20 ASSOCIATIONS
In conversation with PIRB
By
PIRB Communications
An initiative started by the PIRB , where their auditors are reporting back on the impressive improvement in installations by registered plumbers , is to be commended . We report back on one such item of feedback .
“ All of the i ’ s were dotted and the t ’ s crossed . And it was such an extremely difficult space to work in – I would almost decline that job myself . Yet , the lagging is in place , it is properly taped up and closed . The plumber must have laid on his stomach to put that TP discharger in . So , that ’ s three audits in a row where I ’ ve called the guys to say , ‘ well done ’.”
And it is not something Dave would do often ; no . A plumber must really do his best to get a congratulatory call from Dave !
One of IOPSA ’ s auditors recently sent the PIRB a ‘ voice note ’ on WhatsApp saying : “ Well blow me down with a feather !”
Yes , after Dave ’ s * first successful audit that day , he mentioned how overly impressed he was with three PIRB registered plumbers .
“ Since my last message , a couple of hours ago , I ’ ve since done two more audits . And for both of those audits , I ’ ve actually called both of those plumbers to congratulate them .” Upon auditing the sites where the plumbers had done the respective plumbing jobs , Dave found that the circumstances of the plumbing works were extremely difficult – so much so that he would have declined the job himself .
“ To see plumbers going the extra mile to make sure that even the most difficult of installations is done correctly , is quite heart-warming and reassuring .”
By now , we know that with any regulations , standards or laws , if the policing of such is left unchecked it will result in the regulations , standards or laws , becoming meaningless . Just imagine if speeding on our roads or drinking and driving was left unchecked . Carrying out a physical inspection or audit ensures that plumbing regulations , standards , and laws are upheld , which in turn , creates a fair , accountable , and equitable environment for us all to operate in .
And so , Dave and other auditors have systematically noted an improvement with these laws being followed to the tee . Dave later mentioned that when he originally started auditing , the general level of plumbing and adhering to national standards was much lower than it is now . That is also why he and other auditors continue to provide comments and guidance when auditing plumbers registered with the PIRB .
“ This incident was next level . It just shows how far it came in the few years that the audits were happening . To see plumbers going the extra mile to make sure that even the most difficult of installations is done correctly is quite heartwarming and reassuring ,” he said further .
* Name has been changed . PA
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline January 2021 Volume 26 I Number 11