6 ASSOCIATIONS
Plumbing is a key component of WASH
By
IOPSA
A vital component of water , sanitation and hygiene ( WASH ), plumbing systems have helped to curtail outbreaks of , among other diseases , legionella , dysentery , cholera and typhoid in communities around the world .
Outbreaks of these diseases are still a common occurrence in areas where there is insufficient sanitation and hygiene facilities , including plumbing systems .
Considering the important role that the plumbing profession continues to fulfil in South African society , it is governed by many laws , regulations , by-laws and national standards . Moreover , the profession is adequately represented by robust industry bodies , such as the Institute of Plumbing South Africa ( IOPSA ). One of IOPSA ’ s mandates is to uphold very high standards in the profession to help safeguard against substandard workmanship in the industry . Its strong membership is comprised of qualified plumbers who have completed a minimum of three years of theoretical and practical training and passed the trade test .
“ Despite the potential health risks involved , many property owners still entrust the installation and maintenance of their plumbing systems with individuals who are not trained in the field . They are lured by the very low rates that these so-called ‘ plumbers ’ charge for their services , which are especially enticing in this very challenging economic climate . These individuals are able to supply their services at cut-throat rates because they take short cuts – either deliberately or due to a lack of understanding of standard protocol as they have not been trained in the field . They will also often use
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline May 2022 Volume 28 I Number 3