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BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Power through plumbing knowledge
Since 1 January 2018, a new dispensation has dawned upon the plumbing industry
with regard to the installation of fixed storage water heating systems.
By By Deon Smit of Independent Water Heating Solutions and Training
The new requirement, that a certificate of compliance from
a professional body (currently PIRB) had to be issued on
completion of the installation of all types of storage water
heating systems, became compulsory.
1
This includes electric water heating systems, solar water heating
systems, and heat pump water heating systems. The issuing of a
certificate of compliance is not limited to only new installations but
includes replacement installations and repairs.
The need for urgent training and upskilling of plumbers was thus
identified.
A DESIGNATION
All qualified plumbers must be registered with a professional body; that
is, the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB). To initially register
with the PIRB, the plumber is required to write a core assessment that
is based on the South African National Standards (SANS) regulations,
which includes storage water heaters and drainage.
2
This procedure obviously serves to determine the knowledge levels
of the plumber and, if necessary, to guide the individual with regard
to additional and further training. In addition to the registration of a
plumber with the PIRB, it is also necessary to register as a designated
solar or heat pump installer (areas of specialisation), where this type
of work is to be carried out and certified.
This process has been streamlined by mutual consent between
the Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) and PIRB, to assist
licensed plumbers to obtain the designation as a licensed solar or
heat pump installer.
The requirement includes that the licensed plumber must have
attended an approved training course presented by an accredited
training provider. A certificate of attendance of such a course serves
as proof and must then be forwarded by the plumber to IOPSA to
register for writing an online assessment.
3
On passing this ‘open-book test’, IOPSA follows through on the
process and the plumber is registered with PIRB as a designated
solar or heat pump installer.
The above IOPSA assessment is based on the relevant SANS
regulations pertaining to solar or heat pumps. Thus, the plumbing
industry is regulated and elevated to a level of professionalism based
on the application of the various relevant SANS pertaining to the
subdivisions of the industry.
1: Most plumbers admit that their level of knowledge regarding
the SANS regulations is limited and could be improved.
2 and 3: Trainees partake in actual installations under the guidance
of the training team.
April 2019 Volume 25 I Number 2
www.plumbingafrica.co.za