering the system is safer than it’s ever been,” he says. “Thanks to the meeting, the region’s plumbers are now on a level playing field in terms of knowledge, so we can offer our customers an informed opinion.” ■

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NEXT GENERATION

University plumbing

A plumbing apprenticeship at Otago University is a unique experience for MasterLink apprentices, as Matthew Lowe discovers.

Photograph courtesy of University of Otago.

JOSH EDWARDS HAD always hoped to spend time at the University of Otago but a twist of fate has seen him learning how to be a plumber at the campus rather than being a student.

The 21-year-old from Dunedin is in the third year of his MasterLink plumbing apprenticeship, which he started in late 2014.

He is part of the university’s property services division in Dunedin and has experienced a wide range of plumbing jobs, from maintenance and upgrades in student flats and residential colleges to helping revamp a laboratory over the past summer.

Change of plan “Originally I was going to go to university and do physiotherapy but I was injured at the time and on ACC,” Josh says.

“Someone from the university asked whether I would be interested in the plumbing apprenticeship so I applied and got through. It was a weird twist because I wasn’t looking to be a plumber but now I have got into it and really enjoy it.

“You are always moving and never in the one spot. You do one job and go back the next day and do something completely different, so the variety, especially at the uni, is good.”

Josh is one of two MasterLink plumbing apprentices at the campus, with 18-year-old Bradley Primmer in his second year of training.

Bradley, from the town of Waikouaiti, is following in his father’s footsteps by choosing a career in plumbing.

“My father is a plumber [at AHI Carrier in Dunedin] so that got me into the business and I wanted to take it to the next stage and get my ticket,” he says.

“I’m pretty sure Dad likes the fact I’m in the same trade and he seemed pretty proud once I got my apprenticeship.”

Above: The plumbing team help maintain student flats operated by the university in Dunedin.

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April/May 2017

it’s good for them to be able to work on things such as lab systems and glass waste pipes Unique uni experience The university has been taking apprentices under the MasterLink scheme for about seven years and tries to have two apprentice plumbers at any one time.

Jeff Burrow, the university’s plumbing and mechanical services foreman, says the workplace offers experiences and opportunities that are seldom found with other companies.

“The apprentices get an experience on the commercial side of things that they may not get elsewhere,” he says.

Above: Refitting and maintaining laboratories is part of the plumbing team’s work.

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Above: Josh Edwards (left) and Bradley Plimmer in a lab at the biochemistry building.

“It’s good for them to be able to work on things such as lab systems and glass waste pipes. But when they have finished we encourage them to move on—we want them to go out and experience work in a more commercial arena as that will help them through their careers.”

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Campus maintenance Jeff has been in his present role for more than a decade making sure his staff perform a range of jobs, from cleaning the gutters and spoutings to day-to-day maintenance of systems and addressing any urgent repairs.

“Our team on average is about 20 people and then we get labour-only contractors to fill that out as necessary. The team is not just plumbers, we have sheet metal workers and mechanical engineers, too,” he says.

“We do maintenance work on all the residential colleges and flats and any buildings here at the university. It’s quite a large number of buildings on the campus—I’ve heard it’s an area about the size of Oamaru.

“We stay fairly busy and I have two or three guys who are only on urgent work. If they find a job that is likely to take more than two hours then we get someone else on it. They’re like our first line of attack.”

Jeff ’s team is also responsible for upgrades of buildings and laboratories, where they usually have to do their work while keeping the facilities operational.

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NEXT GENERATION

Apprentices’ views on MasterLink Josh Edwards, third year apprentice: “MasterLink is good because they look after you and organise everything for you. It’s perfect—you rock up, do your job and do not have to worry about too much else. After my apprenticeship it’s another two years to become a Certifying Plumber and I will look to do that and then look at quantity surveying; that’s the plan I have got at the moment. Plumbing is something you can take anywhere.”

Bradley Primmer, second year apprentice: “It’s going really good and I’m learning lots. MasterLink makes it a lot easier; they sort everything out like your placement and stuff for the courses. The variety of work at the university is good and there’s something new every day. When I’ve finished here I think I’d like to start my own business.”

Above: Bradley, Jeff and Josh.

Foreman, fireman and celebrant Jeff Burrow was a contractor at the campus for five years before joining the university full-time. Prior to that he worked for Otago District Health Board at the hospital as a maintenance plumber.

He served his own apprenticeship in the early 1980s with his father, Neil, who ran Burrow Plumbing in Dunedin.

“My father was also President of the Otago Master Plumbers.

My brother is a plumber as well and he works for us at the university,” Jeff says.

“I was lucky because I had an amazing relationship with my father and had many good times working with him.

“It’s a varied job and you do not know from one day to the next what you’re going to find and I love problem solving. I am in my element trying to solve the curly problems and finding a way to fix it.

“Saying that, my role is a lot more office-based nowadays. But I still do my turn on call and I like getting the tools and getting stuck in. It’s good for the apprentices to see that I’m not just talking the talk.”

Outside of work, Jeff is kept busy as chief fire officer of the Waitati Volunteer Fire Brigade and he is also a marriage celebrant.

“When we moved house the fire siren near us would keep going and going some nights, so I went round to the fire station and said, ‘Do you need a hand?’.

“I used to be a Scout leader for over 20 years and I think they saw they could use that leadership and put me through the training. Then when the CFO retired I got asked if I could do the role and took it on.

“One time this couple said to me that as CFO you can marry us now. Well I couldn’t, but I found out a bit more about it and did a course to become a marriage celebrant.”

and, when complete, we will change from an old system to a new one in the early hours,” Jeff says.

“We aim to have as little disturbance to students and academics as possible because a lot of vital research goes on across the campus. It’s a 24-hour, seven days a week business.”

Summer in the lab One job that was tackled while students and academics were on their holidays last summer was the refit of a 40-year-old laboratory.

“We stripped it out and brought it up to modern standards. I had a team of 10 working on that job from November when the students left through to just before the first lectures at the end of February.

“Summer is always our busy time. At the residential colleges there will be bathrooms, toilets and kitchens that need upgrades and maintenance, and you only get a chance to do any major work there over that summer period.” ■

Above: Working with glass waste pipes in the lab.

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April/May 2017

LOOK OUT FOR THE TICK OF APPROVAL

We put each and every Master Plumbers Recommends plumbing product to the test, assessing all aspects, such as ensuring replacement parts are readily accessible, they’re easy to install and they look great. Of course it goes without saying that they also come with a solid manufacturer’s guarantee. Once it ticks all those boxes, it gets our tick of approval.

To find out more call 0800 502 102 or visit tickofapproval.co.nz

NEXT GENERATION

A different way of learning SOME OF THE MOST gifted plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and roofing apprentices are at risk of failing to complete their training—and through no fault of their own.

Why? Because they have dyslexia—a condition shared by around 10 percent of the population. The most obvious signs are difficulties with reading, writing and spelling. It has nothing to do with intellectual ability and some of the world’s most capable people have dyslexia.

“I know how to do the job but my writing and spelling let me down.”

Coping with written text can be a challenge to a person with dyslexia and the prospect of a written exam can seem overwhelming. Some apprentices don’t know that they can apply for alternative exam conditions. It’s important that they be encouraged to ask about these and how to apply for them, even though they might find it hard to talk about their dyslexia with others.

Dyslexia plus points

Of particular interest to the plumbing sector is the fact that dyslexia also comes with a significant number of advantages—many of which are useful when it comes to being a great plumber.

Positive features of dyslexia can include: •

•

• •

•

• • • 70

Strong visual, spatial and 3D skills.

Many dyslexic people are able to see and rotate 3D images in their head.

Innovative, left-field thinking—the ability to come up with alternative solutions to complex problems.

The ability to jump straight to the solution to a problem.

The ability to see patterns, connections and common features in a mass of complex information.

Great empathy. Dyslexic people often make good team members because they contribute a different perspective.

Strong oral communication skills.

Strong entrepreneurial skills.

The ability to ‘read’ people.

April/May 2017

Tell-tale signs

People with dyslexia can be a real bonus in the workplace, as Mike Styles explains.

Unfortunately, most people with dyslexia will be trying hard to hide their condition or may not even be aware they have it. School may not have been a happy experience for them and they will be convinced they are ‘slow learners’.

Tell-tale signs of dyslexia in the workplace include:

you can do to get the best from them and for your business.

•

•

• •

•

• • •

•

Difficulty reading, writing and—in particular—spelling.

A real reluctance to read or write in front of anyone.

A significant difference between their ability to do the job and their ability to read and write—perhaps demonstrated in the assessments they complete.

Finding excuses to avoid writing in public (eg, “I don’t have my glasses with me”).

Difficulty remembering verbal instructions.

Struggling with time management and organisational skills.

Shying away from going on courses as they don’t want their secret challenges revealed.

Having left school early after having had a bad experience of it.

Supporting staff with dyslexia

If you have staff members who are dyslexic, there are some practical things

•

•

•

•

Take some time to learn a little about dyslexia. Our current understanding of dyslexia is growing rapidly.

Avoid giving multiple instructions and give them in both spoken and written form.

Use charts, diagrams and pictures to explain your message. People with dyslexia often thrive on visual instructions.

Help out with time management and encourage the use of any available technological aids.

Above all, provide them with opportunities to use their creative and innovative skills and to experience success. ■

About the author: Mike Styles is Vocational Strategy Consultant for The Skills Organisation.

Previously, he was the National Manager for Literacy and Numeracy at Primary ITO. Mike has worked in adult literacy and numeracy for the past 17 years, having done similar work at the Tertiary Education Commission and the Department of Labour. For the past two years, he has led a research project to develop best practice in supporting employees and trainees with dyslexia. The research has attracted international interest, as there is little known about how to support adults with dyslexia.

Mike has just returned from presenting papers at international dyslexia conferences in Italy and at Oxford in the UK.

NEXT GENERATION

Calendar boy Young achievers on Waitomo’s annual calendar include plumbing apprentice Jayden ‘September’ Higgins.

EACH YEAR, WAITOMO District Council produces a Young Achievers calendar, profiling some of the region’s youth.

“One of the highlights of my job is seeing young people succeed in whatever their chosen field,” says Waitomo District Mayor Brian Hanna. “This year’s calendar is again outstanding and sends a clear message to the youth of our district.

Set your goals, work hard, and you can achieve so much.”

The 2017 calendar, which is sponsored

by The Lines Company and available free to the district’s young people and their families, includes a profile of Jayden Higgins, a MasterLink plumbing and drainlaying apprentice at Neustroski Plumbing and Gas in Te Kuiti.

Along with a picture of Jayden in work gear, the calendar includes a Q&A on

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his chosen career—giving other young people a good idea of what it’s like to be a plumber.

“I really enjoy working for Neustroski Plumbing and Gas because no two days are ever really the same,” he says. “One day you could be fixing a broken pipe, and the next day you could be knee deep in water trying to fix a leak or digging trenches or putting up spouting. A lot of people say it’s not a great job but I really enjoy it.”

Jayden is now in the second year of his apprenticeship. He was working at a local sawmill when he met Nigel Neustroski through rugby and asked him for a job. It was the right move for Jayden, who was recently nominated for Best First Year All Round Apprentice. His goal now is to complete his apprenticeship and continue on to the Certifying licence class.

His advice to anyone thinking of taking up plumbing? “Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!” ■

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April/May 2017

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April/May 2017

73

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

One in the hand = Three in the van!

InSinkErator launches NeoTank

Always have the right sized clip to hand with the Plumbest Multi-Fit Clip.

New tank design offers enhanced instant hot water functionality.

Plumbest’s design team of former plumbers know the frustration of having everything but the right sized PVC clip to complete a job. Accommodating three sizes of waste pipe in one clip, the Multi-Fit 32/40/50 Clip means you’ll always have the right sized clip for your needs.

Strong, flexible and UV stabilised, the Multi-Fit Clip saves you from being caught with the wrong size clip and another trip to the plumbing merchant before the job is finished.

• Holds pipe very securely • Wide ‘feet’ to make fixing easy • Fast to install • Can be pre-installed onto wall before pipe installed • Less stock—more productivity • Can be used on all plastic piping—DWV and pressure— making the job simple!

The full range of Plumbest Multi-Fit products including wastes, traps, flanges and water pipe clips is distributed by Hydroflow and available from leading plumbing merchants.

InSinkErator® has introduced NeoTank, the latest in instant hot water tank systems with filtration.

NeoTank is the driving technology behind instant hot water taps that dispense nearboiling filtered hot and ambient water for making hot drinks, speeding up the preparation of pasta or vegetables, cleaning dishes, and a host of everyday kitchen tasks.

NeoTank’s unique and compact design, about the size of a toaster, hangs neatly on the back wall under the sink, and the 2.5L capacity allows the consumer to heat only what they need.

Paired with the stylish tapware of the 1100 and 3300 series available in Chrome, Brushed Steel and Matte Black, the InSinkErator Hot Water Tap with NeoTank offers convenience and can help modernise any Kiwi kitchen.

Exclusive NeoTank features include: • 100% welded and brazed hot water tank design with no seals • Easy touch panel display that's easy to adjust. It has a precise electronic thermostat temperature control 0.5°C • Quiet, energy efficient operation • Easy installation with tool-free connections and dry start protection.

We Come To You® 2-Year in-home limited warranty (one year offered on filter).

InSinkErator NeoTank will be available at appliances retailers and plumbing merchants nationwide. For more information, visit Insinkerator.co.nz or call 0800 200 520.

Maximising the flow New Hyperflow™ shower mixers— Methven’s answer to equal low pressure.

If you need to plumb a new shower mixer in a household that suffers from equal low pressure, Methven’s HyperFlow™ technology provides the ultimate solution. Using the combination of a unique cartridge and unique port openings, HyperFlow maximises the flow of water through the shower mixer.

HyperFlow is available in the Futura and Waipori Shower Mixer ranges.

• Excellent performance on equal low pressure for shower mixers • Big ports + big cartridge • 47mm cartridge—10mm inlet/15mm outlet • 8.6 l/p on full cold at 20kPa • 10.5 l/m at 40° at 20kPa • 8.6 l/m on full hot at 20kPa. Get in touch with your local Methven representative to find out more.

74

April/May 2017

Tundish innovation A new all-in-one system from Allproof Industries.

Allproof Industries’ latest innovative product—the HWC Tundish—can be installed into the cylinder’s safe tray, providing an all-in-one outlet to drain the cold water expansion and temperature and pressure relief valves.

The HWC Tundish comes complete with grate, providing an air gap to meet the requirements of AS3500.2, and rubber grommets to suit 15mm and 20mm copper pipe.

The system is manufactured from high temperature PP and uses a 40mm BSP threaded outlet with a rubber compression washer to ensure maximum seal and easy installation.

To find out more, visit allproof.co.nz or email sales@allproof. co.nz for a brochure.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Free your plumbing business

Tracking in the right direction

simPRO job management software gives you the freedom to run a smart business.

Teletrac Navman’s DIRECTOR showcased at the recent NZ Plumbing Conference.

Built by and for the trades, simPRO helps tradies save time, improve productivity and get paid faster.

• Streamlined processes. Simplify admin work like quoting and invoicing.

• Connect your workforce. Share live data from the office to the field. Field staff can view their schedule on the go, and invoice and collect payment on site.

• Maximise billable hours. See which tech is available, where, for how long, and schedule efficiently.

• Visibility across your business. With 60+ comprehensive reports, know which jobs are making, or losing money, and much more.

Even if you already have a system in place, see how simPRO’s powerful features can benefit your plumbing business.

New technologies showcased at April’s NZ Plumbing Conference promised a safer, faster, better world of work. And GPS Fleet Management company, Teletrac Navman showed that it can deliver on that promise today.

Teletrac Navman made a strong case for business owners in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying trades to rely on its GPS fleet management software, DIRECTOR, to manage their vehicles, drivers and customer service.

DIRECTOR is built with a powerful mapping solution, comprehensive messaging capabilities and workflow forms, helpful user alerts, extensive vehicle maintenance, instinctive user search functions and robust driver behaviour analysis.

As well as greater operating efficiency and better customer service, DIRECTOR also offers improved safety management through better visibility into job progress and more efficient and effective maintenance scheduling.

DIRECTOR helps business owners cope with the demand for a safer, faster, better work environment.

Find out more at www.teletracnavman.co.nz/our-solutions/fleetmanagement-software

Master Plumbers members receive exclusive offers from simPRO. simprogroup.com/mp-members

Home comforts Bring warmth and comfort to a home with these Central Heating New Zealand products.

Plus Aluminium Radiator Recognised for its performance and versatility, the Radiatori Plus radiator showcases a sleek, modular build that allows for a variety of different sizes to suit specific spaces and outputs. The die-cast aluminium radiator exhibits performance while remaining stylish and low profile.The Plus radiator’s low water content guarantees high efficiency and rapid response to make comfort a way of life.

DeLonghi Cortina Towel Rail DeLonghi towel rails are an ideal complement to any central heating system. The attention-grabbing Cortina stands out from other towel warmers for its characteristic square-tube design. Made from top-quality steel and available in white, anthracite or black, the Cortina is guaranteed to enhance the appeal of any modern bathroom, laundry or kitchen.

For more about Central Heating New Zealand, go to www.centralheating.co.nz

Hot water installation made easy UNITRAY has the answer to complying with new G12/AS1 requirements.

Unitray is a fast and easy safe-tray that complies with applicable AS/NZS3500 and Building Code G12/AS1 requirements.

Designed by plumbers, for plumbers, Unitray is an all-in-one system to capture accidental leakage and PRV drain discharges. Managing Director Brett Watson says, “With distribution throughout Australia, we’re excited to have launched Unitray with our NZ agent, Andy Hart, at the Master Plumbers Conference in Nelson in April.”

Unitray can be assembled in just two minutes and is designed to save time and money in new homes and commercial and multidwelling installations. Each kit includes a durable, UV-resistant HDPE safe-tray, tundish and T-connector ready to install. With fewer variables to consider, Unitray makes quoting easier too.

Unitray’s circular design provides flexibility in waste outlet placement and is available in three sizes to accommodate the most common cylinder sizes. An optional, stable elevating post kit is also available to provide connection to waste under the unit.

For more information, visit www.unitray.co.nz or email info@unitray.co.nz April/May 2017

75

EXCLUSIVE

NZ PLUMBER NOW AVAILABLE DIGITALLY TO MASTER PLUMBER MEMBERS! FINAL CHANCE! BOOK FOR THE 2017 NZ PLUMBING CONFERENCE—See p10 CONTENTS

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

21

ON THE COVER Book your place now at the 2016 New Zealand Plumbing Conference! – See page 7 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Art and Craft

17

Sheetmetal mastery at the Len Lye Centre

PROS & CONS

12

24

28

Inside this issue

37

Mud, glorious mud Tradies join the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge

37

Fees in focus New regular column for PGD Board CEO Martin Sawyers

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

New consumer campaign promotes qualified professionals

WHAT’S ON

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

7

17

Registrations are open for the NZ Plumbing Conference 2016

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS 8

CEO Greg Wallace talks marketing and membership; Master Plumbers gets the big tick from ACC; National President on tour; awards entries; new members; and two Gold Partner updates

12

Commercial leases One of your most important business contracts…

REAL LIVES 14

Out West Why West Coast plumbing takes planning

28 To the rescue This plumber’s a fire truck driving dynamo!

4

Mirror, mirror Sheetmetal mastery at the new Len Lye Centre

NUTS & BOLTS

INDUSTRY TALK 30 Bathed in glory Bathroom Excellence winner 31

Occupational regulation review MBIE plans to simplify

21

Preventing Legionnaire’s Keeping water systems safe

31

Innovation for Green Star Rating tool gets an update

22

Best practice: rainwater Top tips from Marley

31

Involving the industry PGD Board establishes a liaison group and proposes a new CPD model

IN FOCUS

FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING

43

60

24 Backflow know-how Questions installers should ask themselves 25

27

32

Sam’s Spot A plumber’s tools are sacred, says Sam!

The gas ring This issue’s updates for gasfitters

32

Tech points Some online projects afoot for the industry

34 Recent convictions Licence checks are proving effective 35

People NZPM Board; vale Nigel Mason

Raising the roof Winners at the RANZ Roofing Awards

SMART BUSINESS 39 Eyes on insurance Covering your tools… and keeping your insurance current 43 Growing your business Business development advice from The Icehouse 44 Biz brief Employment law changes and more…

46 Understanding GST The IR has the low-down 47 Recruit to suit Kicking off our new HR series with recruitment

TIMES PAST 48 Wartime apprentice A gust of wind leads to hair-raising results for Ernie MacManus

SAFETY FIRST 50 H&S reform: one step closer The Health & Safety Reform Bill has passed

AROUND ASSOCIATIONS 53

Active in Auckland Q&A session with Auckland Master Plumbers President Regan Frost

WORLD VIEW 54 Water for future Plumber Trevor Gatland volunteers in Timor Leste 62 On the world stage Kiwi plumber at the World Skills Internationals

HEALTH MATTERS 58 Asbestos alert Ignore the risks of asbestos on worksites at your peril!

TECH SAVVY 60 Accounting add-ons You need them but be selective

Commercial leasing

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF

What you need to know

BACKFLOW KNOW-HOW Installer basics

OUTWARD BOUND Tomorrow’s leaders

58

ASBESTOS ALERT Worksite risks

70 Cover photograph by Patrick Reynolds: Len Lye Centre facade

NEXT GENERATION 66 Why hire an apprentice?

MasterLink videos have the answers!

69 Got a Trade The first-ever Got a Trade Week 70 To the limit Ten apprentices test their mettle with Outward Bound 72

MasterLink winners Success down South

72

Following the code An apprenticeship code of practice

73

Making 2015 a success Skills looks at credit completion

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 75

What’s new to the marketplace

AND FINALLY 76 Offcuts This issue’s media snippets 78 Dodgy plumbing Will they ever learn?

October/November 2015

5

October/November 2015

Reporting from the World Skills Nationals NZ—See p72

A new programme from Master Plumbers

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016

DO YOU DIG IT?

New excavation safety guidance FASHION SHOW International bathroom trends

ENGAGING CONTRACTORS Getting it right

RACING LINE Apprentice plumber & motocross champCONSTRUCTION

HITS NEW HIGHS Seize the opportunity!

READY FOR GROWTH BIM BASICS Buying a second Getting NZ on board business

SPEED MERCHANT Back at Bonneville!

Available via www.pocketmags.com

Just log-in to enjoy on your iPad, iPhone, Android device, Mac, PC or Amazon Kindle Fire

www.masterplumbers.org.nz

AND FINALLY

Offcuts

Media scraps and other oddities.

Don’t try this at home

Reasons why homeowners shouldn’t attempt their own plumbing.

In the media Is that a gun?

Police rushed to a California shopping centre in March after receiving reports of an armed man, only to find a harmless plumber. According to the New York Daily News, shops were put on lockdown after a tip off about a man with a rifle in his bag wandering around the parking lot. Turns out it was a plumber with a plunger in his bag…

Locked in A would-be thief got more than he bargained for in a bungled carjacking of a plumber’s ute, according toThe Huffington Post.

The robber apparently tried to hijack the Sydney plumber’s ute but the plumber managed to jump out of the car and lock it, trapping the man inside. The man was later arrested.

Lucky to be alive Australia’s Daily Mail reports that a teenage driver is lucky to be alive after accidentally driving his car off the garage roof of a multi-storey carpark and falling seven storeys onto a plumbing store in Texas. The car smashed almost entirely through the roof of the store, but the teenager managed to climb free and crawl down into the store itself before being taken to hospital with a few cuts and bruises. It’s thought he accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake.

DODGY Plumbing

Keep them coming! Send your Dodgy Plumbing examples to the Ed: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz

A bumper crop for you this edition…

Where to start?

“How do you like the installation of this gas hob?” asks Dale Lovell of Heron Plumbing. “The plumber was sent there to repair kitchen taps but got a little concerned when he noticed this installation, installed by the tenant. The tenant asked him to cap off the right hand burner as he only use the left. The reply was: no way. We also contacted the landlord to make him aware.”

Too close for comfort

“Not sure if this is dodgy gasfitting or drainlaying… you choose,” says Chris Tuffnell of Tuffnell Plumbing & Drainage. “The sump at the base of the cylinders should be at least 1m away from this installation.”

April/May 2017

77

AND FINALLY

Down and dirty

Thanks to Mike at Alan Wilson Plumbing for sending in this photo of some interesting work with shower waste traps.

Down poor

Found this lurking around the back of a mate’s place in Dunners, says Donovan Isted of Foley Plumbers. “The top piece of spouting is a box made of wood. Starting with square downpipe made of two pieces taped together, it then drops into a bucket adapter, push socket 100mm waste pipe, a couple of inspections and runs back up hill after hitting the bend at the bottom. She’s a gem.”

Can’t quite reach…

“I thought this pic may be a good candidate for the back page of the magazine,” says Rene Herlihy of Manawatu Plumbing and Maintenance. “A new shower but the mixer with a bath diverting button over the vanity, and the bath was on the other side of the room.” Priceless!

Crox of the matter

DI-Why?

Thanks to Aaron Jamieson of BOP Plumbing & Gas for sending in this photo of a prize bit of DIY. “Waste pipe run through a back door.”

Another goodie sent in by Aaron Jamieson—this time dodgy gasfitting.

“Crox fitting used on gas install.”

Could do better

“Saw this in a staff room at a school—quite a dodgy piece of work,” says Tim Charlton from Tauranga Plumbing. “After spotting this, it was put right.”

Please send the biggest size photos you have.

The bigger the file, the bigger we can show it on the page!

78

April/May 2017

Poxy job

“Some dodgy plumbing we came across on commercial premises,” says Colleen Upton of Hutt Gas & Plumbing. “Apparently this is what you do with a leaking relief. Yes, that is EPAR!”

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