FITTING THOUGHT
THE FOUR PILLARS OF PLUMBING
Notwithstanding the devastation wreaked on lives and the economy by the Covid-19 virus in 2020 , 2021 must be the year of recovery . What better way than to re-commit ourselves to the Four Pillars of Plumbing – a World Plumbing Council initiative for the conference of 2019 , as depicted on our front cover .
Participation : Primarily the training requirements to work in the industry
Practices : Standards and accountability in day to day work in the industry
Products : Features and quality of the materials , fittings and appliance used in the industry
Protection : Measures to minimise risks and provide redress when failures occur
It ’ s nothing new , but plumbing remains dogged by unqualified people doing plumbing work ; thereby reducing the value offered by the qualified plumber in both the four pillars ( which ensure that the consumer is safe and healthy ), as well as minimising the plumber ’ s earning potential . Plumbing also remains dogged by suppliers who see it fit to bring in inferior quality products while health and safety is sacrificed on the altar of greed and profit .
Yes , innovation is to be encouraged but not at the expense of plumbing ’ s high standards .
Our enforcement bodies need to be jacked up and fully staffed to enforce compulsory standards ; our technical committees and standards bodies need to consist of technical people who can add value and produce standards that are workable , and not the opportunity for questionable people to push questionable agendas .
Finally , the constant attack without intelligent and meaningful arguments on the official bodies , and the unwillingness of these attackers to engage with the bodies must cease . All this does is degrade the plumbing industry and serve to embarrass its members . Meet , sit , discuss , and resolve at all levels for the benefit of all in the industry .
It is only by taking the four pillars of plumbing seriously that we can build up our industry to be acknowledged as it should be .
Rory Macnamara
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“ What better way than to re-commit ourselves to the Four Pillars of Plumbing .”
www . plumbingafrica . co . za Plumbing Africa DIRECTORY 2021 3