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ConSTRUCTION& PLUMBING The Official

Magazine of the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA

Working Together

Vivian Plumbing &Phillip Best Plumbing

scoop up the major 2012 Plumbing Awards!

Delivering innovative

valve solutions

Phone 1300 659 639

Email [email protected]

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www.masterplumbers.asn.au 1

Foreword3 President’s Note & From the Editor

Features5 Awards for Excellence Winners

10 The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2012

11 World news & Movers & Shakers

13 What the?

15 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants

16 Redundancy benefits

17 Miracles do happen…

19 MyLeave

Events20 Overview of the 2012 Gala Night

Regular Features23 Energy Safety

24 Your business

25 MPGA technical information

26 World Plumbing Council news

27 International Copper Association Australia

29 Master Builders Western Australia

31 Backbones of Business

32 Personal health

33 Occupation Health & Safety

34 Product news

36 Building Commission

37 Water Corporation

39 Training update

40 Association news

41 Christmas Trading Hours

Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA Postal address:PO Box 5216, East Victoria Park, WA 6981

Street address:Level 3, 353 Shepperton Road, East Victoria Park, WA 6101Ph: (08) 9471 6661 Fax: (08) 9471 6663Website: www.masterplumbers.asn.au

Publisher:Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA

Editor:Petra Wouters Ph: (08) 9471 6669 (direct), Fax: (08) 9471 6663 email: [email protected]

Design & Printing by:Maaxx MarketingPh: (08) 9467 0161

MPGA Office bearers:President: Bill BusbyVice President: Geoff KellyImmediate Past President: Kim ByrneCEO: Murray Thomas

Executive Committee: Derek Rowe, Geoff Cook, Shane Calegari, Paul O’leary, Lee Johnson, Bob Goodchild, Ron Grant, Paul Manifis, Peter Thompson and Matt Johnson.

Master Plumbers & Gasfitters’ Trade Magazine is produced by the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA.

Statements and information appearing in the publication must not be interpreted as having the endorsement or being the opinion of the Association, which takes no responsibility for the correctness of statements or comment made in the publication.

2012 Executive Committee

gEOFF cOOKCOMMITTEE MEMBER

sHANE cALEgARICOMMITTEE MEMBER

pAUL O’LEARYCOMMITTEE MEMBER

LEE jOHNsONCOMMITTEE MEMBER

bOb gOOdcHILdCOMMITTEE MEMBER

RON gRANtCOMMITTEE MEMBER

dEREK ROWECOMMITTEE MEMBER

KIM bYRNEIMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

pAUL MANIFIsCOMMITTEE MEMBER

MAtt jOHNsONCOMMITTEE MEMBER

bILL bUsbYPRESIDENT

gEOFF KELLYVICE PRESIDENT

pEtER tHOMpsONCOMMITTEE MEMBER

DECEMBER2012

COvER StORy

Full coverage of 2012 Awards for Excellence Awards

Page 5

The Water Corporation has taken due care in the preparation of data comprised on this map but accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracy of facility, cadastral or other information provided nor inappropriate use of this information. The user is reminded that under no circumstances can

the information herewith displayed be copied, altered, modified or otherwise published in any form including the Internet without express permission of the Water Corporation. Prior to carrying out any physical activities in proximity to facilities displayed on this map the

Water Corporation should be contacted on 13 13 95. Any inaccuracies found with information contained on this map should be advised to Spatial Information Management on T(08) 9420 3496, F(08)9420 3112 or [email protected]

1300 bg34/16.20 PERTH Date Printed: 19/09/12 15:57:24 Coordinate System: MGA94 Zone 50 Height Datum: AHD6459748

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Level 3, 353 Shepperton Rd, East Victoria Park WA 6101PO Box 5216 East Victoria Park WA 6981

P 08 9471 6670 F 08 9471 6663E [email protected] W www.masterplumbers.asn.au

MPGA AS-ConStruCted diAGrAMS, Sewer JunCtion And wAter MAin LoCAtionS

Cost:MPGA Member - $14.30 INC GST

Non MPGA Member - $19.80 INC GST

For further information contact the MPGA AS-Constructed Service OfficeOPeN HOurs: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pmPHONe: (08) 9471 6670FAx: (08) 9471 6663eMAil: [email protected]

We’re back!


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGPRESiDEnt’S REPORt & FROM thE EDitOR

“in my opinion we are the best of our likeminded associations throughout Australia”

President’s report

bILL bUsbYPRESIDENT

As I look back over the past 3 years, I must say thank you to all members, associates and sponsors for the continued support that you give to our plumbing and gas industry here in WA.

I have enjoyed my 3 year term as President of the MPGA and I am very fortunate to have had the support of the Executive Committee Members, all of whom are extremely passionate about our industry and who give many, many hours of their time freely to ensure that the MPGA is the best industry association in Australia. To this end I say thank you to our CEO, Murray Thomas who leads a great team at the MPGA.

Bryce Steele, MPGA Business Development Manager and I have travelled across the state to Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Mandurah, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Karratha and Broome to facilitate the well attended Trade Shows. These trips, including the numerous events and Industry Forums conducted in Perth make me really appreciate what a great group I have been a part of.

As President I look back on my term and the highlights for me are not limited to but include;

•Thepurchaseofourheadquartersat East Victoria Park which was the result of the Association squirrelingawayitsfundstosecure our future over many years.

•Theongoingupgradeofourtraining centres at Bayswater and Maylands.

•Thetopleveltrainingofourapprentices and the post trade training of our tradesmen.

•TheemploymentofourPlumbingand Gasfitting Technical Liaison Officer, Andrew Okines to maintain the high levels of expertise that exist in our industry.

•Theleasingofthetrainingcentre in Jandakot to service our southern members and apprentices.

We are without doubt in my opinion the best of our likeminded associations throughout Australia and it has been indeed an honour to have been your President.

In 2013 I will be stepping down as President into the role of Immediate Past President and we will have a new team representing you, the members. I look forward to the outcome of the election and I wish Geoff Kelly who has nominated as President and Ron Grant as Vice President the very best of luck.

With a number of major issues currently on the table for the plumbing industry, the MPGA needs now more than ever a strong Executive leading the way and a large membership base to ensure what we want for our industry is achieved and maintained.

I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Regards,

Bill Busby

President, Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA

From the EditorHello and welcome to the last edition of the Construction & Plumbing Magazine for 2012.

As always, in the December edition we shine the spotlight on our dynamic winners of the 2012 Awards for Excellence.

And we also have some amazing tales from people in the plumbing industry.

National Occupational Licensing has been keeping everyone very busy and the support we received from our members was amazing. Read all about it on page 25!

Along with our regular features, I would like to introduce you to a new project that the membership services team has recently implemented - Backbones of Business. This initiative sees a focus on the administrators that play an integral part in your business.

Lastly, I would like to thank all of our advertisers and contributors to this issue.

Wishing you safe and happy holidays and a very prosperous 2013!!

Happy reading... and feedback is always welcome!

Regards,

Petra Wouters

Communications Coordinator

Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA

pEtRA WOUtERs COMMuNICATIONS

COORDINATOR

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ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGAWARDS FOR EXCELLEnCE WinnERS

2012 Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA and Building Commission Awards for ExcellenceThe 2012 Awards for Excellence Gala Night was held on Saturday 17 November 2012 at Crown Perth and after months of judging we were finally able to announce the 2012 award winners!

The 2012 Maintenance Plumbing Business of the Year and Construction Plumbing Business of the Year Awards are open to all licensed plumbing businesses in WA.

The process involves each nominee submitting their application, addressing key components relevant to running a successful plumbing business.

These points included workmanship, occupational safety and health, sales and marketing, industry support, customer service or builder testimonials, staff development, community involvement and record keeping procedures. It also included the Building Commission conducting a compliance check on each business and a visit by the judges coming to each company. From this process of elimination, a winner for each category was chosen.

The judges commented that this Bunbury based company is a well established business that continues to improve and grow. Phillip Best Plumbing has had an amazing past 12 months with enormous growth and this award, as well as the Gasfitter of the Year Award reinforces to their employees that the effort they have put in has paid off.

2012 Plumbers Licensing Board Maintenance Plumbing Business of the year Award:

And the winner is: Phillip Best Plumbing Pty Ltd

The Honourable Simon O’Brien, MLC, Minister for Finance, Commerce and Small Business, Phillip and Julie Best of

Phillip Best Plumbing Pty. Ltd.The team of Phillip Best Plumbing Pty. Ltd.

Vivian Plumbing has grown from one plumber and an apprentice in 1999 to what it is today. The judges found that Vivian Plumbing excelled in all areas of the criteria. The complexity of the work they have completed and the processes undertakentoachievesuchqualityresultswereoutstanding.Vivian Plumbing has demonstrated superiority over the years, which is reinforced by winning this award for the second time.

2012 Plumbers Licensing Board Construction Plumbing Business of the year Award:

And the winner is: Vivian Plumbing

The Honourable Simon O’Brien, MLC, Minister for Finance, Commerce and Small Business and Ryan Vivian of Vivian

PlumbingThe team of Vivian Plumbing

The judges would like to make mention that the standard of applicants in this years’ Construction Plumbing Business of the Year category was extremely high and choosing 3 finalists, let alone a winner was extremely difficult, therefore 2 Certificates of High Commendation were presented to: Quality Plumbing & Gas and Prime Plumbing.

6 www.masterplumbers.asn.au


This is the newest category within the Awards for Excellence program and is open to plumbing companies that go the extra mile with the level of service they provide their customers. Particularly with regard to their customer service policy, communication, research, customer needs, complaint handling and staff development.

The judges were particularly impressed with the entrants in this category as they were all of an extremely high standard. Choosing 3 finalists proved difficult and choosing a winner was nearly too close to call. A Certificate of High Commendation was awarded to Kelly’s Hot Water Gas & Air.

2012 CBUS Customer Service Award: And the winner is: Quality Plumbing & Gas

From left to right: John Brown and Marcos Gonzalez of Quality Plumbing & Gas Pty. Ltd. and Lisa Baker, MLA,

Member for Maylands, representing CBUS.Quality Plumbing & Gas

This award recognises outstanding occupational safety and health management and solutions and innovation in plumbing and gasfitting workplaces that reduce the risk of work related injury and disease. This was an extremely hard category to judge as the standard was outstanding, therefore this year we had 2 award winners:

2012 WACiRF Best Workplace health and Safety Practice in a Business Award

The time, commitment and money that Sanwell has invested in their safety management system is incredible. They are without doubt leaders in safety, health and environmental considerations and deserve to win this award.

Large business: Sanwell Pty. Ltd

From left to right: Peter Thompson and Julie Harris of Sanwell Pty. Ltd., Jack Mast, representing WACIRF and Scott

van den Ancker of J Ancker Plumbing Pty. Ltd. Safety first at Sanwell Pty Ltd

J Ancker Plumbing has committed a great deal of time and effort into implementing their safety management systems and has a genuine commitment to safety in their workplace. For a small company, the judges were heartened by their level of commitment as this is something that you would expect from the bigger players.

Small business: J Ancker Plumbing

The team of J Ancker Plumbing Pty Ltd



Judging involved the tradesmen submitting a nomination as to why they should be awarded such a prestigious award. The applicants then took part in an interview testing their technical knowledge.

Luke has been working in the plumbing industry for the past 7 years.

The judges were impressed by his extreme dedication to his trade, his passion and his willingness to learn. A previous Apprentice of the Year finalist, Luke is always looking to further his career and is a hardworking and enthusiastic young man with huge potential.

2012 Plumbers Licensing Board Plumber of the year Award:

And the winner is: Luke Byrne from Marsmen Plumbing & Gas

Luke Byrne of Marsmen Plumbing & Gas and The Honourable Simon O’Brien, MLC, Minister for Finance,

Commerce and Small Business

Entrants were required to demonstrate a highly qualitystandard in each of the following areas:

• Whatqualitiesdoyouhaveasagasfitterthatputsyouabovethe other candidates?

• Workmanship – photographic evidence of trophy projectswith an explanation of its scope of works.

• Anexplanationofwhat isaproblemareainthegasfittingindustry and what needs to be improved and how.

• Testimonials – evidence of exceptional workmanship andcustomer service.

2012 AtCO Gas Australia Gasfitter of the year Award:

And the winner is: Phillip Best of Phillip Best Plumbing

Phillip Best of Phillip Best Plumbing Pty. Ltd. and Marc Stubbs of Atco Gas Australia

Apprenticeswererequiredtoattendatheorysessionwheretheywereaskedaseriesoftechnicalandgeneralknowledgequestions.Thetop20scoringcandidatesfromthesetheoryassessmentswereinterviewedbyapanelofexperiencedindustryjudges. The top 10 scoring candidates from these interviews then had to compete on competition day. They had to undertake an 8 hour project and were assessed on a broad range of trade skills including water supply, gasfitting, welding, brazing and sanitary plumbing.

2012 tradelink Apprentice of the year Award: And the winner is: Brentt Tawhai employed by Pride Plumbing & Gas

Dean Bowtell, WA General Manager Tradelink and Brentt Tawhai, 2012 Tradelink Apprentice of the Year

Brentt Tawhai on Competition Day employed by Pride Plumbing & Gas



Vada V30-RC works as follows; the user arrives at the tap and presses the activation button to start the pump. The pump will commence operation and begin to recirculate the dead leg of cold water back to the hot water heater via existing pipe work. When hot water arrives at the tap, the pump stops automatically and emits three audible ‘beeps’ to let the user know the hot water has arrived. The user simply turns the hot water tap on and hot water arrives instantly...no wasted water or time!

2012 Environmental Product of the year Award:Community Newspaper Group Water Saving Product of the Year:

And the winner is: Vada V30-RC Vada V30-RC Hot water recirculating pump “Recirculation with no return lines” by My-Water

Chris Parker of Reece representing My-Water and Christine Sutherland of Community Newspaper GroupVadaV3—RC by My-Water Pty Ltd

Unlike traditional hot water systems, Bosch’s condensing technology captures waste heat from exhaust gas and uses it to preheat incoming cold water. The result is thermal efficiency of 94% and above and an energy saving of up to 16% compared to standard continuous flow systems.

2012 Environmental Product of the year Award:Community Newspaper Group Water Saving Product of the Year:

And the winner is: Bosch 32C by Bosch Hot Water

Sam Tsakisiris of Robert Bosch Australia Pty. Ltd. and Christine Sutherland of Community Newspaper GroupBosch 32C by Bosch Hot Water

A lot of time and effort is put into the awards with the MPGA relying on industry members to volunteer their services to do the judging. So we would like to thank our 2012 judges for their continued support.

Without the sponsors an event like this would not be happening, therefore we would like to thank our major partner The Building Commission and our industry partners for their support”.

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ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBING

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the Rolex Sydney hobart yacht Race 2012Noel Abercromby, Co-owner and Managing Director of Samson Plumbing & Gas, Past President of the MPGA and current MPA Skills Director and his crew of 7 are preparing for the 2012 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race!

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2012 will start on 26 December and will be carried out on the waters of the Sydney Harbour, the Tasman Sea, Storm Bay and the Derwent River.

Over the past 67 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart event has become an icon of Australia’s summer sporting calendar generating as much public interest as national events such as the Melbourne Cup, the Davis Cup and cricket tests between Australia and England. No other annual yachting event in the world attracts

as much media coverage than the start of this race at Sydney Harbour.

The team’s 36 feet vessel, “This Way Up”, was built in Sydney and is based at the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club and used for offshore racing in WA.

So far Noel and his team are only one of two teams from WA that entered for the 2012 event. They had to complete a qualifying voyage underrace conditions sailing 250 nautical miles due west from Fremantle to a GPS point and back. To put this in

perspective, Rottnest Island is only approximately 10 nautical miles from Fremantle. The voyage took 90 hours!

Following the qualifying voyagethe yacht was then trucked to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney in October where the mast and rigging were reinstalled in preparation for the big day.

The Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA would like to wish Noel and his crew the best of luck and a safe journey to Hobart!


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGWORLD nEWS & MOvERS AnD ShAKERS

Movers & Shakers

Dean Bowtell has recently been appointed as the Tradelink WA General Manager. Dean replaced Terry Lucas who is now the State Manager of Victoria/Tasmania and is situated at the Tradelink Canning Vale Head Office.

This initiative has been taken to prevent sewer blockages as the city anticipates longer periods without water.

Bulawayo’s chronic water shortage has forced authorities to impose rationing to reduce the amount of water released into the sewer system. A severe drought and years of poor maintenance has resulted in Bulawayo residents often going without running water for up to 3 days at a time. Currently the city rations water for 72 hours each week.

City orders its residents to all flush toilets at the same time!Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo has ordered its residents to flush their toilets at the same time, 7.30pm once a week.

Tradelink is Australia’s biggest name in plumbing supplies for bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.

With over 200 branches throughout Australia and over 150 years experience in the plumbing industry, Tradelink has the ‘know-how’, the services and the vast product range to satisfy your building, renovating and maintenance needs.

Dean Bowtell, General Manager Tradelink WA

MPA SkillsTraining WA’s best Plumbing ApprenticesMPA Skills is the largest provider of specialist apprentice training for the Western Australian Plumbing Industry

MPA Skills Training

• State of the art training facility at Bayswater and Maylands

• Report Card for each apprentice and employer at each training stage

• Industry based and Industry focused

EnsurE your ApprEnticE rEcEivEs thE highEst quAlity trAining

Contact MPA Skills on (08) 9471 6600

or visitwww.mpaskills.com.au

South of River Jandakot Campus Now Open!


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ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGRHEEM APPRENTICE PLUMBER GRANTS

Rheem celebrates 75 years & awards 75 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Rheem Australia selected 75 successful applicants to be given a Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant.

The grants are an integral part of the Rheem Apprenticeships and Youth Scheme (RAYS) which aims to assist apprentices and young people to achieve their dreams and career objectives. The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants are designed to thank the Australian plumbing industry for its ongoing support and to invest in its skills future.

The $1,000 grants have been awarded to apprentice plumbers most in need of additional financial assistance and to help them pursue their chosen career.

“These grants are a token of Rheem’s appreciation for young and mature age apprentices entering the industry. We hope the grants will give them a better chance to succeed. We would like to thank the many hundreds who applied for a grant and also the trainers and employers who supported them,” says Matt Sexton, CEO Rheem Australia.

“Our panel of independent industry experts was extremely impressed with the very high standard of applications. It’s clear that many apprentices are doing it tough and have made considerable financial and personal sacrifices to enter the trade. The level of passion, dedication and commitment demonstrated by today’s plumbing apprentices is to be commended,” stated Matt.

About the grantsApplications for the 75 $1,000 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants opened on 15 May and closed on 15 August 2012 with the recipients announced on 28 September 2012. Apprentices either nominated themselves or were nominated by their employers. As part of the process, TAFE and Registered Training Organisation Trainers were contacted to provide references.

In order to ensure that the grants were awarded fairly a panel of three independent industry experts and a Rheem adjudicator judged all applications.

No restrictions are placed on the grant with successful recipients being free to decide how and when they use it, for example on tools, education, bills or fuel to get to and from work.

MPA Skills third year apprentice, Ben Devenish-Meares aged 20 from Halls Head was amongst the 75 apprentice plumbers from around Australia to be awarded one of the Rheem Plumber Apprentice Grants.

“I still can’t believe I won. I’ve never won anything like this before,” says Ben.

Ben’s goal is to travel the world and use his plumbing skills to help people in third world countries.

“I would like to put the money aside for charity purposes, missionary work and towards a program where I can provide plumbing services to aid third world countries such as the Middle East, Africa, South America or even Eastern Europe where clean, fresh water and drainage solutions are desperately needed,” says Ben.

“The grant is a huge bonus and will contribute to my savings to ultimately achieve my ‘working away’ goal, in addition to allowing me to buy the necessary tools. My career in plumbing has been great so far. I’m learning a lot and getting great experience. I can honestly say that I’ve been blessed,” says Ben.

Ben chose plumbing because of the various areas within the trade and the extensive range of work.

For a full list of the 75 successful applicants, please go to the Rheem website:

www.rheem.com.au/apprentice

Ben Devenish-Meares (MPA Skills apprentice) - WA receiving cheque from Nathan Barnett Rheem Account Manager

About Rheem AustraliaRheem has been operating in Australia since 1937 and is the largest manufacturer of water heaters in Australia. Its brands include Rheem, Solahart, Edwards, Vulcan, Raypak, Accent Air and Everhot. It employs in excess of 1200 people throughout Australia across 5 manufacturing facilities in NSW, Victoria and WA. It has additional subsidiary organisations in New Zealand, China and Europe and is the worldwide market leader in Solar Thermal products. For further information visit www.rheem.com.au or contact Belinda Hill, Llewellyn Communications on 0438 206 609.


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Redundancy BenefitsSystem of saving employee redundancy benefits proves its value with recent company failures. 75 building industry employees of the failed employer D & G Crane Hire have good reason to be thankful for the foresight of Company Directors and the unique system put in place by the WA Construction Industry Redundancy Fund (WACIRF).

When D & G Crane Hire collapsed, owing approximately $42 mil, 75 of the company’s 150 employees had their redundancy entitlements protected.

This was because some years before finding itself in a desperate situation, the company had adopted a policy as a result of negotiations with the Construction Industry Union to make monthly contributions into WACIRF to meet its redundancy obligations if an event of this nature ever occurred.

Had the 75 workers not been covered by WACIRF, it is unlikely they would have had any source of recompense other than via the Government backed agency, GEERS that takes time to process claims and does not cover all entitlements.

Murray Rzepecki, Chief Executive Officer of WACIRF said, “As a result of D & G Crane Hire failing, WACIRF deposited in excess of $1 mil into employee bank accounts and many claims were paid within 48 hours of being lodged.”

Since its establishment 23 years ago WACIRF has collected in excess of $390 mil and paid out at least

$350 mil in similar circumstances.

Mr Rzepecki said that many employers expressed reluctance to contribute into WACIRF because they believed the fund was an extension of the union and by entering into an EBA they felt other conditions may be imposed that could make them uncompetitive when tendering for work.

“I can assure employers that WACIRF is not a union operation. It is controlled by six Directors, three appointed by the CFMEU and one each by the MBA, the MPA Group and CCA and any major resolution has to be passed by a 75% majority,” he said.

A Limited Contribution Agreement restricted solely for meeting award obligations is available so employers do not have to be bound to other union EBA conditions.

Mr Rzepecki cited the instance of the Hastie Group of companies collapsing that had secured entitlements in excess of $10 mil for approximately 2,500 workers. The entitlements were held by similar approved worker entitlement funds in every state.

These secured redundancy funds served the industry well and helped in ensuring that experienced workers remained in the industry.

In addition to managing redundancy payments WACIRF is engaged in other activities benefiting the construction industry such as sponsoring, to the tune of $350,000

annually the MATES in construction program established to reduce incidences of worker suicides in the industry by making building workers aware that support in times of need is available.

Other projects include:

• Supportingworkertrainingprograms.

• FundingaclassroomattheCFMEU training centre.

• Purchasingaroughterraincrane for the CFMEU training centre.

• FundingtheMBA’sinternetsystem used for communicating with members.

• Fundingtheoriginaltoolfit-outof the MPA Skills training centre at Maylands.

• Fundingaspraypaintingboothand a multi-storey plumbing simulation facility the MPA Skills training centre at Bayswater.

These grants amounting to several million of dollars have been for the benefit of the industry as a whole.

Mr Rzepecki stated that he hopes more employers realise that WACIRF is on the side of the construction industry as a whole and that they should become involved.

If you would like to take action now, Mr Rzepecki can be contacted on (08) 9481 0259.


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGMIRACLES TO HAPPEN

This is a story about a 28 year old man who lost 32kgs over the past 2 years by following a healthy diet and doing regular exercise, whose lifestyle change probably helped save his life only weeks ago.

On Monday 10 September 2012, Anthony went as usual after work to the CBD Health Spa on Murray Street to exercise. Shortly into his workout following a 5 minute warm up, Anthony collapsed and suffered 2 seizures underneath the equipment.

The gym staff reacted immediately and helped Anthony to control the seizures and when he stopped breathing and started to turn blue they commenced CPR and mouth to mouth that continued until the ambulance arrived. Miraculously, after not breathing on his own for approximately 45 mins, Anthony’s faint but steady pulse started again whilst in the ambulance on the way to hospital.

Once at the hospital, Anthony was induced into a coma and his parents were contacted and encouraged to make their way from Adelaide to Perth quickly to see their son who may not make it through the night.

Tuesday and Wednesday passed and the family was told that Anthony would be woken from his coma on Thursday and that they should be prepared for the worst as severe brain damage was a likely result of the cardiac arrest.

And then another miracle occurred, Anthony responded to his mum when she told him off for chewing on the tube in his mouth! From then, Anthony started putting words together, not that what he said made sense but this was a very good sign of improvement. By Sunday Anthony was pretty much back to his normal self, having proper conversations and asking for his mobile phone to UPDATE HIS FACEBOOK STATUS!!

Anthony was discharged from hospital on Wednesday 19 September 2012 after having a defibrillator implanted in his chest to shock his heart into beating again if it were to go into cardiac arrest in the future.

Whilst recuperating at home, Anthony pestered Reece’s Head Office for a laptop to be able to work from home and has since been building up to more and more hours in the office everyday.

Besides some residual pain in his chest from the CPR, tiredness and not being allowed to drive for 6 months, amazingly Anthony’s life is pretty much back to normal.

The doctors have no idea why his heart stopped beating and have no words for the miracle that happened afterwards. Anthony’s heart is healthy, his blood pressure is normal and everything seems to be

functioning the way it should. Understandably, Anthony is concerned that it may occur again and is a little anxious about getting back to the gym. The fact that he could have passed away if the gym staff stopped administering CPR, is definitely something to think about.

Moving forward he says, “My head is the same, my thought process is the same and I still enjoy doing what I did before and wouldn’t change a thing.”

The support from family, friends, Reece and the plumbing industry that Anthony received and continues to receive has been overwhelming. Plumbers from all over Perth have come to see him in the office and he received an enormous amount of text messages, even dinner invitations from people that he doesn’t have any relationship with outside of the industry.

Without doubt the actions of the gym staff helped save Anthony’s life. Every minute that passes without action decreases the chance of survival by 10% therefore immediate CPR is critical to keeping someone alive. The gym staff that helped safe Anthony’s life have been nominated for St John Ambulance Community Hero Awards.

From all of us at the Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA we wish Anthony and his family all the best and a big thank you to this very special guy for sharing his amazing story with us.

Petra Wouters

Communications Coordinator


When I was on my way to interview Anthony Picton, Branch Manager at Reece Perth, I was expecting a young man still recovering from serious trauma. Instead I was introduced to a very outgoing man, totally involved in his work with no indication whatsoever that he almost passed away only 5 weeks ago except for the lump caused by the implantation of a defibrillator in his chest.

Miracles do happen…

Anthony Picton, Branch Manager of the Reece store on Stirling Street, back at work after his miraculous recovery


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGMyLEAvE

Annual update from MyLeave Chief Executive Officer, John youensI am pleased to advise the Construction & Plumbing Magazine readers that the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Payments Board has changed its name to MyLeave. Whilst our business name will remain as the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Payments Board, our day to day trading name will be the shortened version - MyLeave.

In conjunction with our new name we have a new logo which replaces the one we have been using since our establishment in 1987. We are also working to improve our online experience, communications and the way we work with industry stakeholders to ensure industry employers are aware of their obligations and that workers receive their entitlements.

Our address and phone numbers remain the same, however our emails and website have changed to the domain myleave.wa.gov.au.

2011/12 was an exciting year for MyLeave as we celebrated 25 years of service to the industry in January 2012. We have retained a small number of staff who joined us in our first year of operation which has seen us celebrating these significant milestones throughout the year.

Legislative amendments were announced in April 2012 and the changes have resulted in various administrative efficiencies including one key change being the automatic registration of workers when they appear on an employer’s quarterly return submitted to MyLeave. Full details of the legislative changes are detailed on our website www.myleave.wa.gov.au.

The new business name, logo and legislative changes have been incorporated into a new suite of Scheme brochures that are available on our website. With regard to the website, we are in the final stages of the rebuild and upon completion, employers and workers will have an enhanced online experience.

Another key event in the past year was our hosting of the national conference of Australia wide construction industry Portable

Long Service Leave Schemes. The conference was held in Mandurah and had approximately 90 participants with key speakers from Perth, Sydney and Melbourne. Delegate feedback was that the quality of presentations was very high which was enhanced by the opportunity to network with interstate colleagues from other Schemes.

You’ll welcome our new name.

For 25 years we’ve been known as the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Payments Board. Now we’re simply known as MyLeave.

Our name may have changed, however we’re still working to ensure every eligible construction worker in WA receives the long service leave they are entitled to.

Learn more about the construction industry portable long service leave Scheme at www.myleave.wa.gov.au.

John YouensMYLEAVE CEO



OvERvIEW Of THE 2012 GALA NIGHT

The iconic Crown Perth was the setting for the 2012 Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA and Building Commission Awards for Excellence to honour the best of our industry.

As the night fell, the Grand Ballroom was transformed into a comedy lounge with interactive areas screaming with fun and taking guests back to their childhood. Twin bucking bulls, fairy floss, arcade games, a caricaturist and a photo booth entertained guests, ensuring they were amused from start to finish.

A highlight on our industry’s social calendar, the guest list included a Who’s Who of WA plumbing and gasfitting — Paul White of Construction Hydraulic Design, Trent Dorrington of Marsmen Plumbing & Gas, Neil Clinch of Charter Plumbing and Gas, Steve Swan of Swans Complete Plumbing & Gas and Sam Pullella of Prime Plumbing. Also present was Hon. Simon O’Brien MLC Minister for Finance; Commerce; Small Business and Lisa Baker MLA Member for Maylands.

A red and black room, pin spotted and filled with chupa chup centerpieces was the perfect way to visually reflect the mood for the night. As guests entered the room and found their seats they prepared to laugh…

The energy kept on growing as we celebrated our industry’s finest. Guests were initially treated to the hilarious Axis of Awesome, The World’s Most Awesomest Comedy Band!

Later in the evening, guests were blown away by the hysterical act of one of Australia’s favourite stand-up comedians, Tom Gleeson.

You may have seen Gleeson on Good News Week, The 7pm Project, Thank God You’re Here or on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala. It’s hard to turn on the television and not see the man. However, it is performing live on stage where he really shines and on the night he did not disappoint, leaving everyone in stitches of laughter!

Following dessert, Slim Jim & the Phatts filled the dance floor until the early hours of the morning.

Congratulations to all award winners announced on the night, in particular Vivian Plumbing who scooped up the prestigious 2012 Plumbers’ Licensing Board Construction Plumbing Business of the Year and Phillip Best Plumbing who took home the 2012 Plumbers’ Licensing Board Maintenance Plumbing Business of the Year.

I would also like to recognise Stuart Henry who was inducted into the WA Plumbing Industry Hall of Fame on the night of the event. In 2011 the MPGA Executive Committee implemented the WA Plumbing Industry Hall to acknowledge and recognise the

people that have had a positive impact on the development of the industry.

Stuart commenced at the then Master Plumbers Association as the Executive Officer in 1986 and left our organisation in 2003. Over that 17 year period, Stuart worked tirelessly and without doubt, if it wasn’t for his energy and commitment we would not be where we are today as one of, if not the best, industry association in Australia. Congratulations Stuart.

A host of industry events fill our calendar in 2013 and I look forward to seeing you all there. I’m most excited about our new one day plumbing conference scheduled for August.

As we prepare to hang up the mistletoe, crack out the Christmas decorations and let the festivities begin for the brightest time of the year, I’d like to wish the plumbing and gasfitting fellowship a successful and prosperous 2013. Thank you to everyone who has supported the MPGA this year and I hope we can continue to deliver the products and services the industry and members require, maintaining our standing within the community.

Ashlee PhurEVEnts MAnAgEr

A night of comedy comes to Crown

2012 MASTER PLUMBERS & GASFITTERS ASSOCIATION OF WA AND BUILDING COMMISSION AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

17 NOVEMBER 2012 - CROWN PERTH

GALA NIGHT

Leah & Chris Parker of Reece Pty. Ltd.

OvERvIEW Of THE 2012 GALA NIGHT


Phil & Julie Best of Phillip Best Plumbing Pty. Ltd.

Lee Hewlett & Sally Morgan of Boeing Plumbing

Craig & Julie Beardsworth of Kelly’s Hot Water, Gas & Air

Mike & Linda Read of The Building Commission

L-R, Murray Thomas & Justine Monaco of Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA, Craig Scott of Master Plumbers & Mechanical Contractors Association of WA and Steven Hall, Chairman National Plumbing Association Alliance

L-R, Miranda & Trent Dorrington and Chloe Budden of Marsmen Plumbing & Gas

Bethan Inns & Benjamin Meakins of Alinta Energy

L-R, Melissa & Rob Dimond of Tradelink Plumbing Centres WA State Support, Karen & Neil Talbot of Affordable Plumbing, Bill & Karen Felton of Dux Hot Water

L-R Jackie Gillet, Darryn Rudeings, John Mortimer, Jason Broughton, Tim Hedger, Jay Gillet, Chris Avery and Mal & Janine Huggett of Solahart

Cameron & Veronica Craig of Rocla

L-R, Joseph Egan & Courtney Elliott and Talitha & Shane Scott of Vision Plumbing

Frank & Adele Gismondi, Maryka Mensink and Amy Wright of the Water Corporation

Jane Vallance & Michael Leach of the Building Commission

Joy O’Brien & Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, Minister for Finance, Commerce & Small Business

L-R, John & Lucy Browne and Marcos & Kerry Gonzalez of Quality Plumbing & Gas Pty. Ltd.

ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGOvERvIEW Of THE 2012 GALA NIGHT


Tim Newton, Apprentice of the Year finalist trying his hand on the bucking bull

Slim Jim & the Phatts fill the dance floor!

Bill Busby, president MPGA, with our Hall of Fame inductee Stuart Henry

Master of Ceremonies, Tim Gossage

Joseph Egan & Shane Scott of Vision Plumbing battling it out

The World’s Most Awesomest Comedy Band - Axis of Awesome

Tom Gleeson

Characterturist, Henry Lamb sketches our guests

CLA

1623

Looking for a $5,000 tax bonus for your business?

Did you know that you may be eligible for a $5,000 tax deduction when you purchase a new motor vehicle for your business? Small businesses can claim up to $5,000 as an immediate tax deduction for motor vehicles, with effect for vehicles acquired from the 2012-13 income year.

For a limited time only, we are waiving the $395 standard documentation fee for Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association WA members on new car finance arrangements of $30,000 or more with the Commonwealth Bank. Finance must be quoted and accepted by 31/01/13.

Start better business banking today. Call MPGA member services on (08) 9471 6661.

Important information: Offer only available to referrals made via the MPGA WA between 01/10/12 and 31/12/12. Limit of one fee waiver per customer. MPGA WA may receive a fee from Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each successful referral. Referral fees are only paid on eligible business banking products and services for new product enquiries lodged via the MPGA WA. Full terms and conditions, including other fees and charges, are included in the loan offer. Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval. As this flyer has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial and taxation situation or needs, you should, before acting on this, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances with or without the assistance of your taxation advisor or accountant. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 124 124. Australian credit licence 234945.


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGENERGY SAFETY

Multi-storey gas installations

Gas Appliance Rectification Program

By Kevin Hooper

ATCO Gas Australia (ATCO the network operator) has a program in place to upgrade the in-ground gas service pipework and gas services risers and replace the wooden meter boxes in multi-storey buildings. EnergySafety welcomes this initiative by ATCO however, during their survey of multi-storey buildings a number of gas installations were seen as non-compliant. Some 900 buildings have been identified for this rectification work.

Consumers have until 31 December 2012 to register their pre-1980 domestic natural gas appliances with the Gas Appliance Rectification Program (GARP).

Kevin HooperEnErgySafEty

ChiEf gaS inSpECtor

EnergySafety is concerned at the disregard for compliance to the regulations relating to gas water heater locations and will withdraw the exemption granted in 2003 (Variation/Exemption 03/251) as of 1 November 2012.

For a plumber/gasfitter intending to replace a gas water heater in any multi-storey installation, it will now be necessary to visit the EnergySafety website: www.energysafety.wa.gov.au and follow the links to; Guideline to assist in applying for Dispensations for replacement gas installations in multi-storey buildings’.

The completed application form for dispensation can be emailed to either [email protected], [email protected] and/or [email protected] or posted to:

EnergySafety WA

(Attention: Principal Engineer Gas utilisation)PO Box 135CANNINGTON WA 6987

After this date, the cost of replacing any pre-1980 domestic natural gas appliance not registered with GARP will be borne by the owner.

Over 24,000 gas appliances have been registered with GARP and approximately 9,000 will be replaced. To date over 5,000 replacements have been carried out.

To ensure as many as possible of the existing pre-1980 natural gas appliances are registered with GARP, EnergySafety is seeking your assistance when working on an existing gas installation. Take a moment and check all the gas appliances to determine if there are any pre-1980 appliances and either:

• Recommendtotheconsumertoregistertheappliancewith the program by calling 1800 110 464; or

• Take a digital photograph of the gas applianceand send it by email together with the consumer’s contact details to [email protected]. On receipt of the email an inspector will attempt to determine if the appliance needs replacement and inform the consumer accordingly.

It is anticipated that the Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) 1999 will be amended by the end of May 2013. These amendments will prohibit the use of pre-1980 domestic natural gas appliances considered to be at risk if operated on the changed natural gas that is due to come on stream during the latter half of 2013.

EnergySafety will be consulting with industry shortly to determine the most appropriate way to amend the regulations to ensure that remaining pre-1980 domestic natural gas appliances missed from GARP are identified and removed from service.


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGYOUR BUSINESS

It is easy for building trade contractors to turn away from the daily administration processes in their business whilst focusing on the construction side of things, after all it is more exciting! The theory is that working on a construction site will earn money, while administration tasks cost money. To some extent this is true; regardless, it is a necessary process for a business to function successfully.

Project Tracking Part 4

paul Funnell

Accounting conventions and taxation law dictate that a business must keep financial records therefore it is no extra effort to record income and expenditure against individual projects and determine their profitability. There are many benefits for a business owner in having good administration procedures, one of those being the ability to predict the cash flow requirement for the business. Think of cash flow as being the equivalent to blood running through the veins of our body, without blood flowing we will die and without constant cash flow the business / company will most certainly cease to function.

There is a term ‘the burn rate’, which means the amount of money required each month for the business to stay afloat. That is based on no income. It is important to be aware of the committed expenses on a weekly and monthly basis. Without income the current cash will run out and a shortfall will be experienced. The finance or office manager must at all times be in a position to know what the income is likely to be and plan for the company growth, rather than leaving it to guesswork.

Cash flow is derived from the allowance made in a tender and found in the final summary under overheads which forms part of the overall mark-up. Predicting precisely when the income will be received does take a little effort and most likely will not be completely accurate however it will provide an extremely good indication. Setting up a cash flow spread sheet is a good investment of time as once the framework is complete it will become a valuable tool for your business. Business cash flows are best laid-out in a MS Excel or an equivalent software program spreadsheet.

Step 1Using the business / company Chart of Accounts from your accounting system, list the overhead expense headings down the page in one column. At the top of the spreadsheet and across the page, insert the months of the year. Extend the cash flow to cover three to five years. Now, insert the value of each expense in the month that it will occur. The task is much easier than it sounds, most business expenses are predictable, right down to the month that they will occur.

Step 2In an appropriate location further down the spreadsheet page, repeat the process for income by listing each project that has been successfully tendered. It can be difficult to accurately know the income so an estimate of each month’s progress claims will be adequate. More importantly the cash flow will identify the target income required to cover the overheads.

To establish the income from each project on a monthly basis that has been allowed in a tender for overheads; divide the overhead allowance by the number of progress claims. That is, if the overheads allowance on a project was $10,200 and it is expected that there will be eight progress claims, each claim would have $1,275 that should be allocated to overheads.

The income is entered for each project against the month in which it will be received. Remember the first claim will not be received for two months from the commencement date. Continue to enter values for each project and the sum of the income for each month will be known. As time progresses older projects drop off and new projects are entered.

Step 3Enter a formula that provides the sum of the monthly income, plus the residual income from the previous month and subtract the overhead expenses. The results will provide an indication of a surplus or shortfall in the cash flow. In the event of a shortfall, management needs to reduce the overhead expenses or increase turnover.

Cash flow projections are best when extended for a five year period, with a greater level of accuracy over the immediate three year period and highest possible accuracy for the current financial year. Cash flows are exciting in that, they will show management during difficult times if there is a light at the end of the tunnel and indicate which months have possible financial shortfalls, in which case management can rectify a potential problem before it occurs.

To receive your copy of a MS excel format cash flow spreadsheet visit the Small Business Club of Australia www.scbca.com.au

Paul Funnell OAM



Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA would like to congratulate Mr. Noel Abercromby

on his recent appointment as the Chairperson of Master Plumbers Australia Ltd.

Master Plumbers Australia Ltd is the National Plumbing Associations Alliance (NPAA) that represents all Master Plumbers Associations across the country (representing approximately 5000 businesses nationally).

This very important national body has representatives on various committees which include the National Licensing COAG reference group, CPSISC Plumbing reference group, Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), Plumbing Code

Committee, World Plumbing Council and various Standards Australia committees.

Noel replaces the outgoing past chairman Mr. Steve Hall, Planning Institute Australia SA (now Deputy) and is supported by Mr. Paul Naylor, Master Plumbers Association of NSW (Secretary).

All states of Australia have Directors and Alternative Directors who meet quarterly each year to ensure that Master Plumbers Associations are united on all industry matters. For more information concerning Master Plumbers Australia Ltd go to www.masterplumber.com.au.

MPGA TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for National Occupational Licensing

Noel Abercromby, Chairperson of Master Plumbers Australia Ltd.

noel abercromby ChairpErSon of MaStEr pluMbErS auStralia ltd.

murray THomas CEo Mpga

The MPGA, on behalf of its members recently submitted a comprehensive response to the COAG Skills Taskforce on the RIS for National Occupational Licensing and proposed regulations. The MPGA circulated it’s submission to all members for reference including a summarised letter template for members to submit in support of the MPGA’s views on the options presented and the preferred Three Tier Model – Option 1.

The MPGA was copied into 125 responses from members which is a fantastic result that shows the passion for the plumbing and gasfitting industry in WA. The response to this matter clearly defines the position of the industry and in turn demonstrates to Government that National Occupational Licensing isn’t the one stop shop model as implied by the COAG Skills Taskforce.

We understand that National Occupational Licensing should improve the consistency of all occupational licenses to allow for the transition and mobility of labour throughout Australia, however numerous issues have been identified within the proposed model that essentially erode the complex qualifications that make up a licensed plumber and gasfitter. This has always been viewed as an extremely important part of any regulatory framework to protect the consumer, public health and safety and also the environment.

The MPGA understands the plumbing and gasfitting industry requirements in WA and has identified the need for a complex training matrix to support the outcomes that our community has come to expect from this highly professional trade. We believe that the National Licensing Steering Committee’s preferred options propose to reduce licensing outcomes that would increase risk to the consumer, public health and safety and the environment by less qualified licensed persons undertaking plumbing and gasfitting work.

The MPGA supports the implementation of a strong and consistent licensing regulatory framework aligned with nationally accredited training outcomes throughout Australia and believes that consistency is the key component for our nation to continue to produce qualified persons to undertake plumbing and gasfitting work to a level of compliance higher than many other countries around the world.

The MPGA continues to push for the Plumbing Code of Australia to be implemented in its entirety within WA to assist the state in progressing down the National Occupational Licensing path and to broaden the definition of a plumber and gasfitter.

Master Plumbers Australia Ltd (MPA Ltd), the united federal body representing a combined view of all of States and Territories including the MPGA remain strong advocates for;

•National uniformity of trainingand qualifications for plumbing and gasfitting contractors and apprentices.

•Nationally regulated standardsvia the implementation of the Plumbing Code of Australia by all States and Territories.

•National Licensing that reflectsconsistency for easy transfers across state borders for all plumbing and gasfitting contractors.

•The need to maintain a holistic‘general plumber’ national licence that is not broken into smaller fields of work that will diminish the skills set required to be a truly recognised ‘plumber’ in Australia.

For those that would like to read both the MPGA’s and the MPA Ltd’s submissions, please go to our website www.masterplumbers.asn.au.

Thank you to those that continue to support the MPGA’s stand on this very important issue for the future of our industry and for those that haven’t taken the time to understand it, spare some time to and get on board or who knows, the industry may not remain as we know it!

Report by Noel Abercromby, Chairman of Master Plumbers Australia Ltd and Murray Thomas, Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA CEO.


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGwORLd PLUMBING COUNCIL NEwS

The Chairman of the World Plumbing Council (WPC) GP Russ Chaney announced on 24 September 2012 that Peter Miles, Head Teacher of Plumbing, North Sydney College, TAFE NSW, Australia was awarded the 2012 WPC Education and Training Scholarship valued at up to US $10,000.00.

Mr Chaney heartily congratulated the successful applicant who has a strong family background in plumbing with his father, uncle, brother and son-in-law all plumbers. His father’s business operated in NSW for over 60 years. Following the completion of his apprenticeship Peter worked in the family business and developed a real interest in training others. Peter put down the tools took up full time training at TAFE in 1989.

In congratulating Peter, Mr Chaney made mention that Peter had already been involved with plumbers throughout the world including Zimbabwe, Swaziland, South Africa, Iran, Persia, Fiji, India, Korea, Scotland, England and Ireland in his current role. This exposure had given him a better understanding of the background and environment in which these plumbers work and the type of work that they do.

Mr Chaney went onto say that Peter had been chosen from a very strong field of applicants from around the world including Brazil, Canada, France, Ghana, India, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the USA. He also noted the quality of the applications and congratulated all applicants on their excellent work and commitment to plumbing.

Peter’s personal goal is to educate plumbers not just train them so that they can be the best. This pursuit will now take him to England and Ireland to study their training regimes and to look at streamlining recognition of the respective units of competency between each country as part of the WPC Scholarship.

World Plumbing Council (WPC) Chairman, GP Russ Chaney has announced that his organisation IAPMO, a long time member of the WPC had signed on as a Global Partner and USA member of the WorldSkills Foundation Board of Trustees.

The WorldSkills Foundation was established in 2010 and aims to bring together and mobilise people, organisations and communities who have a common interest in skills. IAPMO has become the sixth global founding partner of the WorldSkills Foundation.

The WPC and WorldSkills International signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2004 establishing a partnership between the organisations sharing the common purpose of promoting the pursuit of the highest standards of vocational education and training, for the benefit of all.

The MoU also provides for the WPC Chairman to award WPC medallions to each plumbing industry competitor and his/her

respective country/region’s expert at every WorldSkills Competition. Mr Chaney has attended every WorldSkills Competition since St. Gallen, Switzerland in 2003 and most recently at the WorldSkills London Competition as WPC Chairman wherein he presented 48 WPC Medallions.

“Like the WPC, IAPMO has a long history of supporting WorldSkills and I am delighted that the IAPMO Group are able to sign up at this time to support the WorldSkills Foundation as a Global Partner providing a major opportunity for the IAPMO Group to be recognised as a leader worldwide in the education and training of our industry and profession,” Mr Chaney said.

IAPMO is a non-profit membership based organisation that specialises in developing codes that have governed the plumbing and mechanical industry since 1926.

IAPMO President, Dan Daniels was also fully supportive of the partnership. He added, “IAPMO has been a long time supporter and

contributor to education and this appointment to be a member of the WorldSkills Foundation furthers our long standing commitment to training and education.”

President of the WorldSkills Foundation Tjerk Dusseldorp expressed his appreciation that IAPMO has come on board to support the Foundation. He said, “This is great news for the WorldSkills Foundation and we are delighted that IAPMO have confirmed their commitment to the development of skills across the world by becoming a member of the Foundation and we look forward to welcoming them on board.”

For more information about the WorldSkills Foundation, please go to www.worldskillsfoundation.org

Best wishes

Stuart Henry

WPC Secretariat

world Plumbing Council Scholarship awarded to an Australian

world Plumbing Council member becomes a global partner of the worldSkills Foundation

sTuarT Henry World pluMbing CounCil

SECrEtariat

2012 WPC Education and Training Scholarship winner, Peter Miles


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGINTERNATIONAL COPPER ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA

Fast, no-solder copper plumbing is now in Australia and it’s proving a big hit with plumbers says John Fennell.

Copper just got a lot cooler

‘Press-Fit’ copper jointing systems are cold jointing technology for rapid, reliable water/gas installation - which means no more flames amongst other benefits.

Crane were first off the block in 2006 with ‘Viega’ tools and fittings available through their Tradelink stores, while MM Kembla’s ‘KemPress’ tools and fittings are available from Plumbers Supplies Co-Operative, Samios and Plumbtec independent plumbing retailers. Reece is also offering Connex Fittings and Rothenberger Press Tools here.

Press Fit systems work by forming joints when the hydraulic press tool compresses the fitting, reinforcing it to guarantee the seal is 100% secure and leak-tight. The fittings are specifically designed to be compatible with water or gas and feature clear labeling and colour coding, black for water and yellow for gas.

The systems have continued to improve since first being used in Europe and the tools are now lightweight and can press many, many thousands of joints between scheduled services. Another big advantage is the three systems currently available in Australia have passed Australian regulatory requirements such as AS3688 and AS4020 and are Watermark Certified as well as featuring a 25-year warranty for fittings and 2 to 3 years for the tool depending on the brand.

Of course traditional copper jointing methods will retain that segment of the market where the less expensive fittings are preferred and rapid installation is not a key requirement.

Pressure off

Obviously these are great time savers as they’re a fast alternative to traditional brazing and mechanical jointing and installation times are similar to plastic. Rapid assembly is often performed by a team of tradesmen and followed up by a single plumber with the press tool to cold seal hundreds of joints in a matter of hours as the pressing for a single joint takes only a few seconds.

And they seem to have met a real need. One of the biggest complaints I hear from plumbers is about the different types of systems on the market and the different tools needed to match the system. It’s particularly an issue

for maintenance plumbers working on PEX or PE pipe systems because if you don't have the right tools it can be hard to tap into the existing pipes.

The three systems appear to be popular, not only with plumbers but with developers, specifiers, builders and regulators who are seeing big savings in labour costs and they are fast developing a reputation

for low maintenance and reliability as well as high post installation attention from the three companies involved.

For information on Crane visit:www.crane.com.au

For information on Kembla visit: www.kembla.com.au

*John Fennell is the head of the International Copper Association

Australia

[email protected]

www.plumbcrete.com.au

Plumbcrete products can be purchased at leading plumbing supply stores throughout Western Australia. Plumbcrete concrete products provide the benefits of strength and durability.

Plumbcrete is a Western Australian owned family business that has been supplying concrete plumbing products since 1985.

Email [email protected]

Flatback Traps

Valve Boxes

Sump Boxes

Inspection Shaft Mounds Downpipe Traps

Spoon Drain Channels

For generations, Bosch has been commited to provide quality products that protect the environment and conserve resources resulting in the introduction of condensing technology systems into the market.

These appliances derive their over 90% energy efficiency from their ability to allow the water vapour to condense and absorb most of the latent heat in the heat exchanger.

Range includes:

Bosch 26eco+ – award winning 6.9 STAR gas hot water system

Bosch 32C – winner of the coveted ECO-Buy Innovative Green Product of the Year for 2011

Bosch Hydronic Heating Boiler (Condens 5000W) – provides a reliable and allergy free home heating solution.

For more information, call 1300 30 70 37 or visit www.bosch-climate.com.au

Bosch Condensing Technology. Efficient Energy | Hot Water & Heating.


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGMASTER BUILdERS wESTERN AUSTRALIA

The building industry may be renowned for its peaks/booms and troughs/busts, but these volatile cycles are never easy to deal with as contractors from a cash flow perspective. At the end of the day, it’s all about risk management.

The year ahead

Although WA may be faring better than our eastern states counterparts, the residential and commercial/industrial sectors are still doing it tough; especially at the lower end of the scale. Contracts are difficult to win and margins are extremely tight. Many contractors have sought work in the north-west to maintain their turnover and labour force. It is a difficult area of the state to house and retain labour but there is work to be done.

Good luck to those contractors who have ventured to the Pilbara to expand their businesses and perform the work that needs to be done there. It is an exciting time to be working in our north-west and I’m sure history will reflect well on this pioneering period in our state’s future growth.

It is interesting to look ahead at what next year might hold in store for our industry. With state and federal elections due in 2013 it promises to be a year when new policies and election promises will be thrown at us in abundance. That’s the way the game is played.

Let’s take a look at what lies ahead:

•Industrialrelations isat thecross-roads and the outcome of the federal election could have a big bearing on IR stability and flexibility;

•The new Building Act should bebedded down to hopefully provide some real benefits to contractors;

•Thecarbon taxwillstart to impacton more businesses;

•WAwillmostlikelywalkawayfroma harmonised safety regime which has not been well received in some other jurisdictions;

•Governments will continueto grapple with reasons why employers are not training more building apprentices;

•National Occupational Licensingwill continue to be a major concern to industry;

•The State Government will comeunder increasing pressure to extend the 0.2% CTF levy to civil engineering construction projects in the mining/resource sector; and

•Economic conditions are likely toimprove modestly notwithstanding ongoing global market uncertainty.

There will certainly be lots of issues to keep Associations like MBA and the MPGA challenged in 2013. I encourage more contractors to get involved as you should have a say in the construction industry’s future direction.

Good luck to you in the year ahead.

Michael McLean

Director

Master Builders Association

For full product information call 1300 365 116 or visit www.dux.com.au

DUX and PRODIGY are registered trade marks of Dux Manufacturing Limited. *45°C temperature rise.

DUX and PRODIGY are registered trade marks of Dux Manufacturing Limited. *45°C temperature rise.

TE

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E A R W A R RA

NT

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E A R W A R RA

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5star

From one great Australian environmentalist to another

The environmental credentials of former Australian of the Year and Clean Up founder Ian Kiernan AO are well documented. In 2012 another great Australian will make its mark on the environment.• Same footprint (422w x 502d) as existing rectangular 3 star external gas units

for a simple install

• Outstanding delivery – can deliver well over 2,000 litres of hot water in a 24 hour period*

• Patented Flue Damper technology delivers 5 star gas efficiency by dramatically reducing heat loss after the heating cycle

• Full mains pressure

• Australian designed, made and owned

Ian Kiernan AOClean Up Founder

The new Prodigy 5 from Dux.World first innovation designed and manufactured

right here in Australia

micHael mcleanMaStEr buildErS

aSSoCiation dirECtor

Contact MPA Skills on (08) 9471 6600 or visit www.mpaskills.com.au

Have you thought of doing your PCL & Gas?

Approximately 70% funded by the Department of Training and

Workforce DevelopmentCOURSES• 52291 Course in Plumbing Contractors Licence •Business •Watersupply •Drainage •Sanitary

• CPCPGS4012A Service Type ‘A’ Gas Appliances • CPC32711 Certificate III in Gasfitting

(NonApprenticeshipPathway)

•(MeetsEnergySafetyrequirements)

AVAILABLEFulltimeandparttimecourses

WHEREMPASkills,108CaledonianAvenue,Maylands


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGBACKBONE OF BUSINESS

Contact MPA Skills on (08) 9471 6600 or visit www.mpaskills.com.au

Have you thought of doing your PCL & Gas?

Approximately 70% funded by the Department of Training and

Workforce DevelopmentCOURSES• 52291 Course in Plumbing Contractors Licence •Business •Watersupply •Drainage •Sanitary

• CPCPGS4012A Service Type ‘A’ Gas Appliances • CPC32711 Certificate III in Gasfitting

(NonApprenticeshipPathway)

•(MeetsEnergySafetyrequirements)

AVAILABLEFulltimeandparttimecourses

WHEREMPASkills,108CaledonianAvenue,Maylands

For a large percentage of businesses within the MPGA, the woman stands beside the man who works in the trade providing integral support in the operation of a successful business.

Generally speaking most tradesmen spend their days on the tools not having the time to stop, look and listen to the information that is being sent during working hours. As we evolve and upgrade our systems, we feel it is time to recognise the administrators and provide them with resources and support to address their needs on a regular basis.

Introducing ‘Backbones of Business’ a networking group for women and administrative staff proudly support by the MPGA together with the Master Painters & Decorators Australia. Both associations have recognised the vital role these women and administrators play in ensuring that our member businesses remain professional and successful.

Through this program, the ‘Backbones’ will be able to meet on a regular basis in various venues throughout not only the metropolitan area but from Geraldton to Bunbury over the coming year. We have a host of speakers lined up to talk to you, so look out for us as we are on our way!

Proudly supported this year by the Commonwealth Bank, Backbones of Business gets a kick start. Our first event was held at the MPA Group’s head office where 15 women of various sized businesses came together to update their knowledge on current banking tools and to hear Michael Hinsley from H & H Business Services presenting effective ways to manage cash flow and develop systems that will enable decision making to be quicker and easier. But that wasn’t all the morning offered. It gave every woman in the room the opportunity to share their experiences of running a business.

For the women who attended the first gathering in October here were some of the comments;

“Thanks so much to you and your team for this morning’s get together. It was a really fun morning and very informative.” Melanie Hood – Eric Hood Pty Ltd

“Thank you for the enjoyable and informative morning tea.” Susan Hoy – Ocean Keys Plumbing & Gas.

The birth of ‘Backbones of Business’

"we feel it is time to recognise the administrators and provide them with resources and support "

As we know women have many special qualities. Their natural abilities to nurture, assist in development and provide safe and secure environments doesn’t just relate to their roles as partner, wife, mother or friend.

Mark your diary for Backbones of Business meetings:

MARCH 20136 March – Bunbury

7 March – Mandurah

14 March – Hillarys

15 March – Canning Vale

20 March – Swan Valley

21 March – Geraldton

28 March – Perth CBD

JUNE 20136 June – Bunbury

7 June – Mandurah

12 June – Canning Vale

13 June – Hillarys

19 June – Swan Valley

20 June – Perth CBD

27 June - Geraldton

First gathering Wednesday 3 October 2012 in East Victoria Park

Glenys Pike of Pike Plumbing & Gas Pty. Ltd. In South Hedland, winner of the Mystery Price for the women that could not attend


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGPERSONAL HEALTH

Simple ways to reduce your chances of getting cancerIn 1971, President Nixon declared war on cancer with a view to have a cure by 1976. Since then we have not seen much progress in reducing cancer rates despite the billions of dollars spent on research. Yes treatments have improved and survival rates are better but there are more cases of cancer reported today than 40 years ago and it is estimated that the number of both cancer cases and deaths will continue to increase.

I ask you this, if a pill was invented that could reduce your chances of getting cancer by a third, would want to take it? If so, there is some good news…

The London based World Cancer Research Fund published findings that a third of all cancers could be prevented by simply eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption and doing regular exercise. A healthy diet consists of fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and fish and is low in red meat, processed and refined foods and bad fats (trans fats and some saturated fats). The average male should keep alcohol consumption to less than 3 standard drinks per day and the average female should not have more than 2 standards drinks per day. Regular exercise means some form of physical activity for 30

minutes or more at least four times per week.

Couple these principles with not smoking and not getting sunburned and you will significantly improve your chances of avoiding cancer.

Studies in Britain have shown that the rates of colon cancer could be reduced by around 20% in women and 30% in men if they have healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight range.

These are impressive figures as advanced screening testing is expected to prevent only 15% of colon cancer in the UK. Screening can detect early cases of cancers however following a healthy lifestyle can prevent the cancer from forming.

The World Health Organisation suggests that a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise five days per week could prevent about 25% of breast and colon cancers not to mention reducing the risks of heart disease, diabetes and depression.

These measures are not difficult for anyone to adhere to, however I suspect the reason they may not be applied is that they are too simple and therefore not taken as seriously as new technology or a wonder drug.

Are lifestyle measures a force field that guarantees you will not get cancer or other illnesses? Of course the answer to that is no as there are many other factors involved. However the fact that your chances of getting cancer can be reduced by such a large percentage by things you can easily do yourself at little or no cost should make them no brainers.

Many will say I know all this however as the Zen saying goes “To know and not to do is not yet to know.” In simple terms, you only get the benefit if you actually do it.

So as the global shoemaker says - Just do it.

Dr Joe Kosterich M.B.B.S.

www.drjoe.net.au

Dr. Joe Kosterichwww.drjoe.net.au


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGOCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

A number of recent incidents relating to the storage, transport and use of cylinders have occurred within WA, some with disastrous consequences to people and property.

Facts about fuel gases:

All fuel gases catch fire easily. A naked flame is not necessary for ignition as a spark or heat source can set them off. Read the MSDS that is provided with the gas cylinder and know the contents of cylinders before you use them.

•Aircontainingbetween4%and74% hydrogen is explosive.

•Aircontainingfrom2.6%to80%acetylene is explosive.

•At25psiacetyleneisunstableandcan explode without an ignition source.

Porous acetone is added to an acetylene cylinder which safely permits higher compression.

Acetylene is usually compressed to 250psi, well beyond its stability point of only 25psi. Therefore the acetone is critical to safety. Heat deprives acetone of its ability to hold acetylene. Acetylene cylinders have fusible plugs that will melt at approximately the same temperature that boils water (100°C).

General guidelines:

•Becausecompressedfuelgases and acetylene are liquid while under pressure, keep the cylinders positioned so that the valve is facing up. Gas cylinders should always be kept chained in an upright position, irrelevant as to whether they are full or empty. Cylinders used for welding should be chained on an upright trolley for easy movement.

•Fuelgasesandacetylenearemuch heavier than air. In the event of a leak, these gases will tend to sink, relative to the environment. They will fill depressions in the floor, open toolboxes and drains replacing the safe air in lower work areas.

•Ifyoucheckforthesegaseswith a gas meter, look in all the low places. Remember, a concentrated pool of this type of gas in a low area may be hard to detect and presents a fire and explosion hazard.

•Hydrogenhowever,is14timeslighter than air and will rise above normal air. You could be breathing clean air under an explosive hydrogen blanket and not know it.

•Handlecompressedgascylinders delicately. Dropping one on the floor can break the valve, creating a rocket that can easily go through a brick wall while leaving a trail of explosive gas. If you knock two cylinders hard enough together, both might explode.

•Ifanacetylenevalveeverfreezesup thaw it with lukewarm water by pouring the water over the valve, not the cylinder.

•Neveruseaflametothawavalveon an acetylene tank. Doing so is dangerous when using any compressed gas but is especially dangerous when acetylene is present.

•Toreducethelikelihoodofvalvebreakage, keep the cap screwed on any cylinder not in use. Shut off the valve off if you are not using the cylinder rather than leaving the regulator to act as a valve.

•Shutoffthevalveandremovetheregulator if you are transporting the cylinder.

•Neverliftacylinderbytheregulator or the valve.

•Donotwraphosestightly.Exceeding their bend radius will result in a weak hose that may burst in use.

•Inspecthosesbeforeuseandreplace any that appear cracked. Also replace hoses that have ‘blisters’ or other deformities.

•Alwaysensureflashbackarrestors are fitted to both ends of the hose (torch and regulator/tap end).

When using the equipment:

•Ensuretheareaisclearof unnecessary objects and equipment.

•Elevateleadsandhoses.

•Ensureflashbackarrestorsare fitted to both the cylinder and torch end of hoses.

•Removeanyunnecessaryequipment from work area.

•Ensureallfittingsandconnections are secured prior to turning the cylinder on.

•WearappropriatePPE.

•Ensureotherpersonnelareclearfrom area and that barricading and/or signage is present to prevent others from entering work space.

•Conductavisualinspectionofallhoses prior to commencement of works.

•Ensurethecylindersandthestand/trolley are secured on a flat and even surface.

•Alwaysensurethecylindersare turned off prior to leaving the work area or the cylinder unattended.

For more information on this safety topic or to book an appointment to discuss any other OHS inquiry, please do not hesitate to contact the MPGA to arrange a meeting or free phone and email advice/assistance from Safety Solutions WA.

Use of Oxy-Acetylene Units No doubt a large majority, if not all MPGA members would carry, store and/or regularly use Oxy-Acetylene welding units as a part of their works.

Page : 1

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET Revised edition no : 1

Date : 5 / 2 / 2010

Supersedes : 0 / 0 / 0

Acetylene (dissolved)

AL061

Label 2.1 : flammable

gas.

1 IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUBSTANCE/PREPARATION AND OF THE COMPANY/UNDERTAKING

Trade name

: Acetylene (dissolved)

MSDS Nr

: AL061

Chemical formula

: C2H2

Company identification

: Air Liquide Australia Limited

380 St. Kilda Road

Melbourne 3004 Australia

Emergency phone nr

: 1800 812 588

2 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Hazards identification

: Dissolved gas.

Extremely flammable.

3 COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Substance / Preparation

: Substance.

Substance name

Contents

CAS NoEC No

Annex No Classification

Acetylene (dissolved)

:

100 %

74-86-2200-816-9

601-015-00-0 F+; R12

R5R6

Contains no other components or impurities which will influence the classification of the product.

4 FIRST AID MEASURES

First aid measures

- Inhalation

: In high concentrations may cause asphyxiation. Symptoms may include loss of

mobility/consciousness. Victim may not be aware of asphyxiation.

In low concentrations may cause narcotic effects. Symptoms may include

dizziness, headache, nausea and loss of co-ordination.

Remove victim to uncontaminated area wearing self contained breathing

apparatus. Keep victim warm and rested. Call a doctor. Apply artificial respiration

if breathing stopped.

- Ingestion

: Ingestion is not considered a potential route of exposure.

5 FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Specific hazards

: Exposure to fire may cause containers to rupture/explode.

Hazardous combustion products: Incomplete combustion may form carbon monoxide.

Extinguishing media

- Suitable extinguishing media: All known extinguishants can be used.

Specific methods

: If possible, stop flow of product.

Move away from the container and cool with water from a protected position.

Continue water spray from protected position until container stays cool.

Do not extinguish a leaking gas flame unless absolutely necessary. Spontaneous/

explosive re-ignition may occur. Extinguish any other fire.

Air Liquide Australia Limited

In case of emergency : 1800 812 588

380 St. Kilda Road Melbourne 3004 Australia

Page : 1

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET Revised edition no : 1

Date : 6 / 10 / 2009

Supersedes : 0 / 0 / 0

Oxygen

AL605

O : Oxidizing

Label 2.2 : NonLabel 5.1 : Oxidizing

flammable, non toxic gas.substances.

1 IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUBSTANCE/PREPARATION AND OF THE COMPANY/UNDERTAKING

Trade name

: Oxygen

MSDS Nr

: AL605

Use

: Welding and cutting of metals. Medical applications. Industrial applications.

Combustion aid.

Chemical formula

: O2

Company identification

: Air Liquide

Level 9, 380 St.Kilda Road

3004 Melbourne AUSTRALIA

Emergency phone nr

: 1800 812 588

2 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Hazard classification

: Classified as hazardous according to NOHSC criteria.

Classified as a dangerous good by the criteria of the ADG code.

Hazards identification

: Compressed gas.

Oxidant. Strongly supports combustion. May react violently with combustible

materials.

R Phrase(s)

: R8 : Contact with combustible material may cause fire.

S Phrase(s)

: S17 : Keep away from combustible material.

3 COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Substance / Preparation

: Substance.

Substance name

Contents

CAS NoEC No

Annex No Classification

Oxygen

:

100 %

7782-44-7231-956-9

008-001-00-8 O; R8

Contains no other components or impurities which will influence the classification of the product.

4 FIRST AID MEASURES

First aid measures

- Inhalation

: Continuous inhalation of concentrations higher than 75% may cause nausea,

dizziness, respiratory difficulty and convulsion.

Remove victim to uncontaminated area.

5 FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Specific hazards

: Exposure to fire may cause containers to rupture/explode.

Supports combustion.

Hazardous combustion products: None.

Extinguishing media

- Suitable extinguishing media: All known extinguishants can be used.

Specific methods

: If possible, stop flow of product.

Move away from the container and cool with water from a protected position.

Air Liquide

In case of emergency : 1800 812 588

Level 9, 380 St.Kilda Road 3004 Melbourne AUSTRALIA


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGPRODUCT NEWS

There are a growing number of jetters in the market with lower costs and increasing effectiveness that means even plumbers can now get into the jetting business from as little as $2 a day.

Australia’s leading manufacturer, Aussie Pumps and the originator of the 4,000psi plus high pressure jetting machine have produced a new, low cost, point of entry that can be leased for as little as $2 a day.

The Aussie Mini Cobra, little brother of the original Aussie Cobra offers a genuine 4,000psi pressure capability to clear up to 100mm blocked drains with ease. “The Mini Cobra will even drive our Roof Mulcher nozzle that’ll munch its way through tree roots,” said Aussie pumps product manager Greg Hulbert. “It may take a little longer than using a 5,000psi King Cobra, but it will still do the job much quicker than any mechanical means and its much cheaper too,” he said.

The Mini Cobra is powered by a Honda 13hp industrial petrol engine mounted in a heavy duty galvanised steel frame designed specifically for drain cleaning. The frame comes with a high pressure Aussie “Reel Mate” hose with 30 metres of top quality drain cleaning hose. The machine’s trolley is mounted on four wheels which can be taken off the machine to enable the frame to be hard mounted to a trailer or ute tray.

The cobra comes with an Aussie root mulcher and two popular drain cleaning nozzles, the Aussie Penetrator and the Aussie Compressor. “90% of drains can be cleared with the basic nozzle kit but plumbers can option the machine up with additional nozzles from our extensive range if they want to build capability,” said Hulbert.

The machine offers a real entry offer price point with the leasing option making it ridiculously cheap to own one of these very competent pieces of equipment. Aussie Pumps have put the Mini Cobra on the market for only $5,354 plus GST.

An Aussie Viper Mini Reel, equipped with 60 metres of high pressure jetting hose and heavy duty stainless steel shut off valve can be matched to the Mini Cobra to provide a serious extension of capability, even in hard to reach and/or access locations. The Mini Reel comes on its own stainless steel carry stand with locating brackets that enables three nozzle locations. The locations feature quick couplers so that the nozzles can be firmly attached but easily accessed on site.

The Mini Reels means that the machine can be left on the ute while the choke is cleared in the house for maximum convenience.

The Aussie Pump Cobra drain cleaning jetter leasing plan is readily available from Aussie Pump distributors with free ‘how to’ documentation readily available on request.

Further information on the complete range of Aussie Jetters is available on the Australian Pump website (www.aussiepumps.com.au) and from Aussie Pump Distributors throughout Australia. This Press Release was prepared by Australian Pump Industry PTY LTD. 7 Gladstone Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154 Australia.

For any further information please contact Phoebe Michaels (02) 88653500.

The new CX145C is equipped with the following benefits:

• IntelligentHydraulicSystem(IHS) – ensuring the hydraulic load and flow are matched to the task with minimum fuel usage.

• MinimumSwingRadius(MSR)–allowing better access and less chance of job site damage.

• TierIVEmissionCertifiedTechnology – diesel engines help the environment by producing low emissions.

Case Construction is a leading distributor of excavators, backhoe loaders, wheel loaders, skid steer loaders and crawler dozers. Backed by a national dealer network, Case Construction offers parts, service, support and finance for a range of earthmoving applications.

For more information call 1300 99 CASE or visit www.caseconstruction.com.au/cx145

Grant Richardson tests out Aussie’s Cobra, cleaning drains in quick time

Get Jetting… from $2 a Day

10 years in the making: Case launches 14T excavator

Clearing blocked drains with high pressure water blaster jetters is still relatively new and considered by some plumbers as a highly specialised part of the industry.

Case Construction is excited to announce the launch of their new CX145C 14 tonne excavator in the CX-C Series range.


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGPRODUCT NEWS

This will be accompanied by Australian standards of manufacture and quality control by its existing team of machinists and some new recruits who specialise in this field and have worked extensively locally and throughout Europe.

Mania Group Australia, previously Mania National was a pioneer in plumbing manufacture throughout the 80’s and 90’s, launching andsupplying to this day some of the industry’s leading products under various brand names. Going from a 50 person welding and machine shop to the 10 person team today was inevitable given the import revolution at the turn of the century.

But being manufacturers at heart with a fully accredited NATA Plumbing Testing Laboratory onsite, Mania via Plumberlink has extensively consulted with its base of plumbers across the last 12 months. The message kept coming back loud and clear – QUALITY – CONSISTENCY – PRICE.

Supplying plumbers direct from the manufacturer/importer takes care of the price aspect (including a nice margin for the plumber) but also delivers quality and consistency relying as on an imported product from a far away land can be another story.

The solution? Manufacture back in Australia, by Australians and back the product locally.

Roo – Pex ‘Australian Made’ will be launched from January 2013 however forward orders have already commenced in droves for this outstanding product that you can proudly tell your customer is ‘Aussie made, Aussie supplied, Aussie backed’.

GUS 10.8 V-LI Cordless UniversalShear;

• Optimisedhighest700rpmcuttingspeed for fastest straight cutting in different soft materials such as PVC, carpet, leather, fabrics and cork.

• Fingerprotectionforsafecuttingup to 11mm thickness.

• Convenienttousewithautosharpself-sharpening function.

GWB10.8V-LICordlessAngleDrill/Driver;

• Theonlyinlineandangledrill.

• Adjustableheadwithfivepositionsfor working in tight spaces.

• Drilled bits directly with 10mmkeyless chuck.

• Fastestdrillingupto1,300rpm.

GSB10.8-2LICordlessImpactDrill;

• Innovative two-speed gearboxfor powerful screw driving and drilling applications.

• Most compact: shortest design(187mm)initsclass.

• Bright power-LED for optimumillumination in dark areas.

Mania – the 30 year name in Australian plumbing manufacture

Bosch Blue launches new generation 10.8 Volt cordless power tools

With manufacture jobs going offshore by the day, Mania Group Australia is bringing some back with the announcement that its Plumberlink exclusive brand Roo-Pex will now be produced in its Perth factory.

Bosch Blue is setting new standards when it comes to size and performancewiththe launchof itsnewgeneration10.8Voltcordlesspower tools.



Addressing common areas of non-compliance in your training will help to ensure your responsibilities are met.

Building Commission plumbing inspectors have identified an increase of non-compliance with either the prescribed plumbing standards or the Plumbers’ Licensing Board’s (the Board) Regulations in the following areas:

• Excessivetemperatureofheatedwater to sanitary fixtures

• Incorrectterminationofventpipes

• Waterpressureover500kPa

• Inadequatepipeclippingandsupport

• Undersizingofcoldwatersupplypiping

• Useofnon-WatermarkedApprovedproducts

• Latedrainauditbookings

Paying particular attention to these areas will help to ensure your employees and contractors deliver a correctly

functioning plumbing system that will reduce the risk of costly rectification work and protect the owner of the property.

For further information refer to the Plumbers’ Licensing Board’s website www.plumbers.wa.gov.au and download the relevant technical notes. Keep up to date with the relevant parts of the Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3500:2003) and the Board’s Regulations.

The Board’s Technical Advice Line is available to plumbers on 1300 360 897 during business hours(weekdays8.30am–5pm).

Training the key to complianceWorkforce Training is one of the most valuable tools at your disposal when it comes to ensuring the plumbing work of your employees and contractors complies with the relevant Australian Standards.

BUILDING COMMISSION

Building Dispute?Problems with a contract?

Over 30 years experience Fast, accurate and timely advice

Building, Construction and Engineering Disputes Tender advice

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONATCT GREG DUNNELevel 1, 9 Stirling Street Bunbury WA 6230

[email protected] 08 9792 0920 Fax: 08 9721 1271


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGWATER CORPORATION

Being waterwise to help your community

Your benefits as a Waterwise Specialist PlumberThe people of WA are increasingly seeking accurate information and advice in relation to water efficiency from Waterwise Specialist Plumbers and more often are referring services to their family and friends.

Through being a part of the program, you will have access to waterwise branding to promote yourself as a Waterwise Specialist Plumber and differentiate your company from the competition.

Waterwise Specialist Plumbers are always given first preference, wherever possible for services the Corporation requires and the Corporation actively

recommends Waterwise Specialist Plumbers in the roll out of community projects and initiatives and to customers who call asking for a recommendation.

For more information on the Waterwise Specialist Program visit:

www.watercorporation.com.au

Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262.

Read the relevant Cbus Handbook (Product Disclosure Statement) to decide whether Cbus is right for you. For a copy: call Cbus on 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au

John Gray, Cbus Member

At Cbus, we make meeting your super obligations easy:

Easy online contribution payment options, including the Cbus Clearing House which will allow you to pay your employees’ super into multiple funds using the one system.

No fees or charges for employers.

Workplace financial advice for your employees.

At Cbus we invest back into the building and construction industry as part of our investment strategy, thereby creating jobs for our members and employers.

When it comes to super, you can rely on

The current water situation in WA means that we need to work together with the community to reduce our water use now more than ever. In choosing to be a Waterwise Specialist Plumber you are demonstrating your commitment towards water efficiency whilst promoting waterwise practices, products and services.

The EnviroWest training course provides plumbers with the relevant information, knowledge and skills, required to meet sustainability requirements for plumbing in WA.

The people of WA want to know how to reduce their water use and are calling on Waterwise Plumbers to service their needs.

To find out how you can become a Waterwise Specialist Plumber, please

contact Constance or Kirsty at MPA Skills on 9471 6600 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Are you a Waterwise Specialist Plumber? If not, why not sign up today!

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ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGTRAINING UPDATE

Following on from our success at the 2011 Australian Training Awards, we (MPA Skills and John Forrest Secondary College) were announced as the winners of the “Vocational Education and Training in Schools” category at the recent state training awards function hosted by the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development.

This is further recognition of the quality and value this facility and program deliver. Four finalists were shortlisted and subjected to an in-depth tour of the facility, followed by a question and answer session. On the day many MPA Skills staff made a great contribution and impression on the judges, as did the pre-apprentices and John Forrest Secondary College (JFSC) staff.

From a MPA Skills perspective, I could not have been prouder than when accepting the award on our behalf. From those that had the vision that led to this facility being established, to those that drove the funding application, right through to our frontline staff: Field Officers; Trainers and our Schools Program Coordinator, who deliver quality training and employment outcomes, the team has been outstanding.

All of this is underpinned by a very strong and enduring relationship between the College and MPA Skills.

On the apprentice employment front, we expect to be employing approximately 30 apprentices

over the coming 3 months. This is comprised of students completing our pre-apprenticeship and school based apprenticeship programs.

The most significant news concerning training is that we have secured funding from the Department of Training and Workforce Development to support the delivery of post trade training courses. This replaces the subsidy previously provided by the Construction Training Fund. As a result of this decision, we can now offer post trade training at costs similar to those prior to July 2012.

With the use of Skills Tracker being discontinued effective September 2012, in 2013 we will be introducing a new completion process. This will first be trialed prior to full implementation. Essentially, it will involve a capstone assessment at the 9

month point of each year. This initiative is fully supported by the MPGA Executive Committee.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Cale Sterry who recently completed his apprenticeship through MPA Skills with Host Employer Altona Plumbing on being chosen as the Most Outstanding Apprentice for the Department of Finance at the 2012 Master Builders Awards held on November 9. This is an outstanding achievement for Cale. Equally, we congratulate Altona Plumbing and our own Trainers and Field Officers for the important roles they have played in Cale’s development.

Wishing all a safe and enjoyable festive season.

Wayne Morling

General Manager MPA Skills

MPA Skills

Contact MPA SkillsCaris 08 9471 6600 or visit www.mpaskills.com.au

GET A GREAT TRADE

MPA SkillsBayswater Campus

How long? 15 weeksStart Date? 14th January

APPLY NOW!

Plumbing & GasfittingPRE APPRENTICESHIP BAYSWATER

WAYNe MorLiNGMPA SKILLS

GENERAL MANAGER

Left to right: Ashley Williamson, MEGT, Cale Sterry, MPA Skills Apprentice, Graeme McLean, Building Management and Works


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGASSOCIATION NEWS

To understand and gain an appreciation of the role that plumbing has played in the history of the world, sophisticated plumbing systems using copper and bronze piping, irrigation systems and flushing toilets can be traced back to as early as 2500BC and the role the plumber has been growing ever since. The plumber is often referred to as equally as important to the health and wellbeing of the population as a doctor. Water is vital in sustaining life but it can also transmit bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause severe illness and possibly death. Did you know that 5 million child deaths worldwide are directly related to poor sanitation and contaminated water supply every year?

We have been fortunate that through the development of plumbing and sanitation infrastructure and sophisticated public health systems, many of theses diseases have been reduced or eradicated in developed countries, but most importantly we should never forget the role that plumbers take in managing current and public health hazards. In 2009 the World Plumbing

Council launched World Plumbing Day, celebrated on March 11 every year, everywhere that aims to raise the profile of plumbing practitioners in protecting the health of the community. As members of the World Plumbing Council it is our responsibility to raise the awareness of the plumbing industry in WA so stay tuned early in 2013 to hear what exciting plans we have to recognise this very important date on our calendar.

Association update

Throughout 2012 we again travelled the state far and wide and to all of our members who attended our industry forums and Trade Shows from Albany all the way up to Broome, your support and attendance is, as always greatly appreciated. The membership is our priority and these forums allow us to hear directly from you regarding the issues facing your local community.

Members may not be aware but the MPGA website receives near on 150,000 hits per month with around 10,000 of these to our ‘Find a Plumber’ page. A lot of time and

effort has gone into promoting the message to the consumer ‘Is Your Plumber a Master Plumber?’ If you are travelling in and around the Perth CBD keep a look out for the billboard advertisements on display throughout December.

Thank you

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank our valued sponsors as throughout 2012 they again continued to support the MPGA by travelling across the state to assist us in delivering our industry forums and other successful events. Without your support a lot of what we do would not be possible. We have built some very long successful relationships with many sponsors and I look forward to working alongside you all again next year.

To all our members and sponsors, I wish you a very Happy Christmas, New Year and a successful 2013.

Best Regards,

Bryce Steele

Business Development Manager


BrYce steeLeBusiness Development

Manager

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The conditions plumbers work in can be tough, our aim was to make the Quickie Kit which will reduce the plumbers call time, as well as

giving them the confidence that the job has been done right.

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World Plumbing Day 2013 – 11 March every year, everywhere


ConSTRUCTION & PLUMBINGCHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS

The MPGA office will be closed from 12 noon on Wednesday 19 December 2012 and will re-open on Monday 7 January 2013. There will be skeleton staff for flimsy / as-constructed diagrams service only on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 December 2012.

Pleasecall(08)94716670orfaxyourrequestto(08)94716663.

MPGA FlIMSY OPERATING HOURS OVER THE CHRISTMAS BREAK Wednesday19December2012–8am–12noon

Thursday20December2012–8am–12noon

Friday21December2012–8am–12noon

Pleasecall(08)94716670or

faxyourrequestto(08)94716663.

Flimsy / as-constructed diagrams service will be closed completely between Christmas and New Year, re-opening on 7 January 2013.

The Water Corporation Services remain open and can be contacted on 13 13 95.

THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF AT MASTER PLUMBERS & GASFITTERS ASSOCIATION OF WA WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A SAFE AND HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND BEST WISHES FOR A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN IN 2013!

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