ASSOCIATIONS
"If the homeowner
is properly and
formally informed
but still decides not
to have the upgrades
implemented, only
then may the plumber
continue with the work
while connecting to
the existing discharge
pipe."
Pipework not up to standard
Another common, but less serious challenge, is what
should be done in cases when a geyser is replaced
and the existing pipework differs from the requirement
of the latest version of the standards?
The best course of action would naturally be for
the pipework to be upgraded so that it comes into
compliance with the standards’ requirements. The
plumber must therefore inform the homeowner
in writing of the need to upgrade, and give the
homeowner the choice to upgrade or not. Considering
the safety-critical nature of the requirements of the
standards, homeowners should be strongly encouraged
to have the necessary upgrades implemented.
If the homeowner is properly and formally informed but
still decides not to have the upgrades implemented,
only then may the plumber continue with the work
while connecting to the existing discharge pipe.
If such an installation is audited by the PIRB, the
plumber will have to be able to provide clear evidence
of the communication with the homeowner. If this
evidence is not available the auditor will treat the case
as if the homeowner was not made aware, and the
plumber will be held accountable for failing to do a
compliant (and safe) installation.
The PIRB continues to encourage all plumbers to
ensure that they keep up to date on the requirements
of installations as published in the various national
standards, and to also continue to develop their
knowledge in the plumbing industry. This ensures
functional and safe installations with fewer non-
compliance risks to the plumber.
While consumers still remain unaware of the health and
safety benefits of good plumbing work, following the
requirements not only benefits the consumer directly, but
also plays an overall role in sustainable communities.
Plumbers are the true unsung heroes. PA
August 2019 Volume 25 I Number 6
11
Registered plumbers:
earn CPD points
Answer the questions in each edition of Plumbing
Africa for 11 editions and you could earn two extra
CPD points each year, courtesy of the Institute of
Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA).
We are working with IOPSA to encourage you to read your magazine and receive continuing
professional development (CPD) points at the end of the year.
Visit www.plumbingafrica.co.za to register and complete your answers to
the questions.
1) When was the PIRB certificate of compliance introduced?
a. 2018
b. 2012
c. 2010
2) Which Act covers the general safety regulations pertaining to ladders and stepladders?
a. The Occupational Health and Safety Act.
b. The Labour Relations Act.
c. The Companies Act.
3) According to Vollie Brink’s article, why is new thinking required in the industry?
a. To cater for the younger generation.
b. To cater for the old standards.
c. To cater for the fourth industrial revolution.
4) In the energy article by SANEDI, ‘ST’ refers to:
a. Sports Turbo.
b. Street Trace.
c. Solar Thermal.
5) In rainwater harvesting, during intense rainfall events
a. rainwater can potentially back up in the storm sewer, causing contaminated water to back
up into the rainwater storage tank.
b. rainwater will naturally flow down the storm sewer and take contaminated water away
from the storage tank.
c. rainwater can block up the storm sewer, causing massive sewer failures if the installation
is wrong.
6) According to the technical article by Patrick Gordon, due to very hot water being expelled
from the tank,
a. you have to make sure the valve is always kept cold in accordance with SANS10254.
b. you have to make sure that the valve is vented in accordance with SANS10254.
c. you have to make sure that the valve is solidly blocked in accordance with SANS10254.
7) In the heat pump feature the reference to COP is a heat pump’s
a. coefficient of performance.
b. copper piping percentage.
c. coefficient of piping.
8) In the business and training feature on ladder work,
a. employers are not responsible if their equipment is not in a safe working condition.
b. employers need to make sure that any ladder or stepladder is both suitable for the work
task and in a safe condition before use.
c. employers need to ensure that any ladder or stepladder is clean at all times. PA
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