Plumbing Africa October 2019 | Page 51

PROJECT 49 instance, the washing of dogs was not expected to be an onerous demand on the system. Inspector Adrian du Plessis of the SAPS K-9 unit explains the circumstances that lead to their call for help: “In winter it is difficult to wash the dogs and keep them clean – it was a punishment for the dogs. They have to be groomed properly because we go into public areas. Now, with the hot water the dogs love being bathed.” It puts the dogs in excellent fettle for subduing lawbreakers. He explains that the K-9 unit will respond to a tip off, get a search warrant and visit specified premises such as people’s homes. The dogs are also used to search a venue before an event, and also in the case of ATM bombs. Patrol dogs in turn are used to apprehend dangerous or armed suspects, or premises where such as person has holed up. The dogs are useful in many crime situations, for instance where a criminal has disposed of a firearm or explosives after a crime – the dogs can sniff it out. The dogs are brushed and combed every day, and washed as needed, but at least once a month, says Senior Superintendent in charge of the K-9 unit, equestrian and specials ops, Nadine Bezuidenhout. “You cannot bath a dog too often as it damages the oils on the hair. They need to be in good condition at all times.” Rivers Plumbing will service the heat pump as and when necessary, says Crisaffuli, as they must From left: Stiebel Eltron manager of technical sales, Nico Jooste and managing director of Rivers Projects & Plumbing Services, Ffank Crisafulli. be serviced much the same as a car requires regular servicing. Several factors can affect the ongoing performance of a heat pump. PA Two of the dogs of the K-9 Unit. October 2019 Volume 25 I Number 8 www.plumbingafrica.co.za