NZ Plumber August-September 2017

HOW BINDING IS A QUOTE? AND CAN IT BE WITHDRAWN?—See p62

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTS Your rights and obligations

DODGY PRODUCT Better policing needed

HOW ORGANISED ARE YOU? Work smart tips

TOMORROW’S GASFITTERS Learning support

NEW!

TECHNICAL THEME

HOT WATER

Water chemistry, home heating and more

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EDITORIAL

Volume 69, Number 4 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. Members receive all six editions.

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

Getting technical

We hope you’re enjoying our new technical themes.

WE’RE GRATEFUL TO all the expert contributors who share their knowledge with readers in our new feature themes. This edition, it’s hot water technology, and topics include how water chemistry affects HWC product choices; how water heating can be combined with whole home heating; how hot water heat pumps work; and why there should be more legislative controls around legionella in hot water systems. We’d love to hear from readers any time if you have a wishlist of topics for future themes.

We are also underway with our new Across the Ditch articles, bringing news from Master Plumbers in Australia. We thank the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of Western Australia for their round-up of news from our nearest neighbours. The challenges faced by the Australian plumbing industry are currently strikingly similar to New Zealand, with product quality issues to the fore. Water supply pipework and fittings are the likely cause of lead contamination at the new Perth Children’s Hospital—read more on p69.

Here in New Zealand, Master Plumbers is among a number of construction industry groups calling for better standard setting and monitoring of imported plumbing products for public health and safety reasons. We take a look at the particular reasons for concern on p12.

On a lighter note, we wish Hunter Turner the best of luck as he heads for Abu Dhabi in October for the Worldskills Internationals. Hunter is putting in hours of practice and took part in the China competition in June by way of preparation. On p73, we find out why he got involved and what he has got out of participating in this major event for young tradespeople.

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, branches and 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 sent in by readers that we publish on this page wins a $30 prize voucher!

Do you have a picture, story or news to share? Or feedback on any of the articles you’ve read in NZ Plumber? We’d love to hear from you. Email the Ed: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz or give me a call on 03 543 2008.

LEARNING CURVE I recently took a successful claim to the Disputes Tribunal regarding non-payment by a building contractor. I learnt a few interesting points that I would like to pass on to other tradesmen if they are not aware of them.

The first is that, to protect all parties, you should always include the full limited liability company contact name and details in any correspondence (including emails) about a project involving money. This includes your customer quotes.

The second is that, if the job turns out to be different from what was originally requested, do not carry out this additional work unless you have a variation in writing. Otherwise, you might face resistance when you try to get payment.

The third is always get a written agreement when you are engaged to do work. In this one instance we didn’t, and we were forced to use the small claims court to get paid. Not only that, but the contractor used another plumber to do the front-of-wall work, despite having verbally requested us to carry out the whole project, and despite having no objections to our workmanship.

Barry Guy, Barry Guy Plumbing Ltd From the Ed: Thanks for your letter Barry—some useful food for thought. This edition's prize on its way to you.

August/September 2017

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Inside this issue

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

WHAT’S ON 7 Check out our industry calendar MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS 8 CEO Greg Wallace on apprentice training; new Comms & Marketing Advisor; product advocacy and Best in Brand prize

IN FOCUS 12 Policing products

Why better controls are needed around imported product

15 Customer contracts

A new campaign reminds contractors of their obligations

REAL LIVES 18 Driven to succeed

Plumber Jacob Smith sets himself a high bar

42 Walking into retirement

Why this 76-year-old ex-tutor is tramping the length of New Zealand

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August/September 2017

50 Staying strong

Outstanding Services to Industry Award winner Dave Strong

TECHNICAL THEME: HOT WATER TECHNOLOGY 21 Water pH impact

Why water pH matters when choosing hot water products 24 Warm water—warm home

Combining household hot water with the central heating system 26 Legionella control

Legionella in potable water systems 29 HPWH technology

How they work plus installation tips

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT 30 Preservation plumbing

Heritage house plumbing work

NUTS & BOLTS 35 Taken in isolation

Benefits of isolation valves

36 Backflow basics

What plumbers need to know about backflow prevention 39 Device types

Unsure which type of backflow device to use?

40 Tech points

Technical updates in brief

INDUSTRY TALK 44 Asbestos removal training

Training requirements for an asbestos removal licence 45 Heating up Emirates Team New Zealand

Rinnai’s hot water solution for the Bermuda crew 45 Watercare changes in Auckland

Changes to compliance statements and connections 46 Sam’s speak

What’s the answer to the plumber shortage?

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER HOW BINDING IS A QUOTE? AND CAN IT BE WITHDRAWN?—See p62

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTS Your rights and obligations

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60

62

48 Steel mesh charges

Charges filed against three producers 48 Cylinder restraint study

Could be time for a new approach 49 Homestar rating tool updated

Homestar v4 makes the assessment process easier

HEALTH MATTERS 52 P aware

The risks of working in meth houses

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

58 KiwiSaver—10 years on

It’s a no-brainer for young working people to join, says the IR 59 Contract Works cover

When your subcontract agreement includes Contract Works excess 60 How organised are you?

Top tips to working smarter—plus two case studies 62 Quote, unquote

How binding is a quote?

DODGY PRODUCT

NEW!

Better policing needed

HOW ORGANISED ARE YOU? Work smart tips

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TECHNICAL THEME

TOMORROW’S GASFITTERS Learning support

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HOT WATER

Water chemistry, home heating and more

70 Cover photograph: A new consumer campaign from MBIE.

WORLD VIEW 69 Hospital on hold

Lead contamination in water at new Perth Children’s Hospital

NEXT GENERATION 70 Tomorrow’s gasfitters

How Rinnai is supporting gasfitting apprentices 73 Taking on the world

Young Kiwi plumber prepares for Worldskills Internationals 77 Apprenticeship designed by you

A new website from Skills to have your say

54 Water recharge

Two new managed aquifer recharge projects

64 Pricing & payments

Tips on optimising efficiency and profitability

SMART BUSINESS

INNOVATION

56 We’re watching you

Legal boundaries of electronic staff surveillance

66 Drain brain

Odour eating floor waste product

AND FINALLY

SUPPLY LINES

81 Offcuts

Bits and pieces of the unusual kind

57 Process for change

What to know when altering an employee’s agreement

67 Urgency needed on skill shortages

BNZ on why business and government need to work together

82 Dodgy plumbing

The best of the worst

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 79 What’s new in the marketplace

August/September 2017

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What’s on

Events and training on the industry calendar.

Getting the Best from Apprentices

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

Gas NZ Industry Forum Date: 7-9 November

Dates: August-November

Venue: Wairakei Resort, Taupo

Venues: Nationwide

This is the annual event for the upstream and downstream gas industry. For updates, 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

Cost: $60 ex GST (Master Plumbers’ member price) This course will assist managers, team leaders and supervisors who have responsibility for training apprentices and other employees, but who have not had any formal assistance in how adults learn. The emphasis will be on those who provide one-onone training and small group training.

For more information and to register, go to www.masterplumbers.org.nz/training

On-Site Wastewater Systems – Design & Servicing Dates: August-October Venues: Six North Island centres Cost: $60 ex GST (Master Plumbers’ member price)

Facilities Integrate Date: 27-28 September Venue: ASB Showgrounds, Auckland Cost: Free This trade-only event is for building operators, facility managers and installers. Try and buy equipment, source suppliers, network and stay up with what’s happening for the industry via workshops and speakers. The event covers building management systems, energy management services, HVAC systems, maintenance supplies and technologies, and more.

For more information, go to www.facilitiesintegrate.nz

This course discusses the design and servicing of different generic types of on-site wastewater systems, and is geared towards those with some existing experience with wastewater systems.

For more information and to register, go to www.masterplumbers.org.nz/training

Backflow Prevention courses

Associated Tradesperson Electrical course

Venues: Christchurch, Hamilton, Lower Hutt

Date: 4 September-18 November, Auckland Cost: $950 inc GST (including EWRB exam fees). The student’s employer will be subsidised $550 ex GST from the ITO on successful completion of the course and exam. Costs do not include the application fee for the EWRB practising licence.

E-tec offers Associated Tradesperson Electrical Licence courses for plumbers and gasfitters. The course comprises: • 6-10 weeks’ distance learning in your own time in paperbased format • 3-day practical course at the end of the distance learning • ERWB Associated Tradesperson exam at the end of the practical course.

A list of the types of electrical work this permits the plumber and gasfitter to carry out can be found at www.ewrb.govt.nz/workingsafely-and-in-compliance/limits-of-work Download and complete the application form at www.etec.ac.nz/Courses/5

Dates: September & October

Three-day backflow prevention and one-day refresher courses from Opus Education. The three-day course covers backflow prevention, installation, testing and inspection requirements.

Register at training.opuseducation.co.nz/courses/89-backflowprevention-2017

Auckland Build 2017 Date: 2 & 3 November Venue: ASB Showgrounds, Auckland Cost: Free This construction exhibition focuses exclusively on noncommercial and commercial construction opportunities in Auckland and the rest of New Zealand. Gain access to construction projects and solutions, and network with contractors, developers, architects, government and other industry professionals. The 2017 show will expand on last year’s event, with additional themes, workshops, 50+ speakers, 200+ international exhibitors and a doubled floorplan size.

Auckland Buildings Expo will run alongside.

Register for free at www.aucklandbuildexpo.com August/September 2017

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MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

Thoughts on training Is New Zealand’s current approach to PGD training delivery meeting the needs of industry?

AT MASTER PLUMBERS, we receive a considerable amount of feedback from employers and apprentices about the performance of block course training providers. The most common complaint is that the training is not relevant and doesn’t take industry advances into account, particularly in the area of product innovation.

Other concerns are that block course hours are actually less than the agreed 40 hours, and that apprentices assessed to be at or above standard are not able to move forward quickly to stretch and challenge their abilities.

There is also a major issue regarding the ratio of training to assessment.

The current situation is that 60 percent of block course time is spent on assessment and only 40 percent on training. There is often a lack of awareness about this by employers.

Whether this is the best use of the time available is a matter for debate.

As an industry, we need to understand that today’s approach to training and education is completely different from 20-30 years ago—and we must move with the times.

NEW MEMBERS Welcome to new Master Plumbers’ member businesses: • AKL Plumbing & Gasfitting Services Ltd in Auckland • Brown Arm Boys Drainage Ltd in Lower Hutt • Premium Ltd in Auckland • Profile Plumbing Ltd in Auckland • Property Force Ltd t/a Selwyn Gasfitters in Christchurch • Pure Plumbing & Gas Ltd in Masterton

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August/September 2017

On a recent trip to Australia for a meeting with the Master Plumbers of Queensland and Victoria, I visited some training providers. In the Australian plumbing industry, on-job assessment is already a reality. Apprentices use digital devices to provide photographic evidence of their skills, with employers able to sign off on competency. This is a cost-effective means of assessment and also allows for a greater percentage of time on block course to be spent in actual training.

In our view, the current New Zealand training delivery strategy is not meeting the needs of the industry. We believe the seven training providers utilised by The Skills Organisation should come together for a complete review of the way they deliver training programmes, taking into consideration such overseas approaches which appear to be more modern, robust and flexible.

Within the current review of PGD training programmes, there appears to be general agreement that plumbing and drainage be merged into one qualification—as has been the case in Australia for the past nine years.

This would extend the current 13 weeks of block course training requirements by approximately three weeks but would have the advantage to the industry of a single plumbing and drainlaying

licence. It would also better align with the AS/NZS 3500 plumbing and drainage standard and with the Australian qualifications.

It’s worth noting here that a separate drainlaying training programme is also proposed for those who only require this licence, and that the plumbing and drainage qualification could be combined with gasfitting.

Master Plumbers is among the parties involved in the training programme review and we encourage all members to complete the survey we sent out in July. Our survey asks for feedback on some key questions around industry preparedness for increased off-job training, and levels of satisfaction with apprentice outcomes under the current approach to training delivery.

Some final food for thought: Queensland has a population of around 4.5 million yet has just two highquality training providers for PGD programmes… Should we be actively researching overseas training models to inform a review of our own approach?

Greg Wallace, CEO Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ

Welcome to Joanne Caine

Meet our new Communications and Marketing Advisor.

Here at Master Plumbers and Masterlink, we’re delighted to welcome Joanne Caine to the new role of Communications and Marketing Advisor. Joanne joined us on 24 July and comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in this field. Having worked at the Institution of Professional Engineers (IPENZ) for the past three years, Joanne has a good understanding of membership organisations and the marketing and communication needs of businesses.

She is looking forward to working with the team to help raise the profile of Master Plumbers and Masterlink within the industry and among consumers.

Members can contact Joanne on 0800 502 102; email jcaine@masterplumbers.org.nz

MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

Border controls

Master Plumbers is advocating for better policing of imported product.

CEO Greg Wallace met with Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Jacqui Dean in late July to discuss Master Plumbers’ concerns about the number of inferior plumbing products infiltrating the New Zealand market. Master Plumbers would like to see rigorous controls around the importation and supply of plumbing products, as well as ongoing monitoring

and policing of standards to ensure strict compliance. Substandard products have the potential to fail in an unacceptably short time, and may also present a risk to consumer health.

We understand that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is likely to conduct a review of plumbing products in the near future.

A great night!

Rod Miller, our 2017-18 National President, enjoyed a President’s Dinner with members on his own home turf.

National President Rod Miller and Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace joined the celebrations at the joint Hutt Valley/ Wairarapa and Wellington Master Plumbers President’s Dinner in June.

“What a great night,” said HVWMPA

Secretary Mike Baines. “Rod and Greg were stars, as was Mike Gooch from the Wellington Branch. As always the Angus Inn treated us well, so with great food and great company, it was a great night.”

Above: Members from Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Wellington at the Annual Dinner.

Southern success stories Two South Island Masterlink apprentices have been recognised for their efforts.

At the Otago Master Plumbers AGM in July, Matt Price received this year’s Top Otago Masterlink Apprentice award from President Jeff Burrow. Matt works with host Sean Reynolds at Gas & Water in Dunedin. “Matt fitted in really well from day one,” says Masterlink South Island Manager Roger Herd. “He enjoys the trade and has received very good comments from his tutors.”

Later the same month, apprentice Ben De Clifford received the Top Southland Masterlink Apprentice award at the Southland Master Plumbers AGM, held on Stewart Island. Ben works alongside host Kieran Drake at Drake Plumbing in Otautau. “Ben and Kieran both enjoy hunting, fishing and rugby, so they do heaps together,” says Roger. “Ben is a quick learner and his tutors think very highly of him.”

Above: Matt Price receiving his award.

Best in Brand winner

Congratulations to our latest winner!

“Love the new Master Plumbers logo and it goes really well with our rebranding,” says Jason Brown of Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas in Lower Hutt. And we love the way the logo looks on your vehicle, Jason! The $200 prize voucher is coming your way.

Who’s up next?

Show us how you’re using the Master Plumbers branding on your vehicles, signage or workwear to be in to win a $200 prize voucher of your choice!

Just email your photos to Vanessa Price by 11 September 2017: vprice@masterplumbers.org.nz

August/September 2017

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MASTER PLUMBERS NEWS

Careers time

Masterlink has been extolling the virtues of plumbing at career expos around NZ. High school leavers get a great chance to consider the merits of different jobs at career expos. Masterlink had some quick, fun plumbing activities to test students’ skills at events in Christchurch, Auckland, Palmerston North, Hamilton and Wellington during May and June.

These included the popular Sort It Careers Expo in Palmerston North,

attended by Masterlink Lower North Island Manager Bob McCoy. Dannevirke High School student Katherine HughesLong took out the $100 voucher for giving the right answers to five plumbing apprenticeship questions, and Bob later popped into the school to present her with her prize.

Above: Students vying for the prize in Christchurch.

Above: Bob McCoy (left) at Dannevirke High School with prize winner Katherine Hughes-Long and Acting Principal Diane Sandbrook.

On course in Auckland

The Auckland Master Plumbers team is tacking well.

Members and suppliers came together in early July for food, drink and an update from Auckland Master Plumbers. The night was a roaring success, with the a crowd of 60 plus at the Horse & Trap in Mt Eden.

Outgoing President Regan Frost thanked everyone for giving him the opportunity to lead the revival of Auckland Master Plumbers, likening it to sailing in the America’s Cup. “With Dale Lovell coming on at the helm as President and Rohan MacMillan as Vice President trimming the wing, the Auckland team will keep foiling and doing well,” said Regan. “We can celebrate our success today because making a few changes with fresh thinking has made us a better boat.”

Above right: The assembled crowd.

Right: Barry Purves (left) receiving his 50year Membership Milestone Award from new Auckland President Dale Lovell..

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August/September 2017

Above: Getting to grips with copper pipe.

Apprentice programme review

Master Plumbers is among the parties involved in the review of the PGD apprentice programmes.

In July, we sent out a survey to members seeking feedback on the proposed changes to these programmes, which include merging plumbing and drainlaying training and qualifications, and combining PGD as one qualification. We had a fantastic response and will share the results with Skills and the PGDB to help inform future decisions. We also encourage members to participate in the forum at getinvolved.skills.org.nz. The new programmes are due to launch on 1 January 2018.

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:

August/September 2017

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IN FOCUS

Product policing The tragic London tower block fire has raised fresh concerns in New Zealand about building product quality, safety and proper use.

A PUBLIC INQUIRY is to be held into London’s Grenfell Tower blaze to find out why the fire spread so rapidly, but it is believed the exterior cladding on the 60m high-rise aided the rapid acceleration of the fire, with such tragic consequences.

Reynobond PE aluminium composite material (ACM) was used during a 2015 refurbishment of the tower block, over the more expensive and more fire-resistant Reynobond FR. Samples of the PE product from the tower have failed fire safety tests—as has ACM cladding on almost 150 tower blocks in England tested since the disaster.

In a statement in June, the product supplier, US company Arconic, said it was to discontinue global sales of Reynobond PE cladding for use in high-rise applications.

Several brands of aluminium cladding are on sale in New Zealand and the product complies with the NZ Building Code.

In the wake of the fire, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) contacted councils to check whether any high-rise buildings in their regions were constructed with these materials prior to amendments made to the Building Code this January to restrict the use of combustible cladding systems in buildings.

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August/September 2017

According to Newshub in July, two privately owned buildings in Auckland with PE-type cladding over 25m were being reclad, but with the council saying it was for weathertight reasons.

Auckland building consultant Louise Swann told RNZ National’s Morning Report in June that she believes it is not the product itself but how it is being used that is the problem. She has been lobbying MBIE for two years on this issue and said she wanted to see the product’s CodeMark certification suspended until MBIE redrafts the certificate to provide clearer information on its safe design and installation.

Suppliers and installers want to do right thing, she said, but MBIE needs to show leadership and direction. “I cannot understand why they won’t do some of the hard decisions to make the scheme of product certification even better.”

According to the RNZ report, MBIE says it will get the certification accreditation body JAS-ANZ to look into this urgently, along with the certifier Australia-based Certmark International.

Product substitution dangers

The Building Industry Federation has expressed concerns that cowboy builders could substitute certified products with cheap,

substandard alternatives to cut cost—and it would be very difficult to tell apart once in place.

In a Business Day article in June, Federation Chief Executive Bruce Kohn said non-compliant products are still entering the country ‘unchecked’ and may not meet safety standards or be fit for purpose as set out in the Building Code or Standards. The Federation would like to see some form of border protection, as happens in Australia.

Adding to the problem is the lack of policing of standards used by New Zealand’s building industry, according to Specialist Trade Contractors Federation (STCF) Chief Executive Graham Burke. STCF wants to see urgent reform of Standards New Zealand, which now sits within MBIE. The current system depends on private funding for participation in standards committees, and the cost to do so is significant.

In an NZ Herald article in late June, Graham Burke said the public should be concerned about the loss of standards and also the lack of MBIE enforcement of existing standards. “Why would plumbers invest their time and money in developing a standard covering flexible pipe fittings when MBIE allows cheap low-quality product to be sold and installed in the homes of unwitting consumers who face the significant cost of repair to damage caused by these products failing?” he said.

Master Plumbers has been lobbying MBIE for some time about inferior plumbing product entering New Zealand. “We believe consumers need to be protected from unwittingly purchasing such products, which, in an extreme case, could be used for plumbing an entire house—with the potential for these products to wear out and fail in an unacceptably short time,” says CEO Greg Wallace.

“There could also be a consumer health risk with some of these products.”

Master Plumbers is concerned about the lack of funding for participation in Standards New Zealand committees. CEO Greg Wallace says Master Plumbers is committed to ensuring the New Zealand plumbing industry is represented on relevant AS/NZS standards committees but it is an expensive process and there is no cost recovery for specialist’s time or travel. He met with Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, Hon Jacqui Dean, in late July to discuss the issue. ■

Australia begins implementation of Watermark scheme improvements Watermark is a mandatory certification scheme for plumbing and drainage products in Australia, to ensure they are fit for purpose and appropriately authorised for use in plumbing and drainage installations.

An improved scheme was launched on 1 July 2016, with rules for the improved scheme published this June in preparation for its progressive implementation from 1 August 2017.

Watermark certification of plumbing and drainage products is voluntary in New Zealand.

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IN FOCUS

Customer contracts

A new MBIE campaign is reminding contractors and consumers of their rights and obligations when doing residential new builds or renovations.

MBIE IS RUNNING an information and education programme to remind homeowners about their rights and responsibilities when building or renovating. This includes new guidance and an online video that can be viewed at www.building.govt.nz A contractor’s guide is also available, to help with understanding the consumer protection measures introduced in 2015 under the Building Act. Here, we look at some of the key points in the new guidance—and encourage you to read it in full.

Get it in writing

Above: Two new brochures for homeowners and contractors.

A written contract is one of the ways to ensure a “professional, no-surprises relationship” with the homeowner when you have contracted directly with them to do a plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying project.

A written and signed contract helps protect you if there is a dispute over payment or quality of work. It is a record of how much your client has agreed to pay and contains the specific terms and conditions relevant to the project.

Under the consumer protection measures, you must have a written

contract for residential building work costing $30,000 (inc GST) or more.

In the new guidance, MBIE recommends that you have a contract even if the work will cost less, so that everyone has an understanding of obligations, requirements and expectations.

If the work is likely to cost $30k or more, you must also provide your client with: • a prescribed standard checklist: includes information for the

homeowner on how the project will be structured and managed; on having a written contract; and on resolving disputes.

• a disclosure statement: includes information about your licensing status, qualifications, skills and any insurance or guarantees you provide.

You must also supply these documents if the client asks for them, whatever the cost of the work.

You can be fined $500 per offence if you don’t provide these documents when required. Anyone knowingly providing false or misleading information, or leaving out required information, can be fined up to $20,000.

When the work is done Once you’ve finished the work, no matter what size the job, you must give the client certain information or documents, including: • ongoing maintenance requirements • any guarantees or warranties for materials or services used • any current insurance policies.

Again, fines apply for not providing this information. >

Calculating the cost When pricing a job, the price should be the total cost of all the work (including supplies, fixtures and fittings) plus GST. This is regardless of whether or not all or part of the work is being done by a subcontractor.

The cost of the subcontractor’s work can only be excluded if the subcontractor enters into a separate contract with the client.

“Attempting to avoid your obligations by splitting work into separate contracts of less than $30,000 will not be to your advantage,” advises MBIE in its contractor guidance. “A written contract protects you as much as it does the client.”

Above: MBIE's new campaign is aimed at homeowners who are renovating or building.

August/September 2017

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IN FOCUS

Putting it right

Quick steps for contractors

You must fix any defects you’ve been told about in writing within 12 months of the work being completed.

If there is a dispute, it is your responsibility to prove that any defects are through no fault of your own, or of the subcontractor, or of the products you’ve used.

This 12-month defect repair period applies to all residential building work, regardless of the price.

5

Check for building or resource consents (if required)

6

Carry out building work

Implied warranties

Provide homeowner and council with Record of Work (if required)

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Provide post-build information

Give copies of any: • Insurance certificates • Guarantees or warranties • Maintenance information

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Final payment

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Fix any defects

Implied warranties apply to all residential building work for up to 10 years, whether or not you have a written contract and no matter what the contract terms are. So, you will still be required to remedy defective work after the defect repair period ends.

If you don’t agree that the work or product is defective, and the 12-month defect period has lapsed, the homeowner must prove there is a defect before you’re required to have it fixed.

Implied warranties cover almost all aspects of residential building work, from Building Code compliance to workmanship and timely completion.

They are listed in section 362I of the Building Act.

If things go wrong If you have concerns, start by discussing them directly with the client (or with the main contractor if you are the subcontractor).

1

First meeting with homeowner

Give standard checklist

2

When quoting

Give up-to-date disclosure statement

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Awarded job

4

Prepare and sign written contract

•

If you are still not happy, check the contract to see what (if any) dispute resolution process you should use and start this process.

You can also consider seeking mediation if you and the homeowner agree to this. Or you can take a dispute to the Disputes Tribunal if your claim is for up to $15,000 (or $20,000 if both parties agree).

If your claim is for more than this, or if you need to enforce the Disputes Tribunal’s decision, you can go to the District Court. It’s worth getting legal advice before taking this step.

Resources •

•

• •

• •

16

Consumer guidance: Encourage homeowners to get better informed about the building process before work starts by directing them to www.building.govt.nz (includes a video) or give them a copy of MBIE’s free Know Your Rights booklet. Email info@building.govt.nz to order copies (subject line: consumer protection booklets).

Contractor guidance: Find the Do Your Homework booklet at www.building.govt.nz/getting-started/your-rights-and-obligations/builder-anddesigner-rights-and-obligations/contractors-do-your-homework Consumer video: View it on You Tube at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=fEWWrvefrYw Contract: Master Plumbers has developed a contract agreement for building work for members’ use. Find it at www.masterplumbers.org.nz (under Business Resources).

Standard checklist: Find it at www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/whycontracts-are-valuable (you must not alter this document in any way) Disclosure statement: Find a template at www.building.govt.nz/projects-andconsents/why-contracts-are-valuable/consumer-protection-disclosure-andchecklist (more information about completing the statement is available in the contractor guidance)

August/September 2017

•

Make any further amends to disclosure statement Ensure contract meets all requirements

Above: MBIE’s new consumer video explains what a contract covers and what other protection measures consumers can ask for.

Payment disputes The homeowner is legally liable for the amounts due under the contract. The most effective way to enforce payment is to use the payment claim process under the Construction Contracts Act. If the client objects to a payment claim under the Act, they must do this in a written payment schedule that indicates what they are prepared to pay.

You can apply for independent adjudication if you: • Dispute the information or reasons given in the written payment schedule • The client doesn’t give you a written payment schedule and doesn’t pay • The client gives you a written payment schedule but doesn’t pay the scheduled amount.

Adjudication is relatively quick, with decisions usually made within 20 to 40 working days. ■

PGDB/MICO CPD ROADSHOW 2017 WIN, EAT, LEARN, NETWORK • Attend the interactive training session

• Have a bite and a drink on us at the Mingle

• Y our chance to ask the questions you need answering

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• Have a catch up with other industry members • W e’ll shout you breakfast for the morning sessions

DATES & LOCATIONS DATE

SESSION

VENUE

DATE

SESSION

VENUE

Wed 23/8

AKL Central AM

Ellerslie Event Centre

Thu 31/8

AKL West PM

Trust Arena

Wed 23/8

AKL Central PM

Ellerslie Event Centre

Fri 1/9

AKL West AM

Trust Arena

Thu 24/8

AKL North AM

QBE Stadium

Mon 4/9

Whangarei PM

Toll Stadium

Thu 24/8

AKL North PM

QBE Stadium

Fri 25/8

AKL North AM

QBE Stadium

Tue 5/9

Kerikeri PM

Kerikeri RSA (Session without Trade Show)

WE’RE BACK AGAIN NEXT YEAR! We are pleased to announce that Mico will continue our successful partnership with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) by hosting and supporting the CPD training across New Zealand for 2018 and 2019.

This partnership, which commenced in 2016 following the introduction of the new CPD

training model, demonstrates our continued commitment to the industry.

Initial attendance at the 2017 CPD roadshow indicates that an even larger proportion of members are opting for the face-to-face training format.

This is encouraging and Mico is working closely with the PGDB to help ensure members gain

0800 101 999 | www.mico.co.nz

maximum value from taking time off-site to attend these sessions.

The last leg of CPD sessions kicked off on 31st July and our local teams look forward to welcoming members to the remaining events.

To register for a session, go to www.skills.org.nz/pgdb2017.

REAL LIVES

Driven to succeed Having fallen into a plumbing career by chance, Jacob Smith has gone on to excel at what he does. By Shelley Burt.

JACOB SMITH HAD no idea what he wanted to do when he left school. “I was born and raised in Tuakau, a semirural town of about 3,500 people in the Waikato region. I did all my schooling there and got University Entrance, but decided I didn’t want to go to university.”

Instead, Jacob applied for several jobs in the trades and got offered a few, but it was plumbing that appealed most. Ten years ago, at the age of 18, he moved to Hamilton and started a drainlaying apprenticeship with Plumbing & Gas Works (PGW).

He has since passed his Certifying registration exams in drainlaying, plumbing and gasfitting with consistently high results. “Having all three qualifications means that I can see a job from start to finish, right from in the ground through to fitting off at the end of the job,” he says.

Can-do attitude

Jacob has become a highly-valued member of the PGW team for his cando attitude and meticulous planning.

With parents who instilled the idea that if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right, it was inevitable he would drive himself to achieve the best possible results. “I push to go beyond what’s acceptable or standard,” he says.

“I always try to raise the standard of the work delivered through me and my apprentices.”

Jacob enjoys the mix of outdoor, physical work and the mental problemsolving involved in designing solutions.

“I really enjoy coming up with solutions, and then giving the guys coming through the tools and training to help them solve problems for themselves.”

Few people fully appreciate what is involved in this somewhat invisible trade—the stuff that’s hidden under the ground and behind the walls, which we take for granted in our homes.

18

August/September 2017

Above: Jacob Smith on his Harley.

Commercial/industrial requirements can be even more bespoke and complex, particularly in manufacturing. This is where Jacob’s passion for problem-solving and design plays out—in being given what the client wants for the particular building and working out how to achieve it.

As with any industry, there are challenges. Sometimes it’s the client defining exactly what they want; other times it’s making the scope of the work clear so that clients understand how much work is involved. Perhaps the biggest challenge, though, is timeframes.

“Plumbers are usually among the last ones on the job—we can’t put in a toilet till the vinyl’s down and the walls painted—and because the end-time of a job never really moves, we are the ones left with the least amount of time.”

Competitive spirit

In addition to becoming the national Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer of the Year at the 2017 NZ Plumbing Awards, Jacob received the Most Outstanding

Plumber Award at the 2016 Waikato Master Plumbers Awards. “It’s about being the very best in all things—Pai rawa atu i nga mea katoa. I guess I’m just competitive, really.”

Little wonder that he is asked for by name by some of PGW’s major clients, as his reputation for quality and on-time delivery grows.

Jacob may have fallen into plumbing by accident, but it’s become a passion that he would love to see others considering as a career choice. “It’s not all about blocked toilets! There’s so much more to plumbing than that. There are great physical and mental aspects to the work, you get paid while you’re training and it’s one of the highest-paying trades out there.”

Jacob and his partner Nicole have recently bought an older style house, so there are a few weekend renovation projects on the go. Between the time pressures of work, and the new home, Jacob has had to give away his rugbyplaying days. But that’s OK because he has a Harley-Davidson to soften the blow… ■

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HOT WATER TECHNOLOGY

This edition’s technical theme considers how water quality impacts hot water product choices, some of the different options available, and issues around Legionella control in hot water systems.

In this section

21 24 26 29

Water pH impact Warm water—warm home Legionella control HPWH technology

HOT WATER TECHNOLOGY PAGE TAG

Water pH impact Water pH is a major consideration when choosing hot water products, says Stephen Parslow of Rheem NZ. WITH THE WIDE range of hot water solutions available in today’s market, choosing the right product can be difficult.

Installing the wrong product for a particular situation may produce hot water in sufficient volumes to satisfy the demand, but does not guarantee the system will have a long life.

Premature failures are often caused by water quality, which, if considered at the time of installation, would have called for an alternative product to be used. So, what should we be looking at before deciding on a solution?

Hard and soft water

Certainly water pH has a major impact. Pure water is deemed to be neutral, with a pH very close to 7. Dissolved minerals and gases will affect water pH and, once it drops below pH 6.5, water is considered acidic.

Surface water will typically range from pH 6.5 to 8.5 while groundwater ranges from pH 6 to 8.5. Water with a pH higher than 8.5 is considered alkaline.

Water pH will drop as the temperature increases, making it more aggressive in water heaters. It is also important to understand the pH scale is logarithmic, meaning pH 7 is ten times more acidic than pH 8; while pH 6 is 100 times more acidic than pH 8! Don’t be fooled by thinking, “It’ll be OK, it’s only slightly lower than the recommended pH level.”

What’s interesting is that we perceive water with low pH, below 6.5, as being soft. We enjoy bathing in soft water, allowing a rich lather to form while washing. The down side is the acidic nature of this water will corrode hot water heaters, often causing pin holes from the inside out.

Hard water with a pH higher than 8.5, on the other hand, is good for us to drink as it contains essential minerals. This water is regarded as having high total dissolved solids (TDS).

the acidic nature of this water will corrode hot water heaters, often causing pin holes

Unfortunately, these minerals and ions will come out of solution when heated and form scale deposits on elements and pipework, which again can lead to premature failure.

Copper or steel?

So what type of hot water heater do you choose? Sometimes there is not a total solution. If the water quality is too far from the neutral pH 7, and outside the manufacturer’s stated levels, the only real solution is to treat the water before use. Modern hot water products are designed to deal with most water types found in New Zealand but product choice needs to take into account the water quality, as not every option will do the job.

Traditional copper cylinders still have their place, but will fail prematurely when exposed to water outside the range of pH 6.5 to 7.5. A rural property collecting rainwater and storing in plastic tanks will probably have water with low pH. As an alternative to copper, a low-pressure vitreous enamel (VE) cylinder could be a better choice. The low pressure VE cylinders are constructed from steel to give additional strength, rated to 120kPa, rather than copper at 76kPa. Mains pressure VE cylinders are also available and similar in construction, but using thicker steel rated to 1000kPa. The steel is protected against aggressive water by a tough enamel coating on the inside surface, and any minor imperfections in this lining are further protected by a sacrificial anode.

Anode protection

The anode is usually made from magnesium, which will erode rather than the steel cylinder. It is recommended that the anode be inspected eight years after installation, or sooner if poor water quality is suspected, and replaced as necessary. Failure to replace the anode will mean the steel is no longer protected and the cylinder will fail prematurely.

The choice of anode is also important. If the water has extremely high or low TDS, an alternative anode may be advisable to give full protection. The best advice is to check with manufacturer’s specifications.

A bore water supply with high TDS may require a low watts density element to try to overcome element failures. These > August/September 2017

21

HOT WATER TECHNOLOGY

early failures will occur if water chemistry is outside the suitable range elements are rated at 2 or 3 kW as normal but the surface area of the element is larger and will reduce scale build-up.

Stainless steel cylinders will cope with a wider range of pH. Typically this should be within the region of pH 6 to 9.5 but TDS may be a problem and should be below 600mg/L—check the manufacturer's recommendations to be sure!

Stainless steel is deemed to be passive so does not require an anode for protection.

New Zealand hot water products are built to last, but early failures will occur if water

chemistry is outside the suitable range.

Alarm bells should ring when dealing with rainwater stored in plastic tanks and an individual bore water supply—both of these scenarios are unknowns! Hot water products often fail without any warning and it becomes urgent for them to be replaced.

Skipping the step of understanding why the unit failed and checking water quality may lead to another failure after a short time.

Best advice is to check manufacturer’s product specifications and, if in doubt, get the water checked or contact the local council for more information. ■

Above: Sacrificial anodes provide vital protection for cylinders, and should be regularly inspected and replaced, as necessary.

About the author: Stephen Parslow is Technical and Training Officer at Rheem New Zealand. You can contact Stephen on 0800 657 336; www.rheem.co.nz

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August/September 2017

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HOT WATER TECHNOLOGY

Warm water: warm home

A household’s hot water is essentially free when combined with the heating system, says John Walker of Central Heating New Zealand.

AT THE TIME of writing this article, Emirates Team New Zealand had just won the America’s Cup—a big day for yachting and an even bigger day for New Zealand.

The America’s Cup, named after a schooner, not the country, will never be the same again. Our new breed of super athletes, who possess the aerobic fitness of a marathon runner and the explosive power of an Olympic sprinter, have cycled their way into the history books.

The physical display of raw power got me thinking. A typical bike generator can produce 100 watts. If you pedal for an hour a day, 30 days a month, that’s (30 x 100=) 3,000 watt-hours, or 3 kWh. That’s less than one percent of what a typical family uses in a month (920 kWh).

Applying the same basic theory, Emirates Team New Zealand would have to race roughly 50 times a day, 1,500 times a month, to heat water and warm a house during the winter months. There are clearly not enough hours in the day.

All is not lost. If you are lucky enough to own a room big enough for a gullible Olympic cycling team and its support crew you can still use their energy to indirectly heat your hot water.

What is indirect heating?

In a combined heating and hot water system, cylinders are heated via an external heat source such as gas boilers or air-to-water heat pumps (or cyclists). Warm water from the central heating system runs through a coil in the water cylinder. The heat is then transferred from the coil to the water inside the hot water tank. You could think of it as free hot water, because the central heating is warming it—two birds with one stone.

In a typical household, the performance is so good that the boiler only needs to heat the domestic hot water for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. Heating times and the stored water temperature can be adjusted easily to suit any household or Above: Baxi 300L heat exchange twin coil hot water cylinder. lifestyle.

warm water from the central heating system runs through a coil in the water cylinder 24

August/September 2017

Indirect heating takes roughly one quarter of the time to warm a tank of water when compared to direct heating with an electric element. Boilers produce 24kWh compared to an electric element, which is 3kWh.

What is direct heating?

In a direct heating cylinder system, the hot water is heated by an internal element such as an electric immersion element. It’s worth noting that hot water tends to be more expensive to produce in direct systems as it takes a lot longer to warm.

Normally this type of cylinder would be fitted with two different immersion elements: one for the peak electricity and one for the off-peak electricity. If this is the case, the homeowner really needs to make sure that the immersion elements are set up on the timers correctly to ensure they are paying the least possible for the hot water. There is no point heating water via the peak immersion heater during the middle of the night.

Why choose a cylinder-based hot water system?

Being able to supply multiple outlets (taps, baths, showers etc) at

heat exchangE hot water cylinders • Heated from Multiple Sources • High Water Flow and Recovery Rates • Long-life Duplex Stainless Steel

Above: Cutaways of Baxi heat exchange single coil and twin coil hot water cylinders.

For further information regarding Baxi’s Hot Water Cylinder range contact Central Heating New Zealand today

making cylinders perfectly suited to homes with more than one bathroom a high flow rate simultaneously is the main benefit of a cylinderbased hot-water system, making cylinders perfectly suited to homes with more than one bathroom or large flow requirements.

If another member of the household uses a different shower or bath at the same time, a cylinder can supply hot water to both without significant loss of pressure or an adverse effect on the temperature.

Choosing the right cylinder for the heating system When deciding on which cylinder, homeowners should look at the heat-loss figure, the reheat time and the insulation thickness.

By comparing cylinders, they can ensure they are purchasing the best cylinder in their price range. Spending a bit more on a cylinder will give greater savings in the long term.

Indirect heating cylinders are growing in popularity as more and more New Zealanders choose central heating for a wholehome heating experience.

For households with solar thermal (water-heating) panels or thinking of installing them, a cylinder with two heat exchanger coils (twin coil) is the way to go. One coil is connected to a boiler (or heat pump) and the other can be connected to solar thermal panels to store any solar gain collected during the day. If the house doesn’t have thermal panels, a single-coil cylinder is fine.

This is designed to be connected to just one heat source, usually a boiler. ■ About the author: John Walker is Technical Consultant at Central Heating New Zealand. You can contact john on 03 357 1233 or email john.walker@centralheating.co.nz

P: 0800 357 1233 E: info@centralheating.co.nz w: www.centralheating.co.nz

HOT WATER TECHNOLOGY

Legionella control Plumber Chris Dick questions why there are no legislative controls around Legionella in potable water systems.

LEGIONELLOSIS IS A preventable respiratory infection that particularly affects vulnerable people, such as the very old and the young. In 2016, eight people died as a result of legionellosis—four of them having contracted the disease from Legionella bacteria found in water systems.

The bacteria can be found in any type of water system, including plumbing systems, hot water tanks, spa pools, water in cooling towers and evaporative condensers of large air conditioning systems.

Most people have a natural immunity to Legionella. However, if the immune system is compromised, Legionnaires' disease can develop and have a devastating outcome. This can be complicated by it appearing as pneumonia and going under diagnosed.

In 2015, two people in Hawke’s Bay contracted Legionnaires’ disease from the water in their homes, with one having to have her feet amputated as a result. Although her HWC was set at the recommended temperature, there was a tempering valve between the HWC and the tap, and bacteria had grown here.

Lack of legislation

Chris Dick of Laser Plumbing Christchurch East has been working on Legionella control in water systems in New Zealand and Australia and has discovered that our country has a lack of legislative requirements around this.

“The UK has been a world leader in legionellosis prevention for the last 40 years, and Australia has been addressing the issue for the past 20, so we are quite a distance behind.

“Our Ministry of Health (MoH) published revised guidelines for the prevention of legionellosis in 2012, but they are guidelines only—there is no legislation specifically for Legionella control in water systems. The UK's HSE L8 Approved Code of Practice is the benchmark document for Legionnaires.

“In New Zealand the responsibility for Legionella control now lies with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), within the Building Warrant of Fitness (BwoF) framework. Whilst MBIE have legislated for Legionella control in air handling systems, there are no legislative controls around potable water systems. This is despite the MoH describing retirement villages, pre-schools and others as high risk categories.”

the bacteria can be found in any type of water system, including plumbing systems 26

August/September 2017

Chris has contacted the MBIE compliance team in an effort to convince them that this work should also be in the compliance schedule, and that it should be done by qualified plumbers. “The risks are that, without legislative contorls, nothing gets done and we will continue to have unnecessary cases of Legionnaires, which usually affects our most vulnerable citizens.

“Also, without input from our industry, MBIE may apply a brushstroke approach, leaving the controls to untrained building compliance businesses.” ■

HWC requirements Legionella colonises between 2045°C, will stay alive but dormant up to 60°C and dies at 70°C. G12/AS1 of the NZ Building Code requires the control thermostat on a storage water heater to be set at no less than 60°C to prevent Legionella growth.

It also states that hot water delivered at the tap must not exceed 55°C (and no more than 45°C in buildings such as early childhood centres, schools, hospitals and old people’s homes).

Domestic hot water systems should have a tempering valve installed between the water heater source outlet and the hot tap governing the hot water to 55°C. Hot water temperature in commercial premises should be governed to the facility’s required temperature by thermostatic mixing valves.

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HOT WATER TECHNOLOGY

Heat pump technology Parex explains how hot water heat pumps use the thermal energy of air to heat water.

HOT WATER HEAT pumps are the next generation in water heating technology. By harnessing naturally occuring energy to heat water, they can reduce a household’s water heating costs by up to 70 percent.

How they work Hot water heat pumps work much like a fridge but in reverse— generating heat instead of cold.

They harness the ambient temperature in the air, and multiply this energy to heat the water at a fraction of the cost of a traditional hot water cylinder. This is how the process works: 1. A fan pulls in air containing heat energy across the evaporator 2. The evaporator turns the liquid refrigerant into a gas 3. The compressor converts the refrigerant into high temperature/high pressure gas 4. The hot gas inside the condensor coil heats the water inside the tank 5. The refrigerant reverts to a liquid after heating the water, and continues back to the evaporator for the process to start again.

Installation tips Some key EcoSpring installation tips for plumbers are given below: 1. EcoSpring units weight as much as 130kg, so installation is a two-man job 2. Like all water heaters, a concrete pad is required for installation 3. Seismic restraints are required by law (two for 190 model and three for 300 model) 4. Install 4 x 2s for spacing of the unit, as well as securing seismic restraints 5. Make sure there is enough room for servicing and replacement of anodes 6. Use copper piping with thermal lagging to retain as much heat as possible 7. A mains pressure valve pack is required (purchase from a reputable manufacturer) 8. Use 200mm flexi-ducting on inlet and outlet to maximise efficiency… if needed.

9. For more information, visit www.ecospring.co.nz.

To view the EcoSpring installation video, click the link at the bottom of the home page. ■

Parex supplies EcoSpring hot water heat pumps to the New Zealand market. Designed to withstand weather, the unit can be installed inside or outside using a standard electrical connection, and standard cold water inlet and hot water outlet.

EcoSpring allows householders to manage the way they heat their water with a simple control panel. A 24hour timer lets them take advantage of higher daytime temperatures and prevent noise during the night.

Homeowners can also choose from three heating modes with Model ES190, and two heating modes with Model ES300.

Right: Cutaway of Model 190 showing how the EcoSpring hot water heat pump works.

Above: Diagram of Model ES300. EcoSpring installation utilises a standard electrical connection, and standard cold water inlet and hot water outlet.

August/September 2017

29

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Preservation plumbing Painstaking repair work after earthquake damage threatened to topple a Christchurch homestead has left the building looking as good as old.

By Matthew Lowe.

30

August/September 2017

MONA VALE, IN the suburb of Fendalton and surrounded by four hectares of public park, had its chimneys fall and masonry crumble in the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes.

Builders and plumbers with experience of breathing new life into historic properties were called upon as part of a team to save the homestead that is listed as a category one building with Heritage New Zealand.

The $3.2 million restoration and repair work took two years.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Above: Mona Vale reopened to the public at the end of 2016.

It saw timber supporting structures and new pipework installed at the 117-year-old property that today operates as a café and function venue.

Despite the extensive work, the building’s facade appears unchanged from its pre-quake days because all the original bricks were put back in exactly the same spot. Likewise, the interior walls, decorations and fittings are as they were before the natural disasters hit the region.

Respect required

Christchurch firm Willcox Plumbing replaced piping for the hot and cold water supplies and the majority of sewer, waste and vent pipework.

Barry Willcox, the firm’s owner/manager, says preserving the history of the site proved the most challenging aspect of the job.>

August/September 2017

31

Photograph above courtesy of Christchurch City Council.

Photograph courtesy of Mona Vale Homestead and Pantry.

Above: Visible damage to Mona Vale after the 2011 earthquakes struck Canterbury.

Photograph courtesy of Handmade Photography.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Above: The original interior décor has been preserved.

“This being an older building you had to be respectful to a lot of surfaces that were original. We had to run pipework in different ways to work in with the ceilings, walls and other surfaces that were not being touched during the project.

“It would have been far easier to chop something out the way, but we couldn’t; we had a lot of respect for what the building is.”

Barry says his staff removed pipework that would not pass a pressure test, and “there was plenty of that”, but other items such as a boiler and the original radiators were reconditioned and put back into place.

“Connecting up to the existing pipes or fittings that were reusable wasn’t too bad because some of it had been updated over the years, so what was in there was quite modern and a lot of PVC. “We had people on site for at least six months overall, but we would go long periods where we couldn’t enter because so much structural work was being done, especially early on. As is often the way, when we did get in there we would need two or three people working hard.

“The project was a real pleasure to be involved in. The first

32

August/September 2017

Brick by brick

The plumbers worked in tandem with Simon Construction, which started on the homestead project in 2014.

Geoff Atkinson, construction manager, says the plumbing was a major part of the operation because, once the interior wall linings came off, “It was clear the plumbing was knackered.”

Heating and electrical systems, and all underground services were also replaced.

Geoff says because the building is heritage-listed all the exterior bricks had to be photographed and numbered to make sure they went back in the same place.

“We removed each individual brick, rebuilt the floors with a structural timber and steel wall and then replaced every brick into its exact same position,” he says.

“All the original fitments were also put back in their place,

all the exterior bricks had to be photographed and numbered

Photograph above courtesy of Handmade Photography.

days when we were there disconnecting the existing pipework, the place was looking particularly sad, but to see the final product and look at what we have got, the team has done a magnificent job.”

Photograph courtesy of Christchurch City Council.

Above: Inside Mona Vale—the original radiators were reconditioned and put back into place.

Above: The category one listed heritage building is now a café and function venue.

Photograph courtesy of Mona Vale Homestead and Pantry.

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Above: Mona Vale under construction nearly 120 years ago.

Willcox Plumbing hopes to tackle more heritage work both inside and out. It’s come up really well and looks like we haven’t been there, apart from looking fresher, which is hugely rewarding. If we can do that then we have done our job properly.”

Proud heritage

The homestead was built in about 1900 by Frank and Alice Waymouth, who named it Karewa. It was sold to Annie Quayle Townend in 1905 and she renamed it Mona Vale after her mother’s house in Tasmania.

The Church of the Latter Day Saints bought the property in 1963 and sold it to the Christchurch City Council seven years later. Since then it has operated as a restaurant, café and function centre.

Barry says Willcox Plumbing hopes to tackle more heritage work and has been involved in other historic projects around Christchurch, including repairs at the Sign of the Takahe, a restaurant and function centre built in the style of an English Manor House.

“These heritage jobs are always slower than the work we might normally do because you have to be respectful of the value of heritage and history of the sites,” he says.

“At times with Mona Vale, and certainly originally, we thought, ‘Why are doing this?’ But at the end, it has come up magnificent.

“A lot of buildings were lost [in the earthquakes] and some could not have been saved by anyone, but this homestead could and we and the city are fortunate for it.

“To be involved in it is an absolute pleasure and we have saved an important part of heritage and history in Christchurch, and the Mona Vale area in particular.” ■

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Meet the Rinnai Ember, our new small gas fire. With compact dimensions it is suitable for both new homes or fitting into an existing chimney. Delivering over 5kW of heat output, the Rinnai Ember is the perfect fire to compliment your home.

To download the Rinnai Magic virtual fire app from iTunes or Google Play, just search “Rinnai� or pick up a life-size poster in store. * Running on LPG using extended flue and 2 bends ** Running on NG using extended flue and 2 bends

Resources for Architects: CAD and BIM files for Rinnai products available at Rinnai.co.nz/Architects *Ember files Available August 2017

For Gas Fire stockists visit Rinnai.co.nz/wheretobuy

NUTS & BOLTS

Taken in isolation

Isolation valves at individual fixtures can prevent flood damage resulting from plumbing product failures, says Andrew Southen.

IN MOST DEVELOPED countries, it is mandatory to have an isolation ‘point’ at individual plumbing fixtures, says Certifying Plumber Andrew Southen. In America, for example, regulations require the installation of an individual shutoff valve on the fixture supply pipe to each plumbing fixture other than bathtubs and showers.

“In New Zealand, it is only a requirement to put isolation valves at toilets and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. I often talk with overseas plumbers and they cannot understand why this is the case here.”

The merits of installing isolation valves at all plumbing fixtures are many, says Andrew—particularly in commercial situations.

Maintenance convenience “I went into a new café last week and used the bathroom. When I washed my hands, the water sprayed everywhere—probably flowing at about 24L/minute. My first thought was, ‘This is a busy café and the tap doesn’t have an isolation valve; what a nuisance to the plumber and business owner when the tap needs to be serviced’.

“The plumber would have to find a convenient time to turn off the water to the business, which could mean another trip back. If the original plumber had installed an isolation valve, the owner would have the ongoing advantage of being able to turn down the flow to save splashing, save water and save on energy costs to heat the water. It would also reduce future maintenance costs and inconvenience for both the café owner

and maintenance plumber.

“Where do you turn off the water in these places? In the ceiling, where you need to set up a ladder and light; or out on the road, where it invariably doesn’t turn off completely. You then have the issue of draining down the system and mopping up. This scenario is repeated over and over again in hundreds of buildings. The actual repair job may only take five minutes, but the act of turning the water off and on could well be 10 times longer.”

Andrew believes it is good trade practice to have fixture isolation in residential situations, too. “It eliminates emergency call outs and, again, makes maintenance so much easier.”

Reducing flow control Flow control is another important consideration, he says. “With ceramic disc tapware, you get full flow in an instant—so, while the kids are cleaning their teeth, or the motel occupant is shaving, the tap could be flowing at over 20L/minute. By having a valve there, the maximum flow can be turned down. This is not an insignificant amount, as a single basin tap saving 10L/minute used for two minutes per day has an annual saving of 7,300L and, if 50 percent is hot, that is over 12 X 300L hot water cylinders.

For homes without inline water filters, it is important to have an isolation valve with the filter to ensure you comply with the tapware warranty conditions, says Andrew. “Otherwise you could find yourself liable for repairs.

“Today, some tapware and plumbing products are more technical and less robust than they used to be, as shown by the recent media reports about burst flexi hoses in Australia and New Zealand.

Perhaps it is time to start putting in fixture isolation as backup.”

Above: Andrew Southen.

and customers are not familiar with the technology, plumbers are generally reluctant to add the cost onto the quote.”

Through market research conducted for his own company, Isovalve™, Andrew has found that when people understand the benefits of fixture isolation, they would like to have isolation valves installed for the small extra investment.

Plumbers, too, breathe a sigh of relief when they come to do a tap repair and find an isolation valve under the bench, he says. ■

Consumer awareness

Above: A blown flexi hose.

Most plumbers would probably like to install fixture isolation, rather than connect directly and uncontrolled to the main water supply, says Andrew.

“However, because it is not a requirement

Above: An isolation valve installed beneath a basin.

August/September 2017

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NUTS & BOLTS

Backflow basics Ignorance is no excuse when it comes to understanding the safe operation of backflow prevention devices, said Peter McLennan at the Water New Zealand Backflow Conference this August.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES are like smoke detectors. They both save lives.

Backflow prevention devices have become an integral part of the water supply asset for the protection of the drinking water.

Backflow prevention is required by plumbing codes in both New Zealand and Australia at any connection that is subject to being affected by a cross connection. The operation and subsequent restraints that backflow prevention devices present is not well understood.

This article discusses the design requirements and the performance characteristics of Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow prevention devices, so that device owners and installers can be aware of potential issues before they occur.

Backflow basics

Backflow is the term used to describe the reversal of flow in a water supply pipe or system. Backflow prevention devices are used to protect drinking water from contamination where cross connections occur.

A backflow prevention device is a safety valve that protects the drinking water supply. It is estimated that there are more than 500,000 testable backflow prevention devices installed across Australia and New Zealand. But, other than a few in the plumbing industry, many people responsible for managing and maintaining drinking water systems know little of backflow and how the devices affect the system.

The following areas need to be understood and addressed when considering the use of an RPZ backflow prevention device.

G12 and the Australian Plumbing Code AS/NZS3500.1: 2015 is referenced in New Zealand G12.

In Australia, it’s referenced in Volume 3 of the National Construction Code, and in the Plumbing Code of Australia.

Section 4 of the joint Standard is Cross Connection Control, and it lays out the backflow prevention requirements when installing a drinking water piping system.

When an Australian State or Territory references the National Construction Code in its plumbing regulations, unless otherwise stipulated, it makes the use of backflow prevention devices mandatory. The adoption in New Zealand of the Boundary Backflow Prevention for Drinking Water Suppliers Code of Practice serves a similar function.

Backflow standards In Australia, backflow prevention devices are WaterMarked to AS/NZS2845.1: 2010 or AS/NZS2845.1: 1998.

The WaterMark is your assurance that the device has been manufactured and tested in accordance with the relevant 36

August/September 2017

AS/NZS3500 identifies three levels of hazard Standard. If it does not have a WaterMark it should not be installed in the drinking water network.

In New Zealand, devices approved to the USA ASSE Standards are also permitted under G12.

Hazard ratings AS/NZS3500 identifies three levels of hazard (the contamination or pollutant that can come in contact with the drinking water): High Hazard: The pollutant or contaminant could kill you if ingested. Facilities connected to the water supply likely to have this level of potential contamination would include mineral processing, meat processing plants, hospitals, mortuaries, plating works etc.

Medium: The pollutant or contaminant is unpleasant if ingested and may make you ill. Facilities connected to the water supply likely to have this level of potential contamination include commercial buildings, schools, public parks, food processing plants etc.

Low: The pollutant or contaminant is non-toxic but is objectionable and should not be present in drinking water.

Facilities connected to the water supply likely to have this level of contamination include residential homes, rainwater tanks etc.

Cross connections Cross connections within the piping system are how backflow contamination occurs. There are two types of cross connections: 1. A direct connection. This is where the cross connection is ‘hard piped’, and is often installed by people unaware of the possible consequences. It could be a bypass line or a submerged tank filling connection.

2. An indirect connection. The most common cross connection is a hose, which is an indirect connection, as the outlet can be used and left in all sorts of situations. For example, drain cleaning, chemical mixing, pipe flushing, pool filling etc.

Once the piping system is cross connected, should a backflow event occur, the chance of contaminants entering the drinking water escalate significantly.

Backflow types There are two types of backflow: 1. Backsiphonage. The pressure in the supply line is reversed, causing the water to be sucked or run backwards. This is usually caused by a water main break in the street but can be caused by mechanical devices that rely on venturi action to draw water from the supply line.

2. Backpressure. The water pressure within the facility is greater than the supply pressure. Causes can include high head pressure found in high-rise buildings and at the top of hills, and mechanical equipment failures.

Pressure drop vs flow rates

Backflow prevention devices rely on pressure drop across the check valves for effective operation. The minimum spring differentials are stipulated in AS/NZS2845.1 and all WaterMarked devices must comply.

Testable backflow prevention devices are field tested for effective operation upon commissioning, and at least annually by an accredited tester trained in backflow prevention.

Always check the manufacturer’s published literature for the pressure drop curve to ensure you have enough available pressure to supply the amount of water required. It is especially important where a fire connection is concerned. >

backflow prevention devices rely on pressure drop across the check valves

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NUTS & BOLTS

The following examples are from manufacturers’ published literature and should be used as a minimum.

• • • •

100mm Reduced Pressure Zone Valve at 20L/s has a head loss of 68kPa* 100mm Double Check Valve at 20L/s has a head loss of 20kPa* 100mm Double Detector Check Valve at 20L/s has a head loss of 68kPa* 100mm Single Check Valve Detector Testable at 20L/s has a head loss of 57kPa**

* All Valve Industries, Apollo Valves Backflow Prevention Catalogue, p6-8 & 11 ** Pentair ValvCheQ Backflow Preventers Figure SCDA03 These figures are devices only, and do not include strainers or isolating valves. These values must be considered where pressure is limited. It is not unusual for a complete assembly comprising isolating valves, strainer and the RPZ to have a pressure drop close to 100kPa.

Discharge from RPZ valves

All RPZ backflow prevention devices will dump water through the vent in the valve. It is a safety feature that ensures that, if the device fails or there is a backflow event, the drinking water is protected.

The spillage of water is often inconvenient, but when installed where it cannot get away, it can become dangerous to property and humans.

All manufacturers publish the discharge rates applicable to their devices, so be aware of these when you install an RPZ— otherwise, you may have a flood on your hands. For example, a 50mm RPZ with a pressure of 700kPa can discharge around 660L/min: sufficient water to empty an Olympic-sized swimming pool in six hours (see Figure 1).

all RPZ backflow prevention devices will dump water through the vent Installation guidelines

Backflow prevention devices are mechanical devices that require regular testing and maintenance. To facilitate this, they must be installed for ease of access. The Standard addresses some aspects, but each manufacturer outlines specific installation requirements in their published literature.

The three questions you need to ask yourself are: 1. Is the device I am installing suitable for vertical and horizontal installation—or just horizontal? RPZ backflow prevention devices are designed to discharge water during pressure fluctuations or mechanical failure. So as not to compromise the level of safety, they must only be installed in the horizontal plane. No WaterMarked RPZ device is approved for vertical installation.

2. Is the device I am installing suitable for concealing in a valve box or pit? Due to the discharging of water, a valve box is susceptible to flooding. Once the water level covers the discharge vent, the valve is compromised and the safety reduced.

3. Does the device I am installing have ease of access for regular testing and maintenance without the need for special equipment or dismantling from the line?

AS/NZS2845.1: 2010 stipulates that testable backflow prevention devices are to be commissioned upon installation and tested at least annually to ensure effective operation. Workplace health and safety guidelines would dictate that backflow prevention devices not be installed in confined spaces, near hazards, in elevated positions or in ceiling cavities.

Understanding what backflow is, and the limitations of the various devices, will allow you to satisfy your duty of care where these devices are used, and also to be able to understand the impacts of their installation within your network. ■

About the author: Peter McLennan is General Manager of Brencliff Pty Ltd, Regional Manager of Apollo Valves, and President of The Backflow Prevention Association of Australia (www.bpaa.org.au).

Above: Figure 1—Apollo Valves RPZ discharge rates.

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August/September 2017

NUTS & BOLTS

Device types

Unsure which type of backflow device you should use?

Reliance Worldwide provides a quick breakdown.

A plumber’s life revolves around water: incoming, outgoing, temperature and pressure. One of the most important areas, often overlooked, is ensuring the water supply is clean and healthy.

Backflow is essentially the flow of a liquid in a direction contrary to the normal or intended direction. It is the unintended flow of water from a potentially polluted source into a potable water supply or main. To prevent backflow, backflow prevention devices need to be installed. The type of device you use will depend on what the hazard is.

loaded nonreturn valves that will close immediately if there is any backpressure, backflow or backsiphonage. Above: RPZ device for high hazard situations.

A relief valve is positioned between the non-return valves and is arranged to be force-loaded to open to atmosphere and dump any contaminated water out of the system.

It is fitted with three test taps for annual testing and certification.

Hazard rating – High

Hazard rating – Medium

Device: RPZ Reduced pressure zone device This device has two independent force

Device: Double check valve testable This device has two independent force loaded non-return valves that will close

immediately if there is any backpressure or backflow. It is fitted with three test taps for annual testing and certification.

Backflow testing (RPZ Testing) is a very important safety measure. All of the above backflow prevention devices must be inspected and tested annually.

Refer G12, section 3.4 (AS/NZS 2845.1). ■

Above: Double check valve for medium hazard situations.

About the author: Feel free to call Reliance Worldwide to confirm which type of Flomatic backflow device is suitable for the job. If in doubt, find out! Call 0800 800 523; email sales.nz@rwc.com

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August/September 2017

39

NUTS & BOLTS

Tech points

WHAT CONSTITUTES A GASFITTING CERTIFIED DESIGN?

CHANGES COMING FOR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES New Health & Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations come into force in December. If you are one of the 150,000 businesses in New Zealand that manufacture, use, handle, store or transport hazardous substances in the course of your work, WorkSafe encourages you to subscribe to receive hazardous substances email updates. Subscribe at http://www.worksafe.govt. nz/worksafe/about/subscribe

NEW: BRANZ FACTS BRANZ Facts is a new series of concise factsheets that contain essential nuggets of information from BRANZ research and topical issues in the building industry. Short and easy to read, they refer the reader to more detailed sources for further exploration. Current topics include: • Roof design • Seismic perfomance of non-structural components • Sustainable technologies in NZ homes • Achieving good, affordable rental homes.

Download them free at www.branz.co.nz under Publications.

BRANZ FACTS

BRANZ FACTS

# ROOF DESIGN 1

# ROOF DESIGN 2

Compliance

and installation influences.

Code

clauses and their Applicable Building Code for roof design key performance parameters are given in: (structure and material selection)

Common options include: aluminium/zinc (AZ) alloy-coated steel in corrugate, trapezoid, trough and tray sections

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factory-finished (acrylic, modified polyester, PVf ) profiled aluminium/zinc 2 (AZ) alloy-coated steel in corrugate, trapezoid, trough and tray sections profiled galvanised (Z) steel in corrugate, trapezoid, trough and tray sections profiled aluminium in corrugate, trapezoid, trough and tray sections factory-finished (acrylic, modified polyester, PVf ) profiled aluminium in 2 corrugate, trapezoid, trough and tray sections

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#1 May 2017 | Roof Design

Design issues

These include: generally poor design or detailing lack of sufficient roof slope/drainage leading to ponding of water on the roof and leaks ● corrosion or premature failure as a result of incorrect materials specified for the environment ● wind damage where: − recommended span for profile or substrate has been exceeded − material is the wrong thickness or grade ● insufficient drainage capacity – rainfall intensity not correctly allowed for ● deflection or sag as a result of undersized support members or the recommended spans being exceeded ● inadequate allowances for thermal movement, which can result in: − excessive noise − tearing of roofing at fixings − buckling of metal roofs and stressing of roof membranes. ●

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Profiled long-run metals

Design influences

need to be given to Consideration may also clauses: fire – where roofs cross ● C Protection from plastic tenancies, incorporate foamed to a taller insulation or are adjacent building – when F2 Hazardous building materials

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copper – tray or standing seam zinc – tray or standing seam stainless steel – tray or profiled sheet.

Other less common options are: ● factory-finished profiled galvanised (Z) steel in corrugate, trapezoid, trough and tray sections – still common on existing buildings ● aluminium/zinc/mag nesium (AM) alloy-coated steel, zinc/aluminium/ magnesium (ZM) alloy-coated steel and zinc/aluminium/magnesium (ZA) alloycoated steel, all of which may be factory coated.

Timber shingles.

Note that the level of applied corrosion protection (the coating mass of Z or AZ) is typically less when the steel is factory coated.

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These include: wind damage where insufficient or incorrect fixings or adhesive used leaks from poor installation practices generally poor installation quality.

Membranes The most commonly specified membranes include: butyl – a synthetic rubber supplied as a roll or sheet with vulcanised joints EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) – an elastomeric rubber supplied as a roll or sheet with vulcanised joints PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – supplied as a roll ● TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) – supplied as a roll

MANAGING EARTHQUAKE-PRONE BUILDINGS

Installation issues

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Exceeding recommended

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Owner/maintenance issues

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These include: damage, deflection or sag to the roofing from excessive foot traffic or materials being stored on the roof

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spans can result in damage.

damage, deflection or sag from adding roof-mounted equipment where the weight may not have been allowed for or the installation was not effectively waterproofed where connected to the roof

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Multi-layer membrane roofing.

May 2017 | Roof Design #4

punctures from lack of care or protection to a membrane roofing system improper repairs such as repairing a leak with materials that are not compatible with the roof cladding moisture within the roof space – the branz.nz

May 2017 | Roof Design #3 1 branz.nz #2 May 2017 | Roof Design

branz.nz

1

1

EXTERNAL GUTTERS—SLOPE OF THE FALL In its June Guideline, BRANZ provides guidance on the fall required for external gutters towards an outlet. Acceptable Solutions E1/AS1 and E2/AS2 require a fall but are silent on how much, says BRANZ. However, the New Zealand Metal Roof and Wall Cladding Code of Practice states in section 8.4.9 that metal eaves gutters must have a minimum fall of 1:500 (2mm in 1m). For plastic gutters, one manufacturer specifies a minimum fall of 5mm for every 10m of gutter run.

MILWAUKEE WARNING ON M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 BATTERY In June, Milwaukee expanded the instructions and warnings to inform users of potential risks when highly conductive or corrosive fluids enter its M18 High Demand 9.0 battery pack. Read the full safety notice at www.milwaukeetool.com/company/safetynotices

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August/September 2017

In its July Business Update, Energy Safety explains that the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 provide for the use of a certified design to: • modify the installation standard’s requirements that apply to gas appliances and fittings; and • ensure that essential safety requirements are met.

A design for a gas installation, or part installation, is a certified design if it: • identifies the location, or proposed location, of the installation, or part installation; and • identifies the standards (if any) with which the installation, or part installation, or proposed installation, or proposed part installation, complies, or is intended to comply; and • is signed and dated by the person who prepared the design.

A certified design may influence or direct the selection of gas appliances and fittings, and their installation or maintenance.

Examples of a certified design include an architect’s drawing or an engineering design that shows the location of fittings, because these drawings or designs influence the safety of a completed installation.

This can be especially useful if the architect or designer knows the intended use of the premises—details the installing contractor may be unaware of.

PROBLEMS can often be traced to design issues, installation issues or owner and maintenance issues among others.

CURRENT NEW ZEALAND roof cladding options for both residential and commercial roofs include profiled long-run metals; membranes; tiles, shingles or similar overlapping materials; translucent materials; special-application roofing; and other less common materials.

cladding system, WHEN SELECTING a roof to be considered. a number of influences need owner These include design, environment,

see Roof Design Rules and regulations – to lower the risk of 1 Compliance. insulation Sheet roof Fact of To review below. design spaces the and growth inrules Local planning fungal than this, an R-value not less panel parameters. achieve H1 required (although, to meet Roofisarea.

R1.5 of roof or reroof. roofR-value higher Whether it is aanew requirements, so Thermal increases, required). height asbe is likely–to Building height insulation steel framing. loading. windfor are required does potential breaks increases, prescribe which complexity as ● and –H1/AS1, Complexity ● H1/VM1 ● so the roof system on while ● B1 Structure – depending levelsdecrease choices roof glazing is incorporated insulation suitable material minimum structure) will falling – to ensure that (roofing and supporting skill increases, buildings. installation ● F4 Safety from for residential the required location from wind, snow, loads used. the accommodate something accessible roofs can be safely as does the risk of getting and dead loads when using an roof-mounted equipment Specific design guidance roofing aspects of E2/AS1 wrong.

Key so that a minimum period a means of compliis likely to be ● B2 Durability – heavy. or E2/AS1 light – Acceptable Solution as Solution weight ● Roof Acceptable method for a greaterThe of durability will be achieved document. will have reference roofs ance or to support an alternative most common theHeavyweight fire – rules apply to the following: are the ● C Protection from claddingThey loadings. to roof roof cladding is given in earthquake aspectsonrelating keyimpact a building on to for adjacent are 3604:2011 (8.2), that NZS (likely to roofs cites support tiles to masonry ● B1/AS1, which require more applicable typically sections the next door site cost).profiled metal roof timber-framed roofs. tiles (8.3), at a higher comemetal pressed – so that the completed roof membrane specifies a durability of ● E1 Surface water can the or–EPDM butyl accuracy ● B2/AS1, which and (8.4) Construction design ● cladding the of roof cladding specific roof will effectively dispose not less than 15 years for be constructed to meet (8.5). actually roofing for the to meet rainfall specifies: and continue but not less than 50 years cladding section parameters roof design Each – so that water is slope for the ● E2 External moisture rooflife? over its supporting structure. acceptable parameters minimum ● athose building drainage kept on the outside of the gives rainfall intensities 1) increases, Table (seeslope ● E1/AS1, which – as roof Slopeprofile ● given – to ensure the risk prescriptive ● E3 Internal moisture and uplift windand across New Zealand plus effectivemanufacturing is morematerial ● roofing roof spaces is for gutters on of condensation within sizing and material options (the amount depending standards decreases other the design minimised including and details and downpipes. the building andofjunction the height ● flashing – for the collection of more upstands prescribes minimum ● G12 Water supplies anduses coversroof A steeper ● E2/AS1, which flashing wind speed). minimum of generic that drinking water required falls for a range penetration details (note materials. ● roof – to meet prescribed minimum gutter ● H1 Energy efficiency or below 10°– penetrations roofto equal roofing types as well as and size of penetrations Number ● roof insulation. thermal of minimum levels design). sizes and slopes. the better. specific the fewer, require specifies a minimum level – what are the ● E3/AS1, which ● Supporting structure Is it a fully framing materials and spans? branz.nz self-supporting1 supported substrate or a

New Zealand Building

roofs

Roofs carry out a critical function – they are the umbrella protecting the building from the outside A wide range of roofing materials environment with a particular and finishes are available protection from water. Inspection focus on much more common than s carried out on roofs have others. This fact sheet describes – some identified current and historical roof cladding a range of potential issues. options in New Zealand.

Zealand Building determining the New applicable to both Code clauses that are The Building Code design and construction. levels of required in effect sets minimum

performance. and joint A number of New Zealand standards cover Australian/New Zealand materials and roof construction, roofing

What can go wrong with

Roof materials

Performance influences

ce Code sets the minimum performan The New Zealand Building construction of roofs. This fact sheet category and e. the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ parameters for the design ce ts and the paths to complianc No building element fits in ce with only modest maintenan outlines these requiremen selection better than roofs. Good performan with careful design, cladding requirements can be achieved installation. i n ro o f d e s i g n i s T H E F I RST ST E P and

components. a Building Code If a designer follows a roof cladding Acceptable Solution for Solution, they covered by the Acceptable the requirements are deemed to have met of clause E2 External moisture.

ROOF DESIGN #4

BRANZ FACTS

ROOF DESIGN #3

BRANZ FACTS

This edition’s technical news in brief.

A nationally consistent system for managing earthquakeprone buildings came in on 1 July. It changes the way these buildings are identified, assessed and managed. It categorises NZ into three seismic risk areas and sets time frames for identifying, strengthening or removing buildings within these areas. Buildings in the new ‘priority’ category in high and medium seismic risk areas must be identified, strengthened or removed in half the time available for other buildings in the same seismic risk area. TAs will have to publish information on buildings they have determined to be earthquake prone in a national online register. Find out more at https://www. building.govt.nz/managing-buildings/managing-earthquakeprone-buildings

WATER METERING GOOD PRACTICE Water New Zealand has recently completed the Water Metering of Customers on Reticulated Supplies Good Practice Guide. It prescribes industry good practice for the supply, use and operation of water meters used for the sale of water by an organisation to its commercial and domestic customers. The guide is now available in the Water New Zealand online library at www.waternz.org.nz (under Resources).

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REAL LIVES

Walking into retirement FOR SOME PEOPLE retirement is a chance to relax and put their feet up, but not for Ken Ash. Since he finished working at the Open Polytechnic, where he spent 10 years as a plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying tutor, he has been on his feet more than ever and is halfway through walking the length of New Zealand.

The 76-year-old began his 3000-kilometre fundraising trek along the Te Araroa trail in November last year.

Ken, from Paraparaumu, completed his traverse of the North Island in May and plans to start walking the South Island in spring.

He had to rethink his plans early on when a foot infection and subsequent ankle problem in Northland forced him to rest for two months.

“My original intention was to go straight through to the South Island but I did not want to go when it was winter and I have to say I am enjoying not doing much at the moment,” he says.

“I think the South Island will be different because it is much more open than the forests I encountered through the North Island and there will be longer treks across the top of ranges and mountains.

“I’m also going to have to carry more food so the pack will be heavier. The most food I carried at any one time in the North Island was about seven days’ worth.

“My wife has been very supportive and has prepared a lot of dehydrated meals and organised food drops throughout the country.”

Ken got through three pairs of walking shoes covering the North Island. He camped out most nights and his backpack, including tent, can weigh up to 20kg depending on how much food he is carrying.

Above: Ken admires the Rainbow Falls near Kerikeri.

his backpack, including tent, can weigh up to 20kg

Above: The Te Araroa trail is not all about walking and involves negotiating the Wanganui River.

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August/September 2017

One month after retiring at 76, plumbing tutor Ken Ash set off on a 3,000km tramp.

Matthew Lowe follows his progress.

the thing that sticks in your mind the most are the people you meet “I had never done much tramping but I have always been a runner and liked hill running. I was reasonably fit but you can never be fully prepared for something like this because it is continuous and you’re on your feet all day, every day.

“Sometimes if you make a blue and miss a marker or have to backtrack you feel very isolated walking. You also worry about the weather and food supplies. The isolation does strike you from time to time but it also makes you fairly careful.”

Ken says despite passing through many spectacular landscapes, which included three days on the Wanganui River, it was encounters with other people that have made the best memories.

“The thing that sticks in your mind the most are the people you meet rather than the places. I struck some amazing hospitality during my walk, with one couple even putting me up for the night, inviting me to join them for dinner and doing my laundry.”

Ken’s efforts, which he had planned for a year before retiring, have raised more than $2,300 for the Neurological Foundation.

“I was looking at retiring and my wife has multiple sclerosis, so I wanted to walk for the Neurological Foundation to raise funds for them.

“My mum had Alzheimer’s and a couple of guys I worked with had strokes, and the foundation also works in those areas so I thought it would be a worthwhile organisation to do the walk for,” he says.

“With retirement I had the time to do something like this and there are places in New Zealand I wanted to see—and you can’t see them much better than walking through them.” ■

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Above: The start of the Te Araroa trail at Cape Reinga.

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INDUSTRY TALK

Asbestos removal training

WorkSafe has released more information about the training requirements for an asbestos removal licence.

Changes to asbestos regulations take effect on 4 April 2018, and unit standards are being introduced to support the regulations.

You can’t legally work in the asbestos removal industry after this date if you choose not to do training beforehand. All certificates of competency expire on or before this date.

There are four new unit standards: • • • •

29765 – Remove non-friable asbestos 29766 – Remove friable asbestos 29767 – Supervise asbestos removal 29768 – Conduct asbestos assessment associated with removal.

The flow chart shown here is a guide to the units you will need, depending on the role you play. For example, if you are a supervisor you will need the relevant removal credit and the supervisor credit.

These courses require a high level of knowledge and understanding. It’s important to become familiar with the content in Management and Removal of Asbestos – Approved Code of Practice, available at www.worksafe.govt.nz The new unit standard for assessors is not mandatory—it is just one way to gain competency for an assessor licence.

Training providers Several training providers are going through the process of becoming accredited by NZQA to deliver the training. You’ll need to contact individual providers to see if and when they will deliver training to NZQA standards. Some providers may consider offering training without NZQA accreditation. If you train with them and they fail to get accredited by 4 April 2018, your training won’t be recognised until they are.

Training to the Australian unit standards will also be recognised by WorkSafe. Again, contact your provider to see if

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August/September 2017

WHEN REMOVING ASBESTOS WHAT TRAINING DO YOU NEED? Workers

Supervisor

Assessor I ASSESS OTHERS WORK, DO AIR MONITORING AND WRITE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES

DO I REMOVE

FRIABLE

NON-FRIABLE

I work with dusty, crumbly or powdery asbestos

I work with asbestos that is contained, in a cement sheet for example

UNIT STANDARD: 29766

UNIT STANDARD: 29765

CLASS A

CLASS B

Worker*

Worker

FRIABLE

NON-FRIABLE

I work with dusty, crumbly or powdery asbestos

I work with asbestos that is contained, in a cement sheet for example

UNIT STANDARD: 29766

UNIT STANDARD: 29765

CLASS A

CLASS B

Worker*

Worker

UNIT STANDARD: 29768

I MANAGE WORKERS WHO REMOVE

UNIT STANDARD: 29767

* If Class A you can do Class B work.

Above: The new asbestos training pathway.

they can meet your training needs.

Do not assume that a training provider will recognise your experience or prior learning—it’s best to discuss it with them first.

Certified management systems Licensed asbestos removal businesses doing Class A removal work must have a certified safety management system (SMS) by 4 April 2018 as part of the new regulations. It takes time to develop a system and have it audited, so the sooner businesses start, the easier it will be to have it ready by the deadline.

All licence holders will need their SMS to be certified by an accredited auditor. WorkSafe recommends seeking assistance to develop a system. To find an accredited auditor currently taking on clients, go to www.jas-anz.org/accredited-bodies/all. Click the ‘Advanced search’ tab beneath the grey panel. Enter 18001 or 4801 in the ‘Standard’ field and leave all other fields blank except ‘Country’ (choose New Zealand), then click Search.

INDUSTRY TALK

Heating up Emirates Team New Zealand Rinnai developed a hot water solution for Emirates Team New Zealand in Bermuda.

Rinnai were proud to be an official supplier for Emirates Team New Zealand during the recent Louis Vuitton Challenger Series and the America’s Cup held in Bermuda.

Rinnai were commissioned to develop a hot water solution that provided enough hot water to run eight showers simultaneously in the crew’s shower block, which was housed in a 40ft container on the Emirates Team New Zealand base. The system solution was designed in-house by Rinnai New Zealand’s

Above: Emirates Team New Zealand celebrating their victory in the America’s Cup.

Above: Andrew Nottage, Emirates Team New Zealand Shore Manager, reviewing the Demand Direct manifold system.

commercial division.

A Demand Direct manifold system was specified and installed to provide a continuous flow of hot water on demand. Four Rinnai Infinity 16 litre units were plumbed together and this provided the necessary hot water capacity for eight showers to be used at once.

The Demand Direct system is perfect for situations where there is a known hot water demand over a set time, as the water is only heated when required. This made it ideal for Emirates Team New Zealand, where the showers were only used once or twice daily.

Rinnai products also featured in the kitchen container: a 16 litre Infinity unit and a 25 litre Boil and Brew unit, which provided all the hot water the Kiwi crew needed for their tea and coffee breaks.

A big congrats to Emirates Team New Zealand for bringing home the Auld Mug, says Rinnai–and they look forward to being a part of the next campaign.

Watercare changes in Auckland What you should know if you work on or connect to Auckland’s public water and wastewater infrastructure.

Compliance Statements To enable qualified contractors and consultants to self-certify their work, Watercare has introduced Compliance Statements, which became mandatory from 1 July. This will largely remove the need for inspections by Watercare staff, says Watercare.

There are four types of compliance statements, available at watercare.co.nz: • CS1 Design • CS2 Design Review • CS3 Construction Works • CS4 Construction Monitoring.

Connections Changes to the connections process also took effect from 1 July and will be fully implemented by 30 September. Any connections to the public water network commissioned from

1 July need to be carried out by one of Watercare’s network maintenance contractors throughout Auckland.

Simple household wastewater connections, and pipe connections to the public wastewater infrastructure, can be carried out by a Certifying Drainlayer. This needs to be approved by Watercare.

Any work that involves connecting to a pressure sewer, a vacuum system or a rising main needs to be done by Watercare network maintenance contractors.

Anyone accessing Watercare’s wastewater network for any reason, such as lowering a camera into a pipe or checking the depth of a manhole, needs to gain approval from Watercare before doing so.

If you have any queries, please email info@water.co.nz with the subject line Compliance Statements or Connections.

August/September 2017

45

INDUSTRY TALK

Sam’s speak

I need a plumber (yesterday), says Sam Tyson.

‘Code Black’ is when there is an influx of jobs so great that there aren’t enough resources to attend to them—this is currently where we are at. Our customers are getting ratty with us and we are getting ratty with each other due to the urgency of everything.

Two of our ‘go to’ plumbers have unexpectedly undergone operations to their arms and wrists. Both will be unable to work for the next six weeks and, when they come back, they will be on light duties—when, as we all know, there is no such thing as light duties in our industry.

Effectively we will be down two good working plumbers for the next three months.

Add to this, we just got two biggish jobs accepted that are going to tie up our resources for a number of weeks; we are in the thick of our heating season; and two of our senior tradesmen are both going to be away on overseas trips for the month of September.

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August/September 2017

Advertise for more plumbers? I have put a sign up in our car park that everyone coming into New Plymouth CBD passes, and I have advertised on Trade Me. 400 views but not one applicant so far.

Longer hours for the guys? This will help to a point, and I have asked them to work on when they can. They’ve been pretty good about it, but it’s not sustainable.

Stop taking in jobs? To some extent we can, but we need throughput for the business to make ends meet, and as soon as we start turning down work our survival is threatened.

Use plumbing contractors? I have not had a good experience here in the past, especially when the work you use a contractor for is your bread and butter. We have had issues where our clients have gone over to them, and disputes where the work carried out by the contractor didn’t meet the grade.

I know I’m not the only plumbing business owner in this situation…

What’s the answer?

“I read Sam’s latest column with interest,” says Master Plumbers’ CEO Greg Wallace. “There are many plumbing businesses around New Zealand reaching what Sam refers to as ‘Code Black’ and here at Master Plumbers, we are doing what we can to help.

“For example, we are sourcing candidates from Australia, the only country with mutually recognised Above: Greg Wallace. plumbing qualifications, and posting their details on our website for members’ consideration. We are also urging the government to bring back employer subsidies for those taking on apprentices.

“As I’ve said many times before, the only real solution to growing a larger pool of plumbers in New Zealand is training apprentices—and that relies on more plumbing firms taking them on and providing their on-job training. Sam’s business is among those to have taken on a Masterlink apprentice and we would love to see more firms doing the same.

“To help those that do, we’re currently running training courses on how to get the best from your apprentice. Dates and venues are available on our website. If you want to have a chat with someone about the best way to get value from an apprentice from day one, get in touch with one of our Masterlink Regional Managers—contact details at www.masterlink.co.nz”

INDUSTRY TALK

Steel mesh charges

Charges have now been filed against three NZ steel mesh producers for misleading consumers.

Steel and Tube is the latest company to be charged by the Commerce Commission for making false and misleading representations about its SE62 steel mesh product.

Two other companies, Timber King Ltd and NZ Steel Distributor Ltd, were charged earlier this year.

A total of 29 charges have been filed against Steel and Tube, alleging that between 1 March 2012 and 6 April 2016, the company made misleading representations on its batch tags, batch test certificates, advertising collateral and website that SE62 was 500E grade steel, when it was not.

The charges also allege that the company made false and misleading representations that its SE62 product had been

independently tested and certified, when it had not. This included using the logo of an independent testing laboratory on SE62 test certificates, when laboratory had not tested the product.

Timber King and NZ Steel Distributor have entered guilty pleas and will be sentenced in August. The Commission expects to lay charges against another company, with investigations continuing into one other.

Ductile steel mesh is often used in concrete slabs, such as house foundation slabs and driveways.

Last November, the Government made changes to steel mesh testing requirements, which were fully implemented on 30 May.

Cylinder restraint study Is it time for a new approach to securing 45kg LPG cylinders, asks the LPG Association.

Students at the University of Canterbury are to check whether the use of chain straps for seismic restraint of 45kg LPG cylinders is the best method.

For many years, gasfitters have used chain straps to position and fix the cylinders to the outside of a building, but the LPG Association says there is no hard evidence to validate the effectiveness of this method.

“We know this system works,” said LPG Association Executive Director Peter Gilbert in the June Gasline newsletter. “It secured cylinders throughout the Canterbury earthquakes, but we don’t have formal calculations that this method works better than another, which is why we have got the University of Canterbury on the job.”

Obituary: Robert Christenhusz It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Robert Christenhusz at the age of 59. Robert was a dedicated, tireless worker for the Wellington Master Plumbers Association for the past 30 years. Held in great esteem by his fellow members, he served as the Association President in 1994 and 1995. He was the backbone of many Association initiatives, and coordinated the Master Plumbers Annual Conference when it was hosted by the Wellington Association in 2006.

Robert featured in NZ Plumber in 2008 for his role as coordinator of a Wellington Master Plumbers community project to provide free plumbing, gas, drainage and roofing services and materials for the new Wellington Cadet Centre buildings in Wellington’s Evans Bay. The voluntary New Zealand Cadet Forces youth leadership training organisation is for boys and girls aged 13 to 18,

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August/September 2017

Above: Robert was presented with a certificate in 2016 to mark his 30-year commitment to the Wellington Master Plumbers Association.

and promotes young people’s personal development, a cause Robert was passionate about.

In a professional capacity, Robert was Contracts Manager at Plumbers Supreme Ltd, a company he and his brother Michael took over from their father when he retired in 1996. Robert was dedicated to apprentice training, and involved in training 25 apprentices since the company’s inception.

Many of them now run their own businesses and it was a joy to Robert to keep in touch with many of them, both here and overseas.

He also served on two local sports committees, including a primary school netball committee with the aim of encouraging fair play and positive sporting attitudes in primary school children.

Robert’s funeral was held on 27 July. Our condolences to his wife Linda, surviving children Anthony, Yasmin and Amber, and to Robert’s extended family.

Update for Homestar

Homestar V4, which launched in July, makes the assessment process easier for the building and construction industry, says NZGBC. There has been a 10-fold increase over the last two years in new homes registering under Homestar®—an independent tool that rates the health, efficiency and sustainability of Kiwi homes on a 1-10 scale.

Over 6,700 homes have verified their performance through Homestar since it was first developed in 2010 as a ‘stamp of approval’ by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), BRANZ and Beacon Pathway.

“Rise in uptake is good to see,” says Auckland Councillor Penny Hulse, who is Chair of the Council’s Environment and Community Committee. “The houses that we build now will be standing for the next 100 years. It’s important that we get it right first time. The type of home that receives a Homestar rating is the type of housing that we want to see more of.”

As we look to build significantly more homes, it’s important that quality is championed, says NZGBC Chief Executive Andrew Eagles. “Home buyers want to know that the house they’re moving into is going to be healthy for their families, suit their lifestyle and be built to a high standard. It’s fantastic to see the number of these warm and efficient homes rise from 670 to 6,700 in just two years.”

Homestar V4, available from the end of July, is a simpler, quicker and lower cost way to verify new build homes. Its release follows six months of industry input, an advisory group and a national tour by NZGBC, the Resource Management Lawyers Association, The Warren Trust and the New Zealand Planning Institute.

At these free launch events during July and August, NZGBC discussed large developments that are now requiring its use and set out how councils around New Zealand are incentivising better buildings and homes with development contributions remissions, faster building consent, greater density and other mechanisms.

Find out more about Homestar V4 at www.nzgbc.org.nz/homestar

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REAL LIVES

Staying strong NZ Plumber caught up with Dave Strong, winner of the 2017 Outstanding Services to the Industry Award, to find out what drives him.

DAVE STRONG IS committed to lifelong learning. “My apprenticeship won’t end until the day I stop working,” he says.

To Dave’s way of thinking, there is no advantage in sticking only to what you know. “You’ve got to keep up—things change and there are always new systems and new technologies.”

Fortunately for others in the industry, Dave also believes knowledge should be shared. Training is his area of interest, and he has presented Master Plumbers courses around the country on a whole range of topics, from solar water heating to wastewater treatment systems and energy efficiency.

He joined Master Plumbers a year after taking on Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services in 1992, and says the organisation provides a great forum for sharing knowledge. “Member businesses may be competitors but we can go to meetings and everyone is open and helpful, and people aren’t afraid to ring each other for advice on workmanship issues.”

my ethos is do the work once and do it right Over the years, Dave’s company has got into some niche areas, such as laboratory fume cupboards and safety showers. He is more than happy to share information with other members about these services because he knows their workmanship will be of similar calibre and they will have similar values of honesty and integrity. “I don’t mind if they win the work. What I do mind is someone else getting it, who will do a bad job.”

“My ethos is do the work once and do it right,” he says. “If you don’t do it right, put your hand up and fix it or replace it straightaway—and don’t keep charging.”

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Above: Dave and Lynda Strong at the 2017 NZ Plumbing Awards.

According to Dave, good processes stop complaints going any further than your own desk, and he believes Master Plumbers offers some great resources to help newer businesses with these, particularly with regards to health and safety.

Dave’s involvement with Master Plumbers has taken him from being on the Executive Committee of the Waikato Association to becoming its President, later serving two terms as the National President on the Master Plumbers Board, of which he remains a Director. “I stepped up as I realised how important it is to get people on the Board with the right motives,” he says.

Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Works has more than trebled in size since the early days. Dave’s team of 16 now offer the full gamut of plumbing, gasfitting and drainage services, including underground gas lines, sewage systems, dairy and

chicken sheds, and work at Waikato University.

He keeps a constant flow of Masterlink apprentices coming through the firm for the good of the industry as well as for his own business. “They get trained in every aspect, so they will have skills in most things if they leave—though our staff retention rates are high,” says Dave. “There’s no point trying to steal workers off others as it just moves the skills shortage problem from one place to another. Bringing on more apprentices is the only way to help the industry.”

Helping the industry is what earned Dave this year’s award for outstanding services. He likes to think it’s a two way street. “I met my wife Lynda during our time together at another plumbing company, where she was the office clerk, and we have two grown-up daughters. So, you could say I owe everything I have to the plumbing industry.” ■

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HEALTH MATTERS

P aware

NZ Plumber spoke to contamination specialist Todd Sheppard about the dangers plumbers face when unwittingly working in meth, or P, houses.

THE CEILING CAVITY is the biggest area of risk for plumbers in P houses, says Todd Sheppard, CEO of Envirocheck, an ISO accredited testing and decontamination company.

P houses, also known as P labs or clan labs, are residential properties used for illegal methamphetamine manufacture.

Todd recently visited a P house where some plumbers had just completed some work in the ceiling space, and had contacted his company, having come across signs of P manufacture. “We did some testing in the roof space and it was 40 times over acceptable levels,” he says.

The ‘cooked’ chemicals combine in this unventilated, confined space to create hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Their toxicity is compounded by heat from the roof, which can be as much as 30°C-40°C in summer.

“The worst situations are in houses where people have put in a extractor fan in the bathroom and not vented it to the outside,” says Todd. “The chemicals rise straight into the ceiling cavity.”

Signs and symptoms Contractors may experience headaches, eye, nose or throat irritation, respiratory problems or rashes shortly after working in contaminated ceiling spaces. The severity of the symptoms will vary, depending on such things as the length of exposure and the quantity and toxicity of the chemicals.

Known in testing circles as The Nose, Todd says he can detect a P lab when he steps through the door from the iodine-like smell. Other signs to look out for include windows blacked out with blankets, plastic or tin foil; unusual security systems; stains on floors and walls; and excessive rubbish.

If plumbers detect any suspicious signs of P manufacture in the course of their work, Todd advises leaving well alone.

“We are about to release an app for taking video and photographic evidence, so there should be no need to handle anything.”

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New testing and contamination standard The Ministry of Health’s 2010 guidelines on methamphetamine contamination clean-up processes for residential properties have recently been revised. The recommendations for acceptable levels of contamination have become significantly higher, with a new 1.5μg/100cm2 limit (as compared to the previous 0.5μg/100cm2) set in the new meth testing and decontamination standard NZS 8510:2017, released by Standards New Zealand in late June. For ceiling cavities, the new official bar is now 3.8μg/100cm2.

The Government says this standard will save millions in unnecessary decontamination work, but Todd has his concerns about the new process. “The baseline, or first phase, assessment is similar to what is currently a stage two test, so I believe those initial assessment costs are going to skyrocket.

“My other concern is that the new first phase assessment includes ‘touch zones’, such as power points and intake vents, which could have fingerprint sweat transfer from others visiting or working at the property—meaning tenants could take the blame for another person’s meth use.”

The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill (No. 2), currently working its way through Parliament, would enable the

Above: Meth testing in a ceiling cavity.

Above: One of the Envirocheck team at work.

changes in the new standard to be legally recognised and enforceable. New testing and decontamination qualifications required by the standard are expected within the next six months. ■ WorkSafe has a factsheet on Protecting Workers from the Dangers of Clandestine Laboratories. Find it at www.worksafe.govt.nz

GIVE YOUR PLUMBING BUSINESS THE COMPETITIVE EDGE Become a Master Plumber Get training, business resources and savings for your plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying company. We have supported and protected the industry for 100 years, advocating for excellence and helping you provide customers with quality assurance.

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Water recharge SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

Two new managed aquifer recharge projects have massive potential for high-quality water storage in New Zealand, according to the lead hydrologist. Ross Miller reports.

All images courtesy of Golder Associates.

AMID THE VARYING and vocal opinions regarding dairy concentration, irrigation allowances and selling fresh water to foreign companies, an aquifer recharge scheme looks set to help mid-Canterbury subterranean water levels recover.

It is a highly emotive subject for some: farmers are looking to make the best living they can; ecologists are trying to protect a fragile environment; while local bodies are trying to legislate the whole furore into a resemblance of order.

The basic aim of the Hinds-Hekeao Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) scheme is to restore the level of aquifer under the plains.

Its other main purpose is to flush out high nitrogen levels with fresh water from the Rangiteiki River.

The intensification of dairy farming or dairy support has skewed the old order by putting much more nitrogen into the system which, in certain areas, has resulted in some of the world’s highest E. coli levels.

The Canterbury Water Management Strategy, which tells farmers the amount of pollution their animals are allowed to produce, has demanded farmers reduce nitrate leaching into groundwater by 36 percent by 2035.

The worst affected areas are in the inland Hinds and Selwyn areas.

‘Leaky pond’ approach

The MAR scheme involves placing filtered water in large ponds, then drilling holes in the ground to facilitate seepage to lower levels. Project hydrologist Bob Bower, of Golder Associates, says there have been some early encouraging results, where a nitrate level of 11.3mm of nitrates per litre of water has dropped to 4.6.

One bore has gone down to 1.2.

The project will collect a range of scientific information, including groundwater and flow levels, rainfall, temperature and water quality parameters. It will be influenced by factors such as water availability, storm events and flows in the coastal drains, the effect of clogging and the ability of the water to percolate into the aquifer.

Above: The infiltration basin at the Hinds/Hekeao Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) pilot testing site near Ashburton. This is one of two projects nationally looking at improving the way we manage groundwater quality and storage for water usage, environmental and cultural outcomes in New Zealand.

Environmental campaigner, Massey University ecologist Mike Joy says he has yet to see a single piece of evidence that managed aquifer recharging actually benefits the environment. Taking water from rivers and putting it underground is playing God and produces a number of unintended consequences, he says.

The braided rivers maintain a particular total environment and intersecting the water flow can have effects all the way to the coast.

So it is an argument in which everyone is probably right—it depends on where you stand in the community.

Evidence of improvement

Above: This graphic shows how Managed Aquifer Recharge works to maximize groundwater storage.

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August/September 2017

A report on the first year of the scheme will be available by the end of July, but Bower says there is evidence of significant improvement across the entire footprint of the test. By 1 June, 2.8 million litres had been put in the ground and this has been found halfway to the coastal reserves.

ECan’s David Caygill says the MAR project will test whether managed aquifer recharge has a future role in the management of increasing irrigation in Canterbury, alongside efficient water distribution, and water and nutrient use. The project is currently

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

commissioned for up to five years of pilot operations under consents granted by ECan and Ashburton District Council. For the first phase, up to 500 litres a second of un-utilised stock water from the Rangitata River will be diverted.

Two NZ projects underway

There are two MAR sites working in New Zealand at present— the other one near Gisborne—and both sites have been selected because natural recharge is not keeping up with modern demand. Bob Bower says both catchments have a long way to go to get back to historical norms.

“The amount of recharge can be varied year-on-year for both projects. Also, if we find both aquifer systems have the ability to store additional water yield, then putting more water in will help get us through upcoming issues associated with a changing climate (longer droughts; quicker, more intensive rainfall events).

In mid-Canterbury, rainfall and rivers naturally help replenish groundwater, as do leaking canals, stock water races and less efficient irrigation practices. “Groundwater storage levels are quite simply all the recharge minus all the discharge,” he says. “The Hinds and Gisborne aquifers are both ‘over allocated’ meaning that they are being utilised faster than natural functions (eg, rainfall) can keep up with.

Taking the luck out of water storage

“The trick is not to be at the whim of nature to ‘hopefully’

rain next year to recharge the system. The key is to proactively manage groundwater and the massive storage potential of aquifers to be not so reliant on good luck with the weather.”

The Hinds and Gisborne systems are very well set up with delivery systems (irrigation canals and pipes) for MAR tools to be incorporated into their existing system, he says. A fully realised groundwater replenishment system will utilise a systemsthinking approach to maximising surface storage, delivery and groundwater storage (and distribution, as aquifers represent natural water distribution systems).

“The key to these projects is that the goals are not only water usage, but to help restore and enhance the environmental and ecological conditions in the catchment for the whole community.”

Adapting the tools

MAR is basically a set of tools. Different catchments represent different problems needing different tools, so it can work where people are using groundwater, and/or groundwater plays a key role in the flows and quality of streams and rivers.

“What is needed is a paradigm shift in how we view groundwater and the role it plays in each of these catchments. In my over 20-year career, 99 percent of the time, when I come into a catchment to address a problem, I am told, ‘Yeah, but that won’t work here because of x.’ Adapting the tools to the needs is what we are working on doing in these catchments, and I see them having widespread application throughout New Zealand.” ■

Have your say on

medium-density housing and the building industry in New Zealand?

BRANZ is leading a research study on medium-density housing in New Zealand.

We are looking for feedback from the building and construction industry on what skills are needed and who has the interest and ability to deliver mediumdensity housing in New Zealand.

Interested? There’s an opportunity to participate in a 30-45 minute telephone interview during July to September 2017.

Just send your name, email address, phone number and occupation to mdh@branz.co.nz and one of our researchers will be in touch with you.

You can choose a $50 voucher from either Mitre 10, Bunnings, Carters, ITM or Placemakers. It’s our way of saying thanks for having your say in the interview.

Find out more information about the medium-density housing research programme at www.branz.co.nz/MDHRecruit

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Inspiring the industry to provide better buildings for New Zealanders

SMART BUSINESS

We’re watching you Legal boundaries must be considered when using electronic surveillance in the workplace, as Duncan Cotterill explains.

WE LIVE IN a world where electronic surveillance has become a fact of life.

Despite allegations of governments all over the world spying on their citizens’ electronic communications, many of us seldom turn our thoughts to the electronic surveillance we may face in the workplace.

For some employers, electronic surveillance may be used to ensure that workplace productivity and efficiency remains high. For example, employers may monitor workplace internet use to ensure that excess time is not spent on social media, or inappropriate sites.

For other employers, electronic surveillance is used to monitor potential health and safety issues. This can include monitoring employee communications where there are concerns about workplace cyber bullying or harassment.

Given the range of tools available to an employer, surveillance can also expand beyond monitoring workplace computers and internet. For example, where employers provide work vehicles, their use may be tracked via GPS systems. This type of monitoring allows the employer to track their employee’s location to ensure that they’re on time and on task, or to ensure safety and security to employees who are required to travel long distances or to remote locations.

But, while electronic surveillance in the workplace is permissible, there are legal parameters and boundaries to consider.

In a recent case, an employer was found to have breached an employee’s privacy by using information collected from key stroke logging to access the employee’s personal email account and copy several emails.

In another, an employer was found to have acted reasonably in reading and using an employee’s Facebook messages as the basis for terminating the employee’s employment. However, in this case, the employee’s Facebook page had been left open on a work laptop and the messages— which appeared to have been sent during work hours—were in plain sight.

These cases highlight how important it is that employers are aware of their 56

August/September 2017

obligations and the rights of employees when conducting a surveillance exercise.

While monitoring may be an efficient tool for improving business, employers should take into account their obligations under the Employment Relations Act 2000 and the Privacy Act 1993.

Unfair monitoring is likely to result in any subsequent disciplinary action being unjustified. It could also result in a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner.

As a general rule, employers should notify staff, through a staff policy, that their use of the employer’s systems may be monitored at any time. Covert surveillance of employees is rarely justified.

Employers should develop a policy on workplace computer and internet use. This should extend to the use of work-issued tablets and smartphones, and rules around logging into systems remotely, where appropriate. Policies should: •

•

Make it clear that employees do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy when using company systems and company hardware (including handsets) and that the employer may monitor their use at any time.

Clearly define the parameters on acceptable use of the systems. The lines between an employee’s work

and private life are increasingly blurred, with employees being able to work on handheld devices and to log in from home. If personal use is permitted, the employer should be clear about what this means to them.

• Make employees aware of their legal responsibilities and the employer’s expectations, e.g. regarding copyright infringement, cyberbullying and harassment.

Employers seeking to carry out or expand their surveillance on staff should ensure they have an up-to-date policy and act fairly before taking any action against staff. ■ Disclaimer: the content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.

About the author: Sarah Townsend is a partner at Duncan Cotterill. She is an experienced employment and health and safety lawyer, committed to providing clients with pragmatic and strategic advice tailored to their specific needs, and finding cost effective solutions to complex problems. She has represented clients in cases ranging from unjustified dismissals, bullying and harassment claims to enforcement of restraints of trade. Contact Sarah on 03 372 6509 or 021 226 3538; sarah.townsend@duncancotterill.com

SMART BUSINESS

Process for change When wanting to change elements of an employee’s agreement, be sure to follow proper process, advises Lisa Duston.

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS ARE always changing. This could be due to a change in law, a new position, a wage increase, new hours etc. When a change is made, you need to ensure this is agreed on in good faith between the employer and employee, and that the original agreement allows for making any such changes. Generally, the agreement will include a clause such as: This agreement may be varied by agreement in writing signed by both parties.

Certain terms and conditions are more protected than others—for example, the wage to be paid and hours of work are clearly important terms of an agreement.

The employer cannot just reduce the employee’s wage rate or hours of work.

If the change is of benefit to the employee—for example, a salary increase—a conversation and letter may be all that is required. However, if the change could disadvantage the employee—

CLASSIFIED ADS

for example, changing their hours—the following process is suggested: 1. Write to the employee and ask him/her to attend a meeting (time and date) to discuss the proposed change.

2. In the meeting, tell the employee what the proposed changes are and provide a copy of the proposed new agreement.

3. Tell the employee when you hope to introduce the new arrangement, provided they agree to it.

4. Emphasise that the employer understands they cannot vary the employee’s contract without the agreement of the employee, and ask the employee to consider the matter and to consider any other ideas she or he may have to solve the problem or avoid the change.

At the meeting, go through the proposed agreement with the employee and explain

the reasons for the need for change as far as is reasonable. Give the employee plenty of time to discuss the matter and tell the employee he or she is entitled to seek legal advice. Agree to meet a few days later.

If the employee does not agree to the change and the business cannot continue to support the current terms and conditions (eg, hours need to be reduced to continue operating), then you may need to consider restructuring. ■ If you need assistance with a Variation of Employment letter, please contact Lisa Duston (see below).

About the author: Lisa Duston is HR Manager at Master Plumbers. Lisa offers HR advice to Master Plumbers’ members at competitive rates (first 30 minutes free).

Contact Lisa on 021 245 1704 or email lduston@masterplumbers.org.nz

The cost to advertise is $60+GST for Master Plumbers' members; $100+GST for nonmembers. Just send your text (up to 100 words) to advertising@masterplumbers.org.nz

Situation vacant

Masterlink Regional Manager – Auckland

PL Gas Appliances Ltd is a wellestablished Rotorua company that specialises in domestic/light commercial gas heating and water heating.

• 80% gas; 20% plumbing. We are looking for a NZ Registered or Craftsman gasfitter • Top local pay rate. Company vehicle and cell phone provided.

• Rotorua is a wonderful place to live and play. Lakes for swimming/skiing and fishing, world class mountain biking/hiking in the Redwood forest • Very realistic house/rental prices.

We are a small, very family focused business that is busy during the winter heating season but able to be more relaxed during the summer months.

Please email CV to plgas@wave.co.nz

Do you enjoy mentoring young people to achieve their dreams? Are you a business development guru? Do you have trades experience or a vocational education background?

The Master Plumbers-owned Masterlink apprentice training programme is looking for an Auckland Regional Manager to join its nationwide network.

What you need to succeed: • Strong customer service background • B2B sales experience • Experience in selling service-based products • Business development experience • Good verbal and written communication skills • Computer literacy • Some mentoring experience • Ability to build strong and lasting customer relationships.

What you’ll get: • Ongoing support and training • A high level of day-to-day autonomy • A company vehicle, laptop and phone.

If you’re after a challenging role with a great remuneration package, apply today!

Contact Lisa Duston on 021 245 1704 or lduston@masterplumbers.org.nz

August/September 2017

57

SMART BUSINESS

KiwiSaver— 10 years on IN THE DECADE since New Zealand’s national retirement savings scheme KiwiSaver came into being, membership has climbed to more than 2.75 million.

Those numbers would probably surprise even the most optimistic forecasters when the then Finance Minister Michael Cullen heralded its introduction on 1 July 2007.

While some of the incentives for joining KiwiSaver no longer exist, such as the $1,000 kick-start sign-up bonus, it still should be a no-brainer for any young working person to join.

Even those on a low wage will be better off to the tune of several hundred thousand dollars in retirement if they join KiwiSaver early and save the minimum 3% of their wages. And anyone aged from 18 to 64 who saves $20 a week gets a bonus payment of $521 from the Government at the end of each year.

Employers’ role

Employers also have a significant role to play in helping Kiwi workers save for their retirement. Not only do employers contribute to their workers’ savings through the 3% compulsory employer contributions, they are an important cog in the KiwiSaver scheme.

It’s certainly not the role of an employer to give financial advice—you’re best to direct employees to www.sorted. org.nz, the Commission for Financial

Joining KiwiSaver should be a ‘no-brainer’ for any young working person, says the IR. by membership, with more than threequarters of people between 18 and 64 joined up.

Member tax credit

Capability’s website.

However, employers are required to enrol eligible new employees who aren’t already a KiwiSaver member. Existing employees can also opt in to joining KiwiSaver if they meet the eligibility criteria. It’s employers’ responsibility to contribute towards their employees’ KiwiSaver funds, and pass on those contributions and the employee’s deductions to Inland Revenue as part of their employer monthly schedule payments. These are then forwarded on to the member’s KiwiSaver scheme provider.

The introduction of KiwiSaver was intended to improve New Zealanders’ relatively poor record at saving for their retirement. And it has certainly become the largest voluntary savings scheme

However, while KiwiSaver has gone some way to improving our attitude towards saving, many members are contributing little or nothing towards their retirement savings.

For instance, only just over half of members eligible for the annual member tax credit, or MTC, received the full amount. (The MTC is a 50-cent bonus paid by the government for every dollar saved up to $1,043 a year, or the equivalent of saving $20 a week.)

Of the remainder, half made no contributions at all so didn’t receive any MTC. Most of these members, however, had no income. What is encouraging is that the proportion of members receiving the full amount of MTC is increasing year on year.

And while there is debate among economists about some aspects of the scheme, what seems certain is that for lower and middle income earners in particular, membership of KiwiSaver is likely to leave them in a far better financial position in their retirement.

It has also been instrumental in helping to create a savings habit among the working-age population from a young age—and that’s something that will benefit the whole country in the future. ■

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SMART BUSINESS

Contract Works cover

If you’re engaged on a construction project, and your subcontract agreement includes a Contract Works excess, make sure you’ve considered your options.

THE PRINCIPAL OR main contractor on a construction project generally takes out Contract Works insurance to cover against losses, including: • Accidental loss or damage to the contract works and principalsupplied materials held on site • Theft, vandalism and arson caused by unauthorised people on the site • Fire, natural disaster and weather damage (eg, storm, flood, snow).

A Contract Works policy covers the principal and the main contractor and its employees. Subcontractors are usually covered too, but not always.

Your subcontractor agreement will outline your contractual obligations and

responsibilities, including insurance requirements. Any excess on the Contract Works policy is not usually at the subcontractor’s expense, unless the agreement is specifically amended to this effect—so check the small print.

The Contract Works excess can be as high as $50,000, though $2,500-$5,000 is more usual. The insurance company may impose a higher excess due to, say: • The main contractor/principal having an adverse claims history • The nature or site of the project.

The main contractor/principal may also choose a higher excess to keep their insurance premium down.

As most subcontractors would struggle

to cover high Contract Works excess, they have a few choices: • Decline the work • Work on the project at their own risk • Talk to their insurance broker.

The insurance broker may suggest purchasing cover called ‘excess buydown’, which would reduce the excess on a claim. For example, if the Contracts Work excess were $25,000, buydown cover would reduce it to $1,000. ■ About the author: This article was contributed

by Mike Henry Insurance Brokers, a founding member of Master Plumbers Insurance. Contact the team to discuss your insurance needs on 0800 866 766; masterplumbers@mhib.co.nz

.

Y A S R U O Y HAVEINVOLVED. GET

Want to play a part in shaping the future of industry training?

Apprenticeships are changing, and we want to hear your thoughts on what they should look like. Visit getinvolved.skills.org.nz to have your say.

August/September 2017

59

SMART BUSINESS

How organised are you?

Two plumbing business owners sat down with Worksmart’s Phil Jones to see if they could manage their workload more efficiently. The results surprised them.

Colleen Upton and Scott Adin Role: General Manager and Commercial Manager Team size: 25 Company: Hutt Gas & Plumbing

Before:

Hutt Gas & Plumbing comprises a commercial team, maintenance team, gas serviceman and gas installation teams.

“The paperwork is huge when you imagine the volume of jobs we get through on a daily basis,” says Colleen. “We run fairly lean on an admin staff of three, so being organised is top priority.”

For Scott, running commercial contracts means regular contact with clients, suppliers and his team. Larger contracts come with their own web-based management programme. For smaller contracts, he keeps separate folders on his laptop, uses spreadsheets and holds a lot of the information in his head.

He receives around 20-30 emails a day and uses the Outlook calendar to keep track of meetings. “I’m not a list maker, he says.

“If six things need doing, I prioritise by what is most pressing.” If the task is complex and he needs quiet, he’ll do it in the morning when people are coming in and out of the office.

After:

Phil sat with Colleen initially at the session. “I had a few piles of paperwork on my desk and we went through these first. I had to deal with each item—action it, file it or bin it. Action it sometimes meant putting it in Outlook to deal with later. This was fairly challenging, but the message was that you don’t move paper from one pile to another; you deal with it.

“Phil’s messages are: just do it—decide now (what’s the next action), delete it now, do it now, decide when now, file it now, delegate now, make a request now, batch it now, speak to, plan it

Above and top right: Being organised gives Colleen and Scott more time in the day.

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now, do it early! All very liberating when followed.”

Next up was Outlook. “I had 11,000 items in my email,” says Colleen. “I have whittled that down to under 3,000 and I am still working on those. The same approach as for the paperwork: do something with the email NOW. “He also taught us to make, say, two periods a day when we open our emails and deal with them. He got us to consider only having a screen’s worth of emails left, and not let them fall below. So, again open it, deal with it, file it, delegate, batch or make an action plan.”

Through the session, Colleen and Scott learned that being organised gives you more time in the day. “I thought I was a very decisive person, but now I’m even more so. I’ve learned to differentiate between urgent tasks and those that can be delegated.

Sometimes we have jobs we don’t want to tackle and we get distracted. Well, Phil taught us to tackle those jobs head on.

“We also went through all the desk drawers and removed items that just aren’t necessary. It’s about clearing the clutter so we can work without distraction.”

Colleen has now put a plan in place on her Outlook calendar. “I’ve allocated a specific time for seeing suppliers, as they would often just call in and that was not always ideal. I’ve learned I don’t always have to be at my desk at work every day— sometimes working from home is a good option.

“It’s about paring down what is essential and what is not. I think I’ve bought myself at least one more hour Above: Deal with it, file it, bin it. a day of productive time.”

SMART BUSINESS

He is also making changes to constant interruptions by booking out set times to catch up with other team members and to make time for himself.

It’s hard changing your ways, says Brad, but with a little effort, it pays off. ■

Phil’s Top Tips 1.

2.

3.

Brad Kells Role: Director Team size: 24 Company: Laser Plumbing Hamilton West

Before:

In his work, Brad Kells has the support of Operations Manager Jody, three site foremen, a quantity surveyor, receptionist and part-time accounts person.

Among other tasks, Jody does the job scheduling—making sure everyone knows where to go and what to do. “She keeps me on track,” says Brad. The company uses a digital job management system for job cards, timesheets, quotes and invoices.

Brad says his real ‘hiccup’ is time management. “I have an open-door policy and always give people the time they need.”

A typical day starts with a meeting with the guys, a quick discussion with foremen on what they’re doing or what’s coming up, and a catch-up with the QS about pricing and plans.

“After that I may go out and quote on complex jobs, which can take a couple of hours. I’m often meeting with people— clients or suppliers—and planning jobs or giving advice. If we’re spread thin on tricky technical jobs, I enjoy helping out.”

Brad mostly communicates in person or over the phone.

Email ‘bombardment’ is a challenge, though. “There are 1,991 in there now. I go through my emails daily and pick the important ones. The rest sit there, some in folders.”

The desk in-tray is also fuller than he’d like. “The people who squawk loudest get the most attention.”

After:

Together, Brad and Phil organised the piles of paper on his desk into a new tray system: one for work Brad has to do, another for work ready to delegate. This way, he can see more clearly what needs to be done and others can easily collect what they need.

Then they moved on to his diary, Brad’s preferred method of noting his tasks. To improve daily planning, he now writes the day’s tasks on one side and ‘to-do’ notes on the other. “That’s one of the biggest things for me—I was always thinking about what needs doing, and it’s good not to carry this around in my head.”

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Touch things once – Don’t fluff around with paperwork.

Take the monster out of admin – The more you resist it, the nastier it will get.

Be proactive, not reactive – Planning your time gives you the control.

Be clear about priorities – Work out if it’s a ‘Yes’ or a ‘No, not now’ and stick to it.

Use your Outlook calendar – Book the time you need before everyone else books you.

Make email decisions on the spot – Act on it, delete it, batch it.

Don’t hold it in your head – Have a to-do list, use your calendar, act on decisions. The more you carry in your head, the less you can focus.

Deal with emergencies – If something urgent crops up, do it now. But first ask yourself, is this really an emergency?

Change your habits – Old habits die hard, but they may need to!

Take time for yourself – Freed up some time? Relax and enjoy it.

Support for your business Phil Jones helps businesses with workload management. Sitting down with the business owner at their own workspace for two to three hours, Phil explores how they keep track of multiple projects and priorities. The initial coaching session includes: • • • • •

Maintaining a calm, clear focus Making decisions about what Above: Phil Jones of Worksmart. to do and how to do it Using the resources available to keep on top of multiple projects Using Outlook for email, calendar, tasks and contacts Setting up a simple paper and email system.

Master Plumbers has a special discounted rate for members wishing to take advantage of Worksmart's services. Register your interest in a session at www.masterplumbers.org.nz/events. Phil will visit any region if we get good support for this initiative.

August/September 2017

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SMART BUSINESS

Quote, unquote?

How binding is a quote and can it be withdrawn? Construction law specialist Dr Gigi Fenster has some answers.

Quotes, estimates, offers and acceptance In the course of your work, you probably provide many quotes and/or estimates to your clients. How does the law view these?

What is their legal significance?

Consider these questions: •

•

•

You give a client a quote and the next day realise you have made a mistake in the quote. You’ve left out some items.

Can you withdraw your quote?

You give your client a quote but a few days later, you are awarded a big contract, which will use up all your workforce. Can you withdraw your quote?

You agree to keep a quote open for 30 days. On day 32, your client calls you and says they accept. Are you obliged to honour the quote?

The answers to these and similar questions lie in contract law, and specifically the requirement of agreement.

Agreement and contracts Once you have entered into a contract to do work, you are obliged to do that work, at the rates and within the time agreed.

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August/September 2017

So how do we know whether there is a contract?

The key to a contract is agreement. Once there is agreement, chances are you have a binding contract. How, then, do you know whether you have reached agreement with your client?

To work out whether two parties have reached agreement, we look for offer and acceptance. Once an offer has been made and accepted, there is agreement, and in all likelihood, there is a binding contract.

Offer + Acceptance = Agreement.

When you give your client a quote or an estimate, you are making an offer. The client is now free to accept or reject your offer and, once they do so you are bound to complete the work on the terms of your offer.

With this in mind, think about this situation: A plumber provides a quote to his client, agreeing to lay drains from point A to point B. After providing this quote, the plumber looks at his prices again and realises he made a mistake in his calculations and the quote is too low.

once there is agreement, chances are you have a binding contract

SMART BUSINESS

Can the plumber withdraw his quote?

As a starting point, it is important to remember that the quote is the plumber’s offer. The rule that the quote is the plumber’s offer has a few consequences:

any mistakes in the quote are the plumber’s risk

•

•

•

•

The plumber carries the cost of preparing the quote.

Depending on the nature of the work, this might involve site visits, some design, and other time-consuming, possibly expensive tasks. The plumber carries all these costs, as it is his offer (and his choice whether or not to submit a quote).

Any mistakes in the quote are the plumber’s risk. If he has left out an item or miscalculated quantities or made some other error, the plumber carries this risk. Once the offer is accepted, the plumber is bound, even if he later realises that he made a mistake.

The client is free to accept or reject the quote. They may also make a counter-offer where they offer something slightly different.

So: If the plumber realises his mistake after his quote has been accepted, it is too late. The plumber is bound to complete the work at the price agreed. Similarly, if the plumber later realises that his workforce is too busy to do the work, that is no excuse. Once an offer has been accepted, it is binding, no matter what the excuse.

What if the plumber realises his mistake before his quote is accepted?

Before the quote is accepted, there is no agreement, and the plumber can withdraw his quote. To withdraw the quote, the plumber would need to contact the client and tell them that the quote is withdrawn.

But: You cannot withdraw a quote if you have agreed to keep it open. It is common for quotes to say something like: This quote is open for acceptance for 30 days.

If you agree to keep a quote open for, say, 30 days, you cannot withdraw it in that time, even if you realise you have made a mistake. By saying that the client has 30 days within which to accept the quote, you are agreeing not to withdraw the offer within 30 days.

This means that the 30-day period serves two purposes: •

It protects the client by ensuring that you can’t withdraw your offer within 30 days. The client is given 30 days to think about it and decide whether to accept.

It protects the plumber by preventing the client from trying to accept the quote after 30 days. Once the 30 days have passed the quote lapses and there is no longer an offer to accept. If the client contacts you after the 30 days and says they are accepting, this is not an acceptance. Rather, it is a new offer to do the work at the rate you quoted. You are now free to accept or reject this offer.

What about estimates?

The rules for estimates are exactly the same as those for quotes.

Like the quote, the estimate is an offer to do the work for an agreed amount. The difference is that here, the agreed amount is not precisely known but is rather an estimate. The actual cost may vary.

This does not mean that the plumber is free to depart from the estimate as he pleases. The estimate must be a reasonable reflection of the price charged. The actual price can differ from the estimate, but only by a reasonable amount.

There is no fixed rule about whether a departure from the estimate is reasonable or not—it depends on the nature of the work, the surrounding circumstances and other factors. A general guideline is to say that the actual price should not differ from the estimate by more than about 10-15 percent.

To summarise…

Quotes and estimates are offers to do the work at the quoted/ estimated price. These offers have legal significance and cannot be withdrawn if you agreed to keep them open for a stated period. Before offering to do work it is important that prices are carefully calculated and checked. Once an offer is accepted, you are bound to complete the work at the accepted price. ■ About the author: Dr Gigi Fenster studied law in South Africa, where she was a founder member of the Construction Industry Development Board. She has taught law for more than 20 years and has written training courses, manuals and seminar notes for the construction industry, among others.

Gigi has lived and worked in New Zealand for the past 10 years and provides ongoing consulting services.

Even the most experienced plumbers can run into a tricky situation.

Get your hands on Public Liability Insurance designed specifically for the plumbing trade.

A N A R T H U R J . G A L L A G H E R C O M PANY

August/September 2017

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SMART BUSINESS

Pricing & payments Some tips from BNZ to optimise the efficiency and profitability of your business.

AS A BUSINESS owner, your first priorities are getting the job done and getting paid. You want payments to come in on time, and in full, in order to keep up with the cost of operating the business.

When payments regularly come in late, this can result in financial hardship and even bankruptcy. And of course you want to avoid having to chase customers for the money they owe you, or even having to take it up with a debt collection agency.

Getting paid faster is always better for business. It speeds up your cash flow cycles, so you have more money in the bank sooner. This frees up cash for unexpected bills and allows you to take advantage of growth opportunities.

It is a good idea to set some time aside to work on pricing, marketing and sales once in a while. The prices you charge depend on the local market conditions, your experience, the complexity of different jobs, and your speed.

Make sure your terms and conditions are clear and include: • •

• •

Options for payment The due date (before or after the job, and whether customers can make partial payments) If there is a late payment fee Discounts if you make a mistake.

Then, when you have a good idea of what a job will entail, it’s time to create your quote or estimate.

Set clear expectations for your customers, and start tracking each job: how much time do you spend on it, what materials have you used and how much did you have to travel? And when you’ve finished the job, take the time

make sure your terms and conditions are clear

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to create and send your invoice for the work performed rather than waiting until the end of the month. Many businesses use online invoicing software for this, allowing for an easy tracking of payments.

The faster you send out your invoices, the faster you’ll get paid. If you don’t receive the payment on time, follow up the day after the invoice is due via a polite email reminder. And if that does not result in a payment, give the customer a call a week later to remind them of the pending payment.

Ideally, you want to make the payment process as easy as possible for your customers. With a mobile payment system like BNZ PayClip, customers can simply insert, swipe, or tap their card on the device and complete the transaction.

Payments go straight into your business account as early as the next banking day, meaning you don’t have to chase customers afterwards.

A mobile payment system is connected to your cell phone via Bluetooth, meaning you can accept payments at any time, from any location as long as there is cellphone coverage or WiFi available. Not only will you have your funds available to you shortly, but you will also save time invoicing. ■

PayClip at a glance •

Take card payments on the spot— anywhere you have data coverage or WiFi on your smartphone • Process payments, send your customers receipts via email or text, and view your transaction history in the palm of your hand • Accept Eftpos, Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards • Available for iPhone, iPad, and Android smartphones and tablets.

A PayClip device costs just $30 per month (ex GST) and has a low 2.95% merchant service fee on credit card and contactless transactions. Call 0800 269 763 for more information.

Terms apply. Subject to credit criteria and merchant services terms. Data connection needed. Device rental and transaction fees apply. Eftpos, Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards only. Compatible with Apple devices with the two most recent iOS operating systems and devices with Android OS4.X and above. iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Android is a registered trademark of Google Inc.

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

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 12

FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING

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24 Backflow know-how Questions installers should ask themselves

32

Sam’s Spot A plumber’s tools are sacred, says Sam!

25

The gas ring This issue’s updates for gasfitters

32

27

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

INNOVATION

Drain brain

Australian inventor Lyn Kirk has come up with a chemicalfree floor waste product that keeps bad smells at bay.

A MUSIC CAREER is an unlikely start for a plumbing product inventor. Yet, after years of being a live performer, recording artist and founder of a singing and performance school, Lyn Kirk changed track completely and set up a business to market her invention—a retrofit plumbing device that stops smells, bugs and suds rising up through floor waste traps.

Lyn spent 10 years getting her EzyDrain product home trialled, independently tested, WaterMark certified and patented. “I also began a charity programme to provide my product free of charge in needy locations, such as Africa, India and other countries around the world,” she says. “I want to help prevent the spread of SARS and other airborne diseases, in the hope of improving health and lives.”

The product uses no rubbers or glues.

It is made with ABS plastic injected with colloidal silver, its pin and springs made of stainless steel—and takes minutes to install into 100mm and 90mm internal diameter floor drain waste fittings and pipes.

It has been fitted into around 380 rooms at an Australian hotel that was experiencing customer cancellations due to bad odours coming from the floor wastes into the rooms. “Since installing the product they have not had any early checkouts from this problem,” says Lyn.

Above: Lyn Kirk with her invention.

One-way trap

Its one-way trap mechanism also gives it a use in spaces such as commercial kitchens, preventing cockroaches and vermin escaping from the sewer and drains.

As well as getting her product tested by the Guangzhou Microbe Test Centre and Laboratory in China, Lyn carried out her own in-house trials. “We immersed the unit for a couple of years, inspecting it monthly for any signs of deterioration. It held its integrity with a scratch test of the plastic and correct flexure of the springs.”

It was also tested in a real bathroom situation, with a pipe that had accumulated soap scum. After 14 months, the unit and pipe below were inspected and they found that the vortex action of water flowing through the EzyDrain had scrubbed the scum off the pipe.

Two options

Above: The fitted product.

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Lyn has come up with two versions of the product. The Twin Fin uses a finned gasket to flex through the drain opening before expanding to grip the internal pipe diameter. “This allows for any obstructions within the drain, such as

a grate fitting overhang and grouting,” she says. The 90mm Hard Bottom unit fits in pipe using O-rings for grip and to provide a seal. “These units are designed for 100mm x 70mm long neck fittings, with two extra O-rings to allow for internal diameter variation.”

Australian ‘plumbette’ Bec Senyard has had Lyn’s product in her own bathroom for a couple of years. “They are easy to install and the frog flap allows for water to flow down, but stops the smell from rising through the grate,” says Bec. “In the past I’ve recommended using a chemical or jet-rodding machine to flush out sediment from the bottom of the floor trap. The only problem is that it doesn’t always get rid of the smell and sometimes needs to be done a few times when the smell builds up again.

“It’s not good for our sewer system to be polluted with chemicals. EzyDrain is chemical free and chemical resistant, and it’s a great fitting to have on the back of your truck to help a client with a smelly drain problem.”

EzyDrain can also be used in water tanks to prevent bugs breeding, and grate pits to reduce drain flies, says Lyn. ■

SUPPLY LINES

Urgency needed on skill shortages Business and government need to work together to relieve skills shortages, says BNZ’s Harry Ferreira.

IT’S TIME BIG business and the government collaborated to introduce effective long-term upskilling programmes to relieve skills shortages affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand, according to Harry Ferreira, Head of Small Business for BNZ. The problem facing SMEs is global, well-known and difficult to solve, he says—but a focused series of programmes would address the shortage hindering the growth of many companies.

“New Zealand is a growing country— we have a settled economy that is just ticking away nicely. But we just don’t have enough people with the skills we need to service the growth we are experiencing.”

SMEs employ one in three New Zealanders; 97 per cent of all companies in this country are composed of 20 people or less.

“So if these skills shortages continue and we don’t fix the problem, some smaller companies may go out of business—and that is not a palatable thought for big business here.

“SMEs are important not just because they service local communities, they also service big business; some are involved with technology and innovation that will help big business,” says Ferreira.

“So big business is very focused on what is good for the country; they must work with government to facilitate means of making sure we can attract the right type of person here and upskill our own people—not just for now but with a view to 20 and 30 years ahead.

“If that means some adjustment to immigration to get it right and make it easy for SMEs to find the right people in the short-term, so be it. In the longterm, big business needs to get stuck in with government and help develop the skills and work programmes—and the funding—that will help the companies in

the sectors with real skills shortages.”

Ferreira says remedial action to solve the skills shortages is not fast enough: “There will be all sorts of ramifications if productivity and growth is affected— affecting GDP, imports, exports, unemployment, even interest rates.”

Main sectors affected were SMEs in construction and trades, engineering, education and hospitality and tourism.

“The SMEs I am talking to are telling me they are spending about 40 per cent of their time over a week interviewing, securing and training staff. That figure should be about 15-20 per cent,” says Ferreira.

Meanwhile Greg Wallace, CEO of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers, says while there is a huge construction boom providing many positive opportunities for his members, “the problem is fulfilling the work”.

There were not enough plumbers and not enough apprentices coming through: “We think we are about 2000 short—and it’s not just an Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch problem.

“There is no government incentive for SMEs—and many of our members are in the 5-15 staff bracket—to take

on apprentices. That needs attention as a plumber’s biggest challenge with an apprentice is that their first year is 100 per cent learning.

“Yes, upskilling and work programmes are sorely needed and BNZ have been incredibly supportive—they make interest-free and reduced-fee loans available to young people who need help with funds to go towards the $6,000 you need to sign up to Masterlink [an apprenticeship programme owned by Master Plumbers].”

Ferreira says the skills issue could be classified as a “good problem” but adds: “It’ll get worse if we don’t move quickly.

We have, as a country, the opportunity to be in the forefront of economic growth if we can take advantage of technology and other opportunities—and if we can educate our people to have the skills needed.” ■ This article originally appeared in full on www.nzherald.co.nz

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Hospital on hold

ACROSS THE DITCH

Lead contamination at the new Perth Children’s Hospital highlights the need for tighter legislation, says the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of Western Australia.

LEAD CONTAMINATION AT the new hospital is all the proof that’s needed to introduce point of sale and tighter import legislation on plumbing products, says Murray Thomas, CEO of the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of Western Australia.

The ongoing debacle—which has caused ongoing delays in the opening of the much-needed hospital—is unacceptable, says Thomas. “For the past 12 months there’s been a lot of focus on attributing blame and looking for bandaid solutions. The MPGA has said from the outset, the problem is clearly related to plumbing fixtures.

“The only way to prove to the various stakeholders continuing to look for quick-fix measures is to pull those fixtures out, conduct destructive testing

Above: Murray Thomas, CEO of the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of Western Australia.

to determine the precise amount of lead content and then replace them with compliant products.”

Although the specific sources of lead have not yet been publicly acknowledged, testing has shown it is isolated to the new facility, with existing supply infrastructure cleared.

Western Australia’s Building Commission tried to remedy the issue by flushing a phosphate solution through water pipes—a measure that has been found to temporarily fix some corrosion issues in ageing plumbing systems.

However, the Building Commission announced recently that the process had failed to alleviate the problem, and recent news reports indicated the State Government was considering replacing all fittings that contained brass.

The Government will conduct an inquiry into the range of problems that have plagued the new hospital, and continue to delay its opening. In addition to unsatisfactory levels of lead, imported ceiling panels installed at the facility were found to contain asbestos and had to be replaced.

“You can imagine there will be a huge cost for removing and replacing the sorts of taps, fittings and essential hospital apparatus involved,” says Thomas. “But it looks to be the only solution left if the $1.2 billion facility is ever to open.

“This highlights the urgent need for far stricter controls over the importation

and supply of all building materials, as well as the requirement for regular testing to ensure they really do comply with standards. It’s a matter of protecting public health.”

Thomas said there were loopholes in legislation in some Australian states that put the onus on plumbers to ensure installed products were compliant.

Whilst Australian manufacturers were bound by strict guidelines in regards to lead and other contained substances, importers and retailers went largely unchecked and site inspections were often inadequate.

“Plumbers are required to ensure anything connected to a mains water supply carries the Australian WaterMark symbol,” he says. “But that’s no guarantee it is legitimate and, in Western Australia particularly, there are not enough plumbing inspectors to keep a check on what’s being used or if it really is what suppliers claim it to be.

“I can go overseas and buy a cheap Rolex that isn’t bona fide and I can source products carrying a WaterMark symbol that aren’t authentic.

“The MPGA and our counterparts have advocated for years to impose across-theboard controls. It’s a pity it’s taken a costly issue like the Perth Children’s Hospital to bring the problem to light.

“But maybe this very public, very expensive problem is the catalyst required to force the legislators into action.” ■

August/September 2017

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NEXT GENERATION

Tomorrow’s gasfitters

We take a look at how Rinnai is supporting apprentices in their gasfitting studies.

Mark Dobson, Rinnai Training Manager

Rob Hatchell, Programme Leader, Wintec

As a leader in the water and space heating market, at Rinnai we believe we have a responsibility to support the apprentices who will become our trade experts of the future. Four years ago we established a partnership with the team at Wintec, which has grown into a nationwide support package for all tertiary training providers.

Our support is multi directional: equipment; facilitation resources; apprentices and tutors. In terms of apprentices, several providers have their apprentices complete nine Rinnai online training courses in their four-year apprenticeship. These courses range from 10-minute training bites to full 90-minute competency-based courses.

This year we will have around 200 apprentices visit our Auckland facility for a day’s training and this is often regarded as a highlight of their block course.

Supporting the tutors who deliver apprentice training is important too. We’ve hosted three tutor forums, giving them a chance to exchange ideas and discuss issues. The best outcome of the inaugural forum in January 2016 was the establishment of a website, set up by the team at Weltec, for techs to exchange resources and ideas for delivery.

We are constantly exploring new ways to support the training providers and this year introduced technical training courses specifically for the tutors, with the content directly linked to the unit standards in the apprenticeship programmes.

New Zealand’s newest plumbing and gasfitting training provider, ICE (Industry Connection for Excellence), is the latest tech to engage students in our online courses and in time we’ll see their apprentices coming to us for practical training days.

For more information, please contact me on 021 843 067.

All of our tutors at Wintec are qualified gasfitters, and have to do CPD to renew our practising licences. In 2014, we picked up an online course from Rinnai and, when I looked at it I thought, “Wow, this is similar to what we really want to do,” as we were looking for new ways of presenting lessons and practical projects to students.

Being the programme leader, I contacted Rinnai and requested the use of some of their literature and learning management systems, and asked if we could possibly bring students to visit the factory. We discussed a factory tour, and looked at what else we could use of Rinnai’s, and it snowballed from there.

The online course is brilliant because we can use it as part of our lessons or as an introduction to the unit standard. The Rinnai courses actually cover quite a bit of what we cover in the unit standard, so it makes it relevant to the students. They also get hands-on when we go up to the Rinnai factory. Wintec funds the trip up there, so they can see and work on products—the two tutors who go with them get training as well.

Students all rave about it when they’ve been. Rinnai’s whole factory scenario and training room scenario is different from what we have, and the trip is about exposing the guys to two different styles of learning.

For the tutors, Rinnai offers technical training days, which mirror what we’re doing with the trainees, so that we can advise properly on what students should be doing with all the appliances. Although staff are very knowledgeable, we can’t

this year we will have around 200 apprentices visit our Auckland facility Above: Wintec apprentices Kent Wilton (left) and Dan Mackintosh working on the Rinnai iHeat.

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NEXT GENERATION

possibly know everything for every product when there are so many appliances out there.

Rinnai have also conducted two tutor/polytech forums to engage other polytechs within the Metro group to use the online material and onsite Rinnai training. The forum looks at ways for Rinnai to engage more with the trainees and tutors, and how the polytechs can support Rinnai, which is great industry engagement.

gear—such as the computer—and we just place them straight in front of the online training.

Rinnai also supports MIT significantly by donating a considerable amount of physical equipment. About 90-95 percent of this is working gear, so we can enhance our training aids and offer apprentices the ability to work on various appliances. It’s training that the normal gasfitter would not be exposed to.

Students love it, and it is a highlight—that’s how I would describe it—a highlight of their apprentice training done through MIT.

our trainees are able to work on the latest kits rather than things taken off a wall Phil Mowat, Manager of Plumbing and Gasfitting, Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)

Above: MIT apprentices Harry Cloudesley (left) and Chris Tian discuss the diagnostics testing of a Rinnai EnergySaver.

Pete Shields, Senior Lecturer, Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)

Rinnai made an effort to get involved with the institute about 18 months ago. Their training manager came down to have a look around and talk to us and they have been involved ever since.

They’ve helped us with equipment, which means our trainees are able to work on the latest kits rather than using things that have been taken off a wall and are no longer functioning, then trying to troubleshoot them. Rinnai’s help means we can move on from that and use the latest technology and expose students to the more technical, and slightly different products.

SIT does do a lot of hands-on teaching and a lot of 1-1 with gasfitting, so the Rinnai online courses are something we direct them to as a way of studying and getting better learning.” ■

I was originally at Wintec in Hamilton, and had been involved with Rinnai for around 18 months while there. When I came up to Auckland to take on my current role, I initiated contact with them, because I wanted to continue the partnership and programme Wintec were doing.

About 70 percent of the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying programme apprentices are part of the Rinnai programme, and their online courses really help to enhance their gas and appliance knowledge.

The whole learning management system that Rinnai have got is perfect for us to use and our commitment is really just making sure the apprentices are motivated, prepared and have the right

we can offer apprentices the ability to work on various appliances

Above: Apprentices Donovan Isted (left) and Phill Welsh complete an exercise stripping out a Rinnai Infinity at SIT.

August/September 2017

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NEXT GENERATION

Taking on the world Before heading off to the Worldskills Internationals in October, Hunter Turner had a chance to hone his skills in China.

IT’S A BIG year for Auckland plumber Hunter Turner. In June, Hunter represented New Zealand on the winners’ podium at the Worldskills China International competition. The 21-year-old received the Bronze medal, while Germany gained Gold and China Silver.

The Chinese competition was part of the build-up to the Worldskills International Competition, being held in Abu Dhabi from 15-18 October. Hunter will be among 30 young plumbers from around the world to take part.

Since winning in the Plumbing & Heating category at last year’s Worldskills New Zealand Nationals, he has been sharpening his skills in preparation for the international event.

He has set up a wall in his garage at home and, depending on the length of his working day, spends a couple of hours two nights a week, and eight hours each weekend practising accurate pipe installations.

Plumbing World in Auckland have been a great help in providing materials, especially copper pipe and fittings. These have been invaluable, as Hunter is practicing with a benchmounted set of Rothenberg copper pipe benders. The benders

were brought in from Germany to enable our international competitor to practise with them. Hunter is also getting proficient at soft soldering copper joints, which will also be part of the international competition.

So far, Hunter has spent two long weekends at Wintec’s Rotokauri campus preparing for the event. On the first weekend he completed the project from the last international competition, held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and on the second the Chinese test project. For Sao Paolo, there was an underfloor heating component in the shape of the Brazilian flag.

Hunter, who works at J&J Plumbing and Gas, is also sitting his registration exams this year. His employer, Mark Jordan, is very supportive of his participation in Worldskills, which is really appreciated by the Worldskills NZ team helping with Hunter’s preparation. >

30 young plumbers from around the world will compete against each other

Above: The award ceremony in Shanghai, where Hunter gained Bronze.

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NEXT GENERATION

Worldskills Plumbing & Heating Skill Expert Bryan Smith is also very grateful for the support given by the suppliers of equipment and materials, which are reused and recycled where possible.

With just over two months to go, Above: The new Worldskills Hunter’s next major task is a practice NZ logo. run of the project for Abu Dhabi. This will mean another long weekend to further develop his skills, as he completes the project within the allowed timeframe.

The project will be very similar to the one in China, with the addition of a twin coil storage hot water cylinder: one coil for heating the radiator and water-heated towel rail; the other to heat the cylinder via a solar panel, which will be installed and tested. There will be a 30 percent change to the project when all the judges meet before the competition begins.

“To all our young people in the plumbing industry, please consider taking up the opportunity to represent New Zealand’s great training and working standards at the Worldskills next international competition in Kazan, Russia 2019,” says Bryan.

Above: Hunter by his test projects from the China and Sao Paolo competitions.

Q&A with Hunter Turner Q: What attracted you to plumbing as a career?

A: Way back when I was in Year 12 at Selwyn College, our engineering teacher took us for a tour at MIT’s plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying pre-trade course. It interested me and I was always told that I was good at creating things with my hands, so I decided to skip Year 12 and do the course instead.

Q: What do you particularly enjoy about plumbing?

A: There are so many different facets to plumbing and so much to learn about each of them. Having a good tradesman called Adam Hansen to teach me helped too—thanks mate. I eventually want to have my own business specialising in highspec, low running cost plumbing and gasfitting installations that are efficient and conserve water and power. Also, the drainlaying sides of things—I really want to have my own Caterpillar excavation equipment.

Q: Why did you enter Worldskills?

A: The boys at the MIT course first told me about the regional comp three years ago now. I thought I would give it a go as I had nothing to lose—but I never expected to come this far!

Above: Hunter with his fellow plumbing competitors in China.

Q: What’s it like taking part?

A: It’s pretty damn cool being a part of a like-minded group of young Kiwi competitors representing New Zealand in their

Q: What have you gained from the experience?

A: SO FAR! It’s not over yet. Work wise, my speed has picked up, as well as maintaining the quality for sure—also working under

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chosen skills. The skill experts and other staff are pretty cool too, and it’s a credit to them as they are almost all volunteers.

1 S A / G12 ents s dm y n a e r t am e f le a b s a for applic now HOT WATER UNIT

Above: Eleven hours and three modules into Hunter's project for the China competition, which earned him a Bronze medal.

“To enter, you must be under 23 years of age at 1 November 2019. You can start your journey by entering the regional competitions, which will be held next year between April and June. If you are interested, talk with your tutors when you are next on block course.” ■ Check out the Worldskills New Zealand Facebook page for the latest updates at www.facebook.com/worldskillsnz

Fully compliant with Building Code Saves installation time

Hunter is getting proficient at soft soldering copper joints

Saves on parts and materials 20 year warranty Minimal space requirements

pressure. I have never experienced anything like going and competing in a national competition. It’s good fun and I’ve made some good friends.

Going overseas to China for a practice competition was awesome—they really looked after us all—and there was a bunch of wicked freebies, like the one I’m typing on now, thanks to Skills, one of the Worldskills New Zealand sponsors. Thank you very much for it all so far. And thanks, too, to my family and friends for their support.

Q: Did you see much of China while you were there?

A: Yes! The gardens, and the bullet train we went on was pretty cool. My boss, Mark Jordan from J&J Plumbing and Gas, has kindly let me have an extra 10 days off in Abu Dhabi for tiki touring over there.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

A: A Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer having a bit of fun living in the South Island and overseas, mountain biking and skiing and having started my business.

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NEXT GENERATION

An apprenticeship designed by YOU Skills has created a new website to help everyone have their say about developing training for apprentices.

WHAT IF WE told you that you can play a direct role in shaping the future of plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying apprenticeships?

At Skills, we’re keen to listen to our partners and customers. That’s why we’ve created Get Involved—a new website where everyone in the industry can share their thoughts and have their say. It’s our way of inviting the industry to literally Get Involved with developing training for apprentices.

And with new plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying qualifications coming early next year, now’s a great time to jump on board and throw in your two cents.

We particularly want to hear your thoughts on how training for apprentices should be delivered. After all, our goal is to create training with the needs of your business and your apprentices in mind.

The website is now live at www.getinvolved.skills.org.nz, so check it out. Here’s how you can Get Involved: •

•

•

Get chatting. Our new Get Involved website is designed to get you chatting with like-minded peers. There will be forums for people to discuss hot topics.

Share your thoughts. Got a great idea you need to share with the industry? Just pop it up on the website and let the world know.

Answer surveys. Share your input through our survey on how training should be delivered, and let us know what you think.

new plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying qualifications coming early next year

Above: The new Get Involved website.

How are the new apprenticeships coming along?

In the last issue of NZ Plumber, we talked about the biggest proposed changes to the apprenticeships. Here’s a refresher on what they are: •

•

•

Block courses: Classes will focus on practice and understanding theory, not just assessment.

Verifying on-job assessments: Apprentices will have the opportunity to be verified on the job, not just in class. This means less time away from work having to re-learn everything you taught them on the job.

Combination learning: We understand many employers want to cover plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying training all in one apprenticeship. The new apprenticeships will allow trainees to do all three, or a combination of them.

share your input through our survey on how training should be delivered The survey also found that 78 percent of respondents said they’d be keen on using an online platform for assessments.

This is a positive sign as we explore the latest methods of training delivery and assessment.

Your continued feedback on Get Involved will help us shape apprenticeship delivery in a way that suits your business.

Get Involved today Sounds great? You’re only a couple of clicks away from having your voice heard.

Just jump onto www.getinvolved.skills. org.nz and start sharing your thoughts and ideas. We’re constantly keeping an eye on the discussions and will consider everyone’s input. ■

We’ve already gained some good insight following our survey at the recent CPD sessions. Industry legislation and workplace health and safety stood out in particular as key areas of focus in training.

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AND FINALLY

Offcuts

This edition’s page of wit, weirdness and wisdom.

Aussie innovators

Australian plumber Ryan Martin was standing on his deck when he dreamed up the idea for a wall-mounted, foldaway BBQ. He has just completed his first year of sales since launching the SpaceGrill, which now has an Australian and US patent. It has already won an Australian Good Design Award and has been short-listed for the 2017 Design Week Awards in the UK. Ryan’s company is currently on the lookout for distributors in NZ. Meanwhile, another former Aussie plumber has come up with an earpiece that can interpret eight languages in real time. According to Business Insider, Danny May came up with the idea when his passport was stolen on a business trip to China. His start-up company Lingmo International launched the TranslateOne2One product at the United Nation’s Artificial Intelligence for Good Summit in June and it has been described as a game-changer for the global translation market.

Pup in the poop

Still in Australia, a seven-week-old puppy has been saved after getting stuck 48m down a sewer pipe, reported The Kimberley Echo. The plumbers who donated their time to rescue the puppy realised she had made her way from the home’s internal plumbing to the wastewater system. An access point had to be opened to reach her, with the help of a specialist camera and a ranger’s dog noose. Seems poor Sweetie had got into the sewer system via the overflow relief gully.

Experts anti antimicrobial soap

NZ researchers are among a group of international experts wanting a ban on antimicrobial agents in soap. “Triclosan is put in hand soap to kill the bugs on our hands,” Cawthron Institute’s Dr Louis Tremblay told TVNZ. “Once it’s washed down the drain it enters the environment and it plays the same role on bugs there.” Soaps containing triclosan were shown to be no more effective at controlling the spread of disease than soaps without, he said. “There’s no reason why the government can’t step in and say we should get rid of these products,” Auckland microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles told TVNZ. Evidence from animal studies suggested these products could have an effect on hormones, sperm quality and birth weight of babies, she said.

Night at the museum

Speedy plumbers helped save irreplaceable museum exhibits from damage when water from a broken humidifier spilled hundreds of gallons of water into the Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Oregon, reported The Register-Guard in June. According to the newspaper the janitor heard the sound of running water one evening, before seeing it running down a wall of the museum and quickly alerting the plumbers. Among the collections to be protected by their display cases was the world’s oldest known pair of shoes.

August/September 2017

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AND FINALLY

DODGY Plumbing Keep them coming! Send your Dodgy Plumbing examples to the Ed: beverlysellers@xtra.co.nz

Another priceless collection. Keep sending them in!

Sale fail

“I had a call from a guy to certify this installation, as the house/barn went to auction the following day,” says Craig Ferguson of Riverside Plumbing & Gas. “Been like this since barn was built in 2007— 45kg bottle sitting in front of water heater on a BBQ reg and hose feeding water heater. Runs a 9kg BBQ bottle when 45 kg bottle runs out. At least there is a whirlaway roof vent at the peak of the roof to ventilate shed. Unit isolated subject to relocation and compliance.”

No change

“This installation appeared to comply originally,” says Craig Tremeer. “You can see the owners changed the window. They were handed relevant information and it was suggested they contact the gasfitter to return who certified the installation. Over one year later, nothing has changed.

Never seen anything like it

August/September 2017

“Yes that is a box to stand on at table height,” says Craig Treemer. “You can now reach the basin being used as a sink in a basement lunch room. No hand rail.”

“Came across this the other day,” says Ben Allen at Fusion Plumbing and Solar.

“I’ve never seen anything as bad as this before. I’m surprised that it hadn’t blocked sooner!”

Please send the biggest size photos you have.

The bigger the file, the bigger we can show it on the page!

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Step up

Back to school

Heron Plumbing’s Dale Lovell sent in this photo of a kitchen sink installation in a school kitchen. “It’s called saving on bends and pipe by using a swept junction as a tee. Also, in theory, one of the traps should have an antivacuum valve on it, as it’s been done to the NZ pd regulations. It would have been easier to use a double bowl connector and the one trap—less chance of it blocking.”

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