plumbing AUSTRALIAN
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M A G A Z I N E
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your industry magazine
the Health & wellbeing issue
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Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine 15/306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056 T (03) 9329 9622 F (03) 9329 5060 E info@plumber.com.au www.plumber.com.au The Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine (Industry and Member editions and occasional supplements including the MPMSAA Group Training News, are official journals produced by the Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) ABN: 56 296 473 997 Print Post number: 100019076 ISSN: 1325-6289
Master Plumbers Association Locations Head Office
This issue is dedicated to health and wellbeing. Welcome to our first issue of 2016 and my first issue back since being on maternity leave. I’d like to thank Elaine Mathews for taking such good care of the magazine while I was away – she did a brilliant job! The March issue is dedicated to health and wellbeing. While safety in the workplace is critical, the physical and mental health and wellbeing of you and your staff is a vital part of your business and crucial to your success. Being healthy is about more than just eating right and getting some exercise, it’s also about having a fulfilling career at a safe workplace, good healthcare and strong relationships with friends, family and colleagues. Running your own business is tough. Physically demanding work and stress can all take a toll on your wellbeing. In this issue we’ve got some great tips on keeping on top of your mental and emotional wellbeing and managing the tricky and sometimes elusive work/life balance. Tracey Daniel looks at seven ways to improve your wellness and plumber Matt Reynolds road tests floatation therapy – a unique new method for relaxation. Statistics show that men are more likely than women to have serious health issues.
4 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
We all know prevention is better than a cure, so in this issue the team from Andrology Australia give you the down low on how to keep healthy down below. Amanda Ogilive finds out why communication is the key to implementing safety policies in your workplace and Angela Ayling tells us about the workplace hazards you can’t see. Also in this issue Charlotte Roseby shines a spotlight on the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, an amazing new facility that’s making a world of difference in Melbourne. We’ve also go all our regular news and features, including information on workplace relations, product news and some great photos from recent Master Plumbers events. Happy reading!
Melissa Chrys Editor Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine
15/306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056 T (03) 9329 9622 F (03) 9329 5060
Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre 6/306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056 T (03) 9356 8902 F (03) 9356 8929
Contacts Publisher The Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA)
Editor Melissa Chrys T (03) 9321 0703 E publications@plumber.com.au
Advertising Elaine Mathews T (03) 9321 0798 E elaine.mathews@plumber.com.au
Suppliers Salt Creative www.saltcreative.com.au Printgraphics www.printgraphics.com.au Direct Mail Corporation www.directmail.com.au
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contents.
28 Welcome / 8 A message from our CEO and the Association’s President
Member news / 10 All the latest news from the Master Plumbers
Industry news / 21 The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre: making a world of difference / 28 Chadoak: all the right numbers / 32 Master Plumbers Chadoak are serious about quality
Communication: the conduit / 36 Communication is the key to implementing safety policies in your workplace
48 The workplace hazards you can’t see / 38 Keeping young workers safe / 40 Young workers are at higher risk of serious injury at work
Seven ways to improve your wellness / 42 Small business owners are at a substantially greater risk of mental health issues, we’ve got some simple ways to improve your wellness at work
Pics from our annual christmas party page 10
10 Let’s get physical / 48 Andrology Australia gives you the down low on how exercise can help you down below
Insurance / 50 Cracking the code / 52 A comprehensive code of ethics is an essential element for the success of any businesses
Mastering Workplace Relations: deductions / 54
From the trenches: float your worries away / 44
We cover the grey-area of wage deductions and your responsibilities as an employer
Matt Reynolds tries a new method of relaxation
Aussie copper / 56
Outsource your stress / 45
Balancing act / 57
Back in business / 46
You can have a life as well as a business!
Product news / 59
Disclaimer Statements and information appearing in this publication must not be interpreted as having the endorsement of being the opinion of the publisher, which takes no responsibility for the correctness of the statements made. It is a condition of purchase or acceptance of this publication that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in the publication, or from the use of information contained herein and the publisher makes no warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein. The publisher shall not be liable for any failure to publish any advertisement where such failure results from circumstances beyond their control. If advertising material is not supplied in accordance with deadlines, the publisher reserves the right to repeat any material previously provided by the advertiser. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit material. All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher.
the more businesses the Association represents the more influence it has
Welcome.
from the President and CEO
An exciting year ahead
How do you keep up?
It was great to catch up with so many members at the Association’s Christmas Cocktail Party in December. Once again it proved to be a hugely popular and successful evening and you can see photos from the evening on page 10 this issue.
Once again we start the year with a whole range of issues being discussed that are outside the scope of our immediate plumbing businesses but which are going to impact on the future of our industry.
In February the Association called for nominations for several positions on the National Council, which is a key component of the Association’s governance structure. By having frequent and regular elections, we hope to provide a greater range of members with an opportunity to get involved, contribute and help steer the direction of the Association in the future. If you’d like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or one of my fellow National Councillors, to see how you can help shape our Association. I’d like to remind all our members to take advantage of our services and offers this year. If you’re looking for an apprentice, please contact Pancho Grech and find out how hiring a Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria apprentice can be a cost effective and convenient solution for your business.
In relation to training, the national government have restructured the system for writing and funding national training package development as well as how the industry will be consulted on the training content. In Victoria the VET system reforms have led to an “Independent VET Funding Review” and further consideration by the government. The Victorian government have also indicated that it is working on a “Labour Mobility Proposal” to cut red tape for tradies, this is a mutual recognition proposal that needs to be monitored by the industry. There is constant talk about tax changes and superannuation changes that will impact directly on your business but also indirectly on investment decisions and therefore on the construction sector.
If you are keen to expand your skills, head over to the PICAC website (picac.org.au) and check out all the courses on offer – remember, members can access great discounts on training.
Standards Australia have announced a review of their plumbing sector engagement processes.
And finally, take advantage of the opportunity to save big on vehicles, insurance and much more.
So how do you keep up?
To find out more about your benefits, give our Membership Services Team a call on 03 9329 9622.
In the industrial relations area the Union Enterprise Bargaining Agreement in each State is being re-negotiated.
These constant changes reinforce the need to be a member of your Association and for you to get actively involved. We need to remember that the more businesses the Association represents the more influence that it has. You need to support the Association in its activities and to encourage other plumbing contractors to join. I look forward to working with you in 2016.
Scott Dowsett President, Master Plumbers Ken Gardner CEO, Master Plumbers
8 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
Christmas party Master Plumbers 2015 Christmas Party On Wednesday 2 December over 200 members gathered at ACMI in Federation Square to celebrate the end of the year. Once again, the event was a great opportunity for members to network and catch up and reflect on the end of another busy and productive year. Thanks to our sponsors we gave away several fantastic prizes on the night! Kincrome Multipack Trade Organiser, Ridgid Inspection Camer and Tradelink Took Kit, sponsored by Tradelink – Heather Taylor from Taylorheat Insinkerator, sponsored by Insinkerator – Helen Moroney from Moroney’s Plumbing Bottle of wine sponsored by Cbus – Luke McFarlane from Keralton Plumbing We’d like to thank our event sponsors Tradelink Plumbing Centres and Cbus Super for their help in making the night a great success.
10 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
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12 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
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member news Master Plumbers and Tradelink Business Breakfast Over 110 Master Plumbers’ members and Tradelink customers joined us bright and early on Monday, 16 November to attend the final Business Breakfast for 2015. Our MC, Matthew ‘Richo’ Richardson, kept us all entertained from the very early hours with battle stories from his AFL career. The theme of the breakfast was workplace health and safety and attendees heard from experts from beyondblue, Incolink , Zetco Valves and SP Solutions. At the event Ken Gardner, CEO of Master Plumbers said, “Health and safety is such a critical part of business, and as a business owner you have a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for your staff. But aside from the legalities, creating a safe and healthy workplace is simply the right thing to do.
directly and indirectly. When a worker is injured on the job, the business pays in lost work hours, increased insurance rates, compensation payments and possible litigation. It has also been shown that when people feel like they have a good, safe working environment, there are fewer staff absences, less staff turnover and an improved quality of work.” A special thank you to Tradelink who help make these events possible. We are proud to have Tradelink as our Platinum Partner for 2015/2016.
A safe and healthy work environment impacts a projects bottom line both
Congratulations to our Door Prize winners! Greg Hicks, Greg Hicks Plumbing winner of the Ridgid SeeSnake® microDrain™ Video Inspection System, sponsored by Tradelink Hamish Curtis, Robert Bros Plumbing, who won Zetco Press-fit valves – mixture of water and gas, sponsored by Zetco Valves Lewis Tighe, DJ Murphys Plumbing Services winner of the Kinchrome tube benders, sponsored by Tradelink Andrew Heaphy, ADH Plumbing, winner of the $100 Tradelink voucher, sponsored by Tradelink
www.plumber.com.au | 15
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member news
Welcome New Members
Member events World Plumbing Day 11 March
Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria Awards 11 May
Ballarat Members Evening 15 March
Master Plumbers Annual General Meeting
Master Plumbers Business Breakfast 26 May
Master Plumbers welcomes the following new members, affiliates and corporate partners who have joined the Association since December 2015.
14 April Westaflex Australia Pty Ltd
Take the hassle out of hiring an apprentice Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (The Master Plumbers group training scheme) can help you with a flexible, cost effective and convenient solution to help you grow your business through the hire of first to fourth year apprentices. Our comprehensive recruitment process, along with pre-employment training ensures that you have access to motivated, skilled apprentices and we take care of all the administration and paperwork.
Vic Air Supplies Pty Ltd Rapidflow Industries Pty Ltd Polyaire Fletcher Insulation Autex Pty Ltd Advantage Air Aust Pty Ltd Bourke Plumbing Services
You only pay for the days that the apprentice works for you, so there is no direct cost for leave or trade school. We take care of everything, so you can focus on your business.
RedTail Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd
To find out more contact Pancho Grech 0418 562 604.
Plumology
GK & J Hallahan Pty Ltd Flowmotion Plumbing & Roofing
Puddys Roofing Pty Ltd Pines Plumbing Business Sight
VALE Arnold Norton
Pro Tec Plumbing Pty Ltd Reece Group
Our sincerest sympathies to the Norton family for the loss of Arnold Norton, who was valued Life Member of the Master Plumbers. Arnold began his plumbing apprenticeship in 1946 with J Harison Plumbing in Wangaratta and in 1953 began his own business.
Association – particularly his commitment to the Goulburn Valley and North Eastern Zones, including his time as the Chairman of the zone.
Arnold was a dedicated and active member of the Master Plumbers. He was awarded Life Membership in 1994 for providing outstanding service to the
We thank Arnold for his wonderful contribution to our Association and our industry.
Colac Gas Plumbing & Maintenance Australian Gas Networks Rayzor Roofing and Plumbing Reliable Local PTY LTD Leading Plumbing Solutions Wayne Trinder Plumbing & Gasfitting Pty Ltd Allabout Plumbing Pty Ltd Gen X Plumbing and Maintenance Kovele Plumbing Pty Ltd
www.plumber.com.au | 17
member news News from Master Plumbers Tasmania Welcome back to our members and a Happy New Year!
Associate members in focus
MPAT sincerely thanks all our members for their dedication and support in improving our industry in Tasmania throughout 2015 and we look forward to your ongoing and invaluable involvement in 2016. We are starting off the year with some housekeeping. First off is a special welcome to our new part time Business Manager, Janette Price.
RM Daniels & Co.
Janette will be focusing on a range of operational and business services for members and she comes to us with a wealth of business management practice, experience and skills. We look forward to the value Janette will contribute to our Association and our industry in general.
2016 Member meetings for your diary Thursday 17 March Launceston (Tas Gas, St Leonards) 12.30pm – 2pm General Members’ Meeting 2pm–3.30pm Roofing & Cladding Division Meeting
Thursday 16 June Hobart (MPAT House, 1/237 Derwent Park) 3pm – 4pm General Members’ Meeting 4pm – 5.30pm Roofing & Cladding Division Meeting
Thursday 18 August Hobart (MPAT House, 1/237 Derwent Park) 4.30pm – 6pm Annual General Meeting
Thursday 22 September Launceston (Tas Gas, St Leonards) 12.30pm – 2pm General Members’ Meeting 2pm – 3.30pm Roofing & Cladding Division Meeting
Thursday 13 October Hobart (MPAT House, 1/237 Derwent Park) 3pm – 4pm General Members’ Meeting 4pm – 5.30pm Roofing & Cladding Division Meeting Our Associate Membership is strong and plays a vital role in contributing to the welfare of the plumbing and roofing industry in Tasmania. In this edition we are going to take a closer look at some of our Associate Members and the products and services that they offer. To all that make up Team MPAT lets have a safe a prosperous 2016. Angela Ayling Executive Officer 18 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
Palram Australia have increased their presence in Tasmania with the appointment of RM Daniels & Co Pty Ltd, as their local agent, just over 12 months ago. This appointment allows Tasmanian roofers fast access to Palram’s vast range of domestic, industrial & architectural polycarbonate roofing & cladding products. The Palram polycarbonate range includes Sunsky 2001 & 3001 which is available in corrugated, Greca & 5-Rib profiles, 9 colours (profile dependent) & lengths up to 9m all of which are ex-stock from RM Daniels & Co’s Mornington (Hobart) warehouse. RM Daniels & Co will also stock the Palram Industrial polycarbonate range including 5-Rib, KingKlip & Spandek profiles. This industrial range is thicker than “standard” polycarbonate sheeting allowing greater spanning ability. For example, 1.25mm 5-Rib can span up to 1800mm making this an excellent alternative to fibreglass in commercial skylight applications. Also available is the Sunlite Twinwall flat polycarbonate range giving a more modern look to many alfresco entertaining areas & the SunPal Multi & SunGlaze Architectural Glazing Systems. Recently, RM Daniels & Co relocated to larger premises, in Cambridge, allowing even more Palram product to be held to service the needs of all Tasmanian roofers. All parts of the state are serviced with next-business-day delivery to most areas For product information, technical assistance & details as to your local stockist/distributor, please phone 6244 7455 or email sales@rmdaniels.com.au
MPAT welcomes our new Associate Member – R.A. Jones & Co R.A. Jones & Co is a Launceston based manufacturers agent who represents Bosch Hot Water and Heating throughout Tasmania. Having worked with Bosch in the gas hot water market for the past two decades, they have a great level of product knowledge and have seen the portfolio grow to include gas condensing technology, hydronic heating boilers and heat pump hot water systems. Along with representing Bosch Hot Water & Heating on the road, they also warehouse the majority of the product lines to enable quick order processing and delivery. Being centrally located in Launceston allows this to occur same day or next day throughout the state. Products stocked include Domestic Gas Hot Water Systems (both mechanical and electronic, internal and external), Commercial Hot Water Systems, Domestic Hydronic Heating Boilers, Heat Pump Hot Water units, along with all the associated accessories. They look forward to working with MPAT to provide information and training on product updates and new releases. For further information, please contact Nick Ashley-Jones on 0408 140 849 or at the office at (03) 6326 3888.
In memory It is with great respect and gratitude that MPAT sadly farewells Stanley Desmond Clark (2/1/1928 – 2/2/2016), a long term supporter and champion who gave tirelessly to the plumbing industry in Tasmania. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him and his contribution to Tasmanian public and environmental health will not be forgotten.
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industry news PICAC news PICAC and STC sign historic agreement Following the signing of a historic agreement between the Services Trade College (STC) Australia and PICAC the on 15 December 2015, the plumbing industry has secured ongoing access to world class training in Queensland and expanded the scope and reach of industry programs. The STC in Brisbane plays a critical role in training apprentices and tradespeople to equip them with the skills necessary to meet the challenges of the dynamic plumbing industry in Queensland. PICAC has identified the importance of the service that STC delivers. In order to ensure STC’s ability to continue and grow its pivotal role in supporting the industry, the newly appointed STC Board has welcomed the opportunity to integrate operations with PICAC. This enables both organisations to meet primary objectives to enhance and promote the plumbing industry on a State and National level.
This affiliation will greatly enhance training at both colleges, and more importantly ensure the plumbing industry in both states has access to the best career development available in Australia. It will also further enhance the ability to share knowledge, capitalise on the strengths of each entity and optimise training and skills outcomes. In addition to supporting the plumbing industry in Queensland, the successful delivery of this project also supports the creation of an industry-driven training hub that delivers skills and other development opportunities for students throughout their career life cycle. The combined College footprint will now extend to a total of five campuses, located in Brunswick and Geelong in Victoria, Salisbury and Brendale in Queensland, and the currently under construction campus in Narre Warren (VIC). To best service the needs of all stakeholders, further Victorian and Brisbane based locations are under consideration.
a training hub that delivers skills and other development opportunities for students
Australian Training Awards PICAC was awarded the 2015 Australian Training Award for Small Training Provider of the Year at the 22nd annual Australian Training Awards Ceremony in Hobart in November 2015. The awards recognise exceptional achievements in delivering nationally recognised training. PICAC was nominated as a finalist after winning the Victorian Training Award for the same category in August. The award received is recognition for the high standard of training delivered at the Centre, which has been made possible with the support of partner organisations the Plumbing Trades Employees Union, Master Plumbers, National Fire Industry Association and Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association of Victoria. Since its inception, the objective for PICAC has been to provide world class training to the critical, highly skilled trade of plumbing. Training at PICAC is available to plumbing industry participants throughout their career lifecycle. From its beginnings in water and energy efficiency training, PICAC has rapidly grown and evolved to become the preferred training provider amongst both plumbers and employers. The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards for the vocational education and training (VET) sector, recognising individuals, businesses and registered training organisations for their contribution to skilling Australia. To find out more visit picac.vic.gov.au
www.plumber.com.au | 21
industry news AIRAH appoints new CEO
Sydney Water Tap in™
Following a rigorous nationwide search, the Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has appointed Tony Gleeson as its new CEO.
In November 2015, Sydney Water launched the new online service, Sydney Water Tap in™, replacing Quick Check Agents. Sydney Water Tap in™ allows customers to apply for building plan approvals, sewer service diagrams and connection approvals 24/7 from any mobile device.
Gleeson holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Bachelor of Science Education from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma of Business from Swinburne University, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. “I’m thrilled, humbled and excited to have been offered the role of CEO of AIRAH, and I look forward to the challenge of helping the organisation to grow and continue its exciting evolution,” says Gleeson.
Gleeson comes to AIRAH after holding senior consulting roles in the areas of process re-engineering and change management with PwC, Deloitte and Terra Firma Consulting, including working for the global Deloitte office in New York for more than five years. More recently Gleeson has held roles with CPA Australia as executive general manager for member knowledge. This saw him responsible for the organisation’s CPA certification program and on-going professional development for members, including leading the advocacy and publishing activities on a global basis.
“AIRAH has a very strong brand, and the organisation is respected for its training, conferences and publications. And its members play a vital role in everything from keeping our food fresh, to infection control and making our buildings comfortable. There is a tremendous story to tell about the HVAC&R industry.” Acting CEO Phil Wilkinson, F.AIRAH, will remain at AIRAH in the new role of executive manager – government relations and technical services. Current AIRAH COO Neil Cox is moving into the role of executive manager – business development. To find out more visit airah.org.au
Paul Freeman, General Manager Customer Services at Sydney Water said; “Sydney Water Tap in™ is a great example of how Sydney Water is using technology to improve services and deliver better value for our customers. We know the majority of people accessing building plan approvals and sewer diagrams are often on site or working in the field. By logging onto Sydney Water Tap in™ from their smartphone or tablet they can apply for what they need and get back to work.” Sydney Water road-tested the service with a number of customers including developers, plumbers and pool companies. The feedback helped enhance the design of this new service. Since the launch over 20,000 applications have been lodged online. Paul Freeman said Sydney Water is talking to customers about their experiences using the new service. He said; “We will continue to make improvements to Sydney Water Tap in™ to ensure it meets our customer’s needs.” To provide feedback or to discuss the outcome of a building plan approval, email the Sydney Water Tap in team at swtapin@sydneywater.com.au An instructional video is available at sydneywater.com.au/tapin
22 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
Sydney Water Tap in™ You can now request connection and building plan approvals, service plans and diagrams using our new online service Sydney Water Tap in™. Sydney Water Tap in™ replaces Quick Check agents and can be accessed from www.sydneywater.com.au anywhere, anytime on your mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop. You’ll need to register online with your email address. If you get stuck, we have videos and information to help you.
Enhanced user experience We are continuing to make improvements to Sydney Water Tap in™ to ensure it better suits your needs. For more information, or to discuss the outcome of a building plan approval, please call us on 13000 TAP IN (82746) between 8.30am and 5.30pm Mon – Fri, or email swtapin@sydneywater.com.au. SW178 01/16
www.plumber.com.au | 23
industry news Scholarship winners complete training Congratulations to the following Master Plumbers members who successfully completed their Service Type A gas appliances course at PICAC. Glenn Gudgin, Gudges Plumbing, Bairnsdale Edward Fritsch, Opti Plumbing, Baxter
Standards Australia has published revised versions of four Australian Standards relating to plumbing and drainage and mechanical services.
John McArthur, John McArthur Plumbing, Highton
The following updated publications were released in December 2015 and replace the previous editions; 3500.4:2003, 1668.1:1998 and 1682.2:1990.
Shaun Wade, Mansfield Plumbing, Mansfield
• AS/NZS 3500.4:2015 Plumbing and Drainage Part 4: Heated water services
Chris Unwin, Around the Clock Plumbing, Dandenong They will each now sit their licensing examination with the Victorian Building Authority. Thanks to AGIT for sponsoring the scholarships.
Dates for your diary
Updated Australian Standards for plumbing and drainage and mechanical services
• AS/NZS 1668.1:2015 The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings Part 1: Fire and smoke control in buildings • AS/NZS 1682.2:2015 Fire smoke and air dampers Part 2: Installation The fourth updated publication, AS/NZS 1200:2015 Pressure equipment was published on 3 December 2015 and replaces the previous edition AS/NZS 1200:2000. The updates have been published to bring the Standards into line with the Australian Building Codes Board protocol for referenced documents and to improve the technical content. Plumbing practitioners are required to comply with the updated editions of the standards as these now form part of the plumbing regulatory framework. Updated Standards can be purchased from the SAI Global website, visit infostore.saiglobal.com
Clean Up Australia Day 6 March International Women’s Day 8 March World Plumbing Day 11 March St Patrick’s Day 17 March International Day of Happiness 20 March World Water Day 22 March Good Friday 25 March Easter Monday 28 March World Health Day 7 April Earth Day 22 April International Star Wars Day 4 May World Asthma Day 6 May National Families Week 15–21 May National Sorry Day 26 May World No-Tobacco Day 31 May
24 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
Bosch Compress 3000 Heat Pump, providing optimum efficiency to homes Australia wide
Features and Benefits 3 The Bosch hot water heat pump operates from -7°C to 40°C, delivering energy efficient hot water even in cooler climates 3 Highly efficient heat pump – reduces energy use by up to 65% 3 Eligible for generous government rebates 3 Smart Controls to take advantage of: 3 Cheaper overnight power prices 3 Quiet appliance operation 3 Designed for easy, low-cost install and servicing 3 Solar inverter connectivity via Smart Grid connection to further enhance energy efficiency in your home
EFFI HOT CIENT W DOW ATER N -7 OC AMB TO TEM PERA IENT TURE
The Bosch Compress 3000 is an Air to Water heat pump designed to provide reliable and energy efficient hot water for the home. Engineered and manufactured in Europe, it was developed with the end user and installer in mind. Servicing and repairs are made easy for plumbers by its diagnostic functions and modular design. To find out more information please contact Bosch on 1300 30 70 37 or visit www.bosch-climate.com.au
industry news Plumbers come to the rescue in Michigan water crisis A group of 300 plumbers took action recently in Flint, Michigan USA after authorities took months to react to dangerously high levels of lead in local tap water. By the end of the day on January 30, plumbers had visited 1,100 Flint homes, though, given the extent of the damage, their work is far from complete. Members of the union Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) distributed and installed hundreds of faucets and other donated plumbing supplies, to Flint residents on January 30. New faucets are necessary in many Flint homes, as the existing ones often can’t accommodate water filters furnished by the state–although in some homes the level of contamination has far exceeded their filtration ability. “PMI is proud to join with its members and the UA [United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry] to put our vision of safe, responsible plumbing into action,” Barbara Higgens, the head of the union, said in a statement. In 2014, Flint switched its water supply from the larger Detroit system to the Flint River, as a cost-cutting measure for the struggling city of 100,000. Residents quickly started complaining about the water’s taste, smell and color, but authorities ignored warning signs for months.
26 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
It turned out that the water was contaminated with lead, due to improper treatment. In some case, the level of lead was 4,000 parts per billion: more than 260 times the amount that the Environmental Protection Agency requires to take action. In December 2015, the city declared an emergency. In January 2016, so did president Obama, who allocated federal aid to mitigate the effects of the crisis.
Celebrities such as Jimmy Fallon, Madonna and Sean “Diddy” Combs have donated money and bottled water to the city. Meanwhile, filmmaker and activist Michael Moore has publicly pointed out the futility of such efforts, citing their inadequacy and the damage that has already been done: “There is no medicine you can send, no doctor or scientist who has any way to undo the harm done to thousands of babies, toddlers and children (not to mention their parents).
World Plumbing Day is held on 11 March every year to celebrate the important role plumbing plays in our community
News from the VBA: Improved licensing and registration process launched in February In February the VBA implemented an improved system of registration and licensing for plumbers and builders. The new process is designed to deliver better outcomes for Victoria’s building and plumbing industries and consumers by making the system simpler to use, which will ultimately reduce the regulatory burden on industry. The system guides applicants through the registration process making it easier for them to see if their supporting qualifications meet the necessary standards and if not, what more is required before submitting an application. New application forms, templates and supporting materials for Plumbing and Building (Domestic Builder and Demolisher) are now available to use on the VBA website. These materials will help streamline the registration processes and significantly reduce delays caused by incomplete or missing information. New material for the remaining building categories and classes will be progressively introduced from 1 February.
World Plumbing Day 2016 at PICAC World Plumbing Day is held on 11 March every year to celebrate the important role plumbing plays in the health, safety and sustainability of our community. PICAC will be hosting a day of celebrations in Brunswick and this year’s theme is ‘Preparing for the future: Technology, Skills and Environment’. Key note speakers include the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Robert Doyle and the VBA Deputy Chief Commissioner, Justin Madden.
Other activities on the day include: • Plumbing apprentice skills competition • Sprinkler fitting apprentice skills competition • Plumbing trade exhibition To find out more visit picac.vic.edu.au
YO U A R E IN V IT E D TO
Industry Forum with a focus on
World Plumbing Day 2016
‘Preparing for the future: Technology, Skills and Environment’
AT P IC A C - 1 1 MA R C H
Key Note Speakers Include: The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Robert Doyle & VBA Deputy Chief Commissioner, Justin Madden A luncheon will be held following official proceedings, providing an opportunity for guests to network with Victorian plumbing industry stakeholders. Other activities at PICAC include: Plumbing Apprentice Skills Competition Sprinkler Fitting Apprentice Skills Competition Plumbing Trade Exhibition
Further information and updates can be found on the VBA website, visit vba.vic.gov.au
For further information please visit www.picac.vic.edu.au or call 9356 8905 Friday, 11 March 2016 10.45am (for a 11.00am start) – 3.00pm Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre Unit 6 / 306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056
RSVP: Friday, 4 March 2016
Plumbing - Vital to Global Health
CliCk here to register online!
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The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre: making a world of difference The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) Project is a $1 billion world-class cancer centre that will drive the next generation of progress in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. Charlotte Roseby speaks to a couple of Master Plumbers who worked on this new centre of excellence.
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Working on such a new-beaut cancer research centre, makes it special for everyone
There’s a new shiny gem in Melbourne’s already-glittering university and hospital precinct in Parkville. Seeing it shine in the distance will give hope to thousands of cancer sufferers and survivors. The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) is a purpose-built cancer research, treatment, education and care facility. The stunning new 13-storey building on the site of the old dental hospital and the four new floors on top of the existing Royal Melbourne Hospital are linked by covered bridges across the street to allow patients, visitors and staff to move between the buildings. From mid-2016, the VCCC will provide a new home for Melbourne’s beloved Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. It will also provide new cancer research and clinical services for Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Melbourne Health, new research facilities for The University of Melbourne and education facilities.
Imagery Credit: Peter Glenane, Hivis Pictures
This is a facility we had to have. Cancer is the largest disease burden in Victoria and the largest single cause of death in our community. The figures are pretty stark: 25,000 Victorians develop and nearly 10,000 die from cancer each year. It is expected that one in two Victorians will develop cancer in their lifetime and one in five will die from the disease. Even more alarming, Australia has one of the highest cancer incidence rates in the world, and leads the world in incidence of melanoma. While our cancer survival rates are good on an international comparison, outcomes for many cancers remain unacceptably poor. Many cancers have a very poor prognosis such as lung cancer, which has a 14% five-year survival rate, and pancreatic cancer, which has just 4% five-year survival.
New discoveries translate to new treatments The VCCC features space to house up to 1,200 researchers. This is where vitally important stuff will go on that the public will never see, but from which we and our loved ones will surely benefit. Armed with new insights, scientists will pursue some of the most promising, cutting-edge research in the world. Advances from this work will lead to earlier detection, improved drug therapies, and ultimately, to a dramatic increase in survival rates and quality of life.
All cancers urgently need new approaches to increase cure rates, improve patient experience and to control the disease more effectively. That’s where the VCCC comes in.
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VCCC: fast facts
Master Plumbers: take a bow
The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) Project is a $1 billion world-class cancer centre in Parkville, Melbourne. The new facilities are 130,000 sqm in total. This includes the new building on the former Dental Hospital site, as well as new facilities being built on top of the existing Royal Melbourne Hospital buildings. The main building has thirteen floors above ground level and two below ground, and an additional four basement floors. It will be the new home for Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and provide new facilities for The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne. It includes approximately 700 carparking spaces, 350 bicycle parking spaces and 22 lifts. There will be three bridges linking the new building and The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Designing for the future The VCCC will foster belief in a future where many cancers can be survived and more cures are within reach. This fundamental sense of hope, optimism and progress was a key influence in the design of the facility. As well as being instantly recognisable, locally and internationally, the new design is symbolic and representative of the “creation of new networks” and “clusters of collaboration”. A beautiful feature of the new building is the central atrium. Light-filled and extending up through the centre of the structure, the atrium is an intuitive way of helping you orient yourself and navigate the building.
Sustainability We demand a lot more from our major constructions in terms of sustainability. The VCCC fits the bill by providing for future installation of tri-generation energy onsite and thermal storage of chilled water to reduce peak energy demand by at least 1.70 MW. It also has solar-assisted domestic hot water production. Among other innovations, they’ve got the basics right: there is fresh air available where possible to clinical and research spaces and natural daylight to most indoor spaces. There is more than a 20 per cent improvement on Building Code of Australia requirements with a high performance façade and Low-E double glazing. A minimum of 80% of all timber used in construction has been sustainably sourced, the use of recycled timber has been strongly encouraged, along with the use of low-volatility organic compounds (VoC) where possible. A minimum 80% of all construction waste has been diverted from landfill.
The build – at a glance The VCCC Project is jointly funded, with the Australian and Victorian governments contributing, with the remaining funds to come from member contributions, sale of surplus land and philanthropic donations. The project is a Designated Strategic Project under the Victorian Industry Participation program, with a mandated 90 per cent minimum local content requirement applying to overall design, construction and fit-out. The facilities are being delivered as a public-private partnership (PPP) under the State Government’s Partnerships Victoria policy, with the Plenary Health consortium as the private sector partner. The Plenary Health consortium is responsible for financing, designing, constructing and maintaining the facility for 25 years. The consortium consists of: Sponsor: Plenary Group Builder: Grocon PCL joint venture Facilities manager: Honeywell Architects: Silver Thomas Hanley, DesignInc and McBride Charles Ryan joint venture
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Collingwood Building Services: plumbing pride Our very own Master Plumbers, Collingwood Building Services (CBS), were responsible for plumbing all the hydraulics – sanitary and water services – throughout the VCCC. CBS aren’t afraid of tackling the big projects: “It’s our biggest yet – well, it’s between that and the MCG rebuild,” says Gerard Lynch, CBS Site Manager for the VCCC Project. CBS began in Victoria in 1924 as part of the E.A. Watts Construction group. In 1985, they had involvement in 70% of the high-rise plumbing installations in the CBD. Since then the company has been involved in numerous iconic buildings in Melbourne. CBS’ work on the VCCC represented a wonderful continuation of a longstanding working relationship. “We have been working across the road at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, on and off, for more than 35 years,” says Gerard. Curiously, he started out on tools 38 years ago as a plumbing apprentice, working on ward renovations and maintenance at The Royal Melbourne. “This continues our work and, with the bridge links across Grattan Street – literally joins it together – which is pretty exciting for us.” Working on complex medical buildings – with radiation therapy bunkers, operating theatres, and laboratories – has its own challenges, and certainly makes you “think differently” about the work, says Gerard. “In principle, the frame is the same that you use everywhere… the pipes are the same… but you have to learn about each department and what they do to make sure you can meet their requirements. It’s important to put a lot of thought into every single area.” What took Gerard and the CBS team on a steep learning curve right from day one, was using design software Revit for the building’s information modelling. “It helps with clash detection, design and coordination,” says Gerard. “You can see sections of walls, ceilings and other services, so you can try and minimise the reworking of your installation. It’s never been used before properly on a Victorian project from start to finish,” says Gerard.
When you step back and look at it, we’re very proud of what we’ve done
“It allowed us to get a good handle on complicated areas way ahead of the actual construction… It was great to be involved from day one, then watch it evolve right to the end.” And of course, getting involved with this build was special. “I think its one of those places that you’re very happy to build, to be involved with… This is important to everyone in the state, and we take that very seriously. Everyone is trying to build to the very best quality they can.” “This has been a great job for our young people to learn from. It’s been a team effort, with everyone pulling their weight. When you step back and look at it, we’re very proud of what we’ve done. The VCCC will stand the test of time and everyone will be proud to have it.”
Signal & Hobbs: roofing and safe access systems Master Plumbers Signal & Hobbs started two years ago on their project to install façade and roof cladding to level 14 and incision roof areas. They used Alucobond, an aluminium composite material known for its lightweight qualities and its exceptionally flat, high-tech metal panel image, which was specially powder-coated purple for
the VCCC. It’s a material that hasn’t been used for a long time, but is making a resurgence, according to Signal & Hobbs Site Manager for the VCCC project, Wayne McLean. It was hard to handle, and they needed to be extra careful to preserve the powder coating, but it’s a good soothing colour, says Wayne – and architects like the profile of it. The team also designed and installed a lining to keep it waterproof. With a surface area of a couple of thousand square metres of cladding this, amazingly, was a mid-range project for Signal & Hobbs. Started in 1974, Signal & Hobbs has been involved in fabricating and installing metal roofing and sheet metal rainwater products for more than 38 years, and they have been involved with many of Victoria’s major construction projects. Wayne has been a roofing plumber himself for 30 years, ever since he was a young man, scaling the heights and wanting to “get up out of the mud and slush of the ground, and up in the sunshine… Roofing is what I know,” says Wayne. For the VCCC, getting up and down was a challenge at first, with so many people on every level, and it took a lot of “design
back and forwards” and a lot of consultation with other trades to avoid clashes, says Wayne. “With a big project like this, there are so many trades involved with even just the envelope of the building – and we were just a small part of the envelope”. Health and safety was a primary, vital concern for everyone involved in the construction, says Wayne. He and his team have been ensuring the safety of people in the trades for maintenance and cleaning who will look after the building. The Signal & Hobbs team installed permanent safe access systems to the entire building, complete with guard rails and anchor points for hooking onto the system. “There are no ladders anymore. Working at height is a lot safer than it’s ever been… This is and will be a very safe place for people to work,” says Wayne. “This is a special project with serious quality. This will last.” “Working on such a new-beaut cancer research centre, makes it special for everyone. We have had such pride working on this one, and pride getting it up and over the line at the end. That made it a special time. And hopefully, this place will save a lot of lives.”
Construction challenges Installing chillers A cold winter in 2013 saw the delivery and positioning of three mechanical chillers at the VCCC project site. The chillers are believed to be the largest units of their kind ever installed in Melbourne. Each of the 4500 kilowatt chillers weighs more than 21 tonnes and will provide chilled condenser water for cooling the building, forming part of the overall air conditioning system. The operation involved lifting the chillers from street level and lowering them into position in the Chiller Plant Room at basement level six through a penetration in the basement structure.
A special seven-tonne delivery The VCCC Project took delivery of a brand new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, but unlike normal deliveries this one was made through a fifth-floor window.
Grattan Street was closed to traffic as a 100-tonne crane was used to lift the seven-tonne MRI (which had been airfreighted from Germany) and deliver it via the fifth floor. The smart design of the building meant that once the MRI was delivered to level five, it only had to be moved about 20 metres to its final location. The fifth-floor windows and pre-cast concrete in that section of the façade was specifically designed to be removed.
Some very special purple glazing Purple accent glazing forms a key signature element of the VCCC’s façade. The glazing, while purple from the exterior, is clear from the inside. This treatment is critical to clinical functions within the facility, where skin tone observation forms a significant role in clinical care.
The purple glazing forms an integral part of the façade’s curtain wall system, which makes up around 50 per cent of the total façade area (24,000sqm2). Other façade systems employed include pre-cast concrete panels (25 per cent) and windows and louvers (25 per cent).
Seriously heavy: the cyclotron door A two metre-deep, fully automated door for the cyclotron vault was placed in its new home on Basement Level 2 of the VCCC Project’s South Site building. (A medical cyclotron is used to manufacture radioisotopes used in clinical diagnosis.) The door, which weighs 18.5 tonnes when filled with concrete, was made by Italian company Comecer. The process involved over a dozen specialised workers, including one technician from the Comecer factory in Italy, flown here to oversee the installation.
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Chadoak
All the right numbers. Charlotte Roseby talks to Chadoak Plumbers, who have invested in 9001, 14001 and 4801 accreditation to achieve excellence in quality management, environmental performance and occupational health and safety.
What is a standard?
Master Plumbers Chadoak are interested in quality. Serious quality. And they have the international certification to prove it.
What are the benefits of achieving ISO International Standards?
They’ve had the impressive ISO 9001 for a while now, which sets out the criteria for a quality management system. Based on a number of quality management principles, Chadoak use their ISO certification as a basis for performance improvement and organisational excellence. They’ve recently updated their certification to AS/NZS 4801, which implements an occupational health and safety management system and ISO 14001, which specifies a process for the control and the continuous improvement of environmental performance.
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And it shows. Chadoak have become one of the largest and most reputable plumbing and building maintenance businesses in Melbourne, known for employing experienced and knowledgeable plumbers, and for their commitment to health and safety. “Most guys who come to us have heard good things about us and want to work for us,” says Chadoak’s Daniel Griffin. “We look after everyone.” “We’ve still got quality, which our guys are very happy with. We’re driving up, not driving down, the quality of plumbing. We do really good quality plumbing – plumbing that we don’t have to go back and fix. Of course we can do cheap, but at the end of the day, you get more clients and more repeat business from quality.”
A standard is a document that provides requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.
ISO International Standards ensure that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality. For business, they are strategic tools that: • reduce costs by minimising waste and errors • increase productivity • improve customer experience, resulting in repeat business, increased sales and additional income • enhance your reputation.
Getting accredited certification During the implementation phase organisations should seek the services of an Accredited Certification Body that will conduct annual audits and arrange certification on behalf of your organisation. (Unfortunately, not all Accredited Certification Bodies are equal – do your research first.)
Chadoak have become known for employing experienced and knowledgeable plumbers, and for their commitment to health and safety Chadoak begins: seven children at home and £33 in the bank Chadoak have been around since 1963 when Richard ‘Dick’ Griffin left his brother’s plumbing company to start his own. His first big job – a sewer – came at the perfect time: his seventh child had been born five days before and he only had £33 in the bank. Four years later, Dick had a successful business operating out of the backyard of the family home.
Peter and Jim Griffin are still directors of the business, but the staff wouldn’t even be able to squeeze into the original back room for an orange juice now. Chadoak Plumbing and Drainage now employs over 120 people working out of a factory in Clayton, making it one of the biggest plumbing companies in Melbourne.
The company was named Chadoak Plumbing and Drainage because Dick mainly serviced the suburbs of Chadstone and Oakleigh.
Peter and Jim’s nephew Daniel never intended to be a plumber. He’s now an estimator at Chadoak – despite everyone saying, “don’t work with family,” laughs Daniel. “Here I am, 11 years later.” He remembers visiting his uncles’ and grandfather’s business from a very young age. It was just always there.
In 1974 the family business expanded as Dick took his son Paul on as his first apprentice. He then employed two more of his sons, Peter and Jim, who soon joined with another brother, Kevin, to take over Chadoak from their dad. They worked long hours, sometimes without wages, from a small back room until 1994, when they finally moved to their first factory.
The third generation Griffin
He’s not regretting his decision. He just loves it. All of it. “ Unlike some others where unskilled labour are coming in and undercutting, plumbing is holding strong. When you’re a young kid, looking up, it looks like a very good prospect. The hard part is getting your chance. So most of us, when we get that opportunity, we take it.” “My job now is estimating, so I’m trying hard to win work for the other guys. It’s a big responsibility. As much as anything else I want to keep the guys – guys I used to work with – in work.”
“Then an opportunity came up for an apprenticeship. I was like any kid who is 17, leaving school, and doesn’t know what they want to do… There was a stepping stone offered. And I took it.” His dad and uncles were thrilled that Daniel was going to join the family business.
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Inbuilt safety Safety is a fundamental to Chadoak. “As a family run business, we always look after all our employees. They’re just like our own family members,” says Daniel Griffin. “We want to take the right steps to make sure that everyone who works with us is thinking about safety and taking the right steps – not just for ourselves, but for everyone else around us.” As well as preventing near-misses, work-related injuries and lost work time, they have found their investment in health and safety, environmental performance and ISO quality certification is paying off in other ways; they’re making a big impression, and getting the big commercial, retail and government projects: the BHP Billiton building, the Webb Dock redevelopment, Caulfield Hospital, L’oreal Warehouse. “We wanted to work with those ‘tier 1’ companies and be on the same page with them. This is the way to do it.”
Webb Dock Expansion A recent highlight for Chadoak was working on the Webb Dock Expansion Project, which aims to create one of the most technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and safest container terminals in the world. When fully developed, the 35.4 hectare terminal will have a total of six postPanamax ship-to-shore cranes, and will be able to handle up to 1.4 million standard containers annually. The 10-acre empty container park will hold 280,000 standard containers. (For your next trivia night: a “post-Panamax” crane can load and unload containers from a container ship too large to pass through the Panama Canal. That’s normally about 18 containers wide. A “Panamax” crane can load and unload containers from a ship that is capable of passing through the Panama Canal: about 12 containers.) Working for BMD, Chadoak got busy installing water mains, fire mains, sewer and plumbing all the smaller buildings. What made it special? A really good crew, a great team of engineers and working with the leaders in safety.
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ISO 9001 ISO 9001, one of the most popular, is a standard that sets out the requirements for a quality management system. It helps businesses and organisations be more efficient and improve customer satisfaction. The standard can be used by any organisation, regardless of size or type.
AS/NZS 4801 This standard specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS), to enable an organisation to formulate a policy and objectives taking into account legislative requirements and information about hazards or risks. There are other benefits, but your OHSMS will primarily lead to a reduction of workplace illness and injury, minimising the costs associated with workplace accidents.
ISO 14001 This standard specifies a process for the control – and the continuous improvement – of environmental performance. It’s a management tool that enables an organisation to control the environmental impact, to improve environmental performance, and to set and achieve environmental objectives and targets. With an ISO 14001 you may benefit from lowered business costs by reducing resource consumption and waste, as well as gaining a positive image and a marketing advantage with customers.
“Our guys have been out there, really putting in. It’s a great job and they are all enjoying themselves, which shows.” What was not so special was the weather, says Daniel. “When it’s cold, it’s really cold. And it’s always windy. Our boys are getting used to wearing double and triple jumpers.” The Webb Dock development is incorporating water harvesting and reuse across available areas as well as treating the stormwater runoff by removing pollutants. The Chadoak team installed a 100,000 litre AKS spel tank 2.5 metres under sea level. They needed to dig 12 metres by 6 metres, 6 metres deep, “So that was a big hole…with a lot of shoring up,” said Daniel, “A lot of safety plans and preplanning went into that.” They water-tested it and backfilled with stabilised sand to seal it and prevent it floating or sinking in the Coode island silt. The process included installing mesh, a raft and tiedown straps. All went to plan, and the Spel tank will be used in the process to treat stormwater, which will then be re-used for truck washing.
In addition to their comprehensive OHS program and certification, they’ve recently started to encourage their people to “take 5” every morning. Why? Because, says Daniel, it’s easy to let health and safety go settle at the back of your mind, rather than the front. “We’ve all done it. You forget something exactly because you’ve been told it a million time… Or you’ve been working on the same job, doing the same thing for days and you forget that electrical conduit is in the ground.” Now Chadoak is asking its plumbers to pause for 5 minutes each morning, before starting work, to think through what their day has in store for them and look at the conditions of the day, just to jog their memories and focus their attention. “This gets you to sit back before you start work and think it through. It’s working really well.” They’re now instituting a take 5 on their smaller sites as well as the bigger ones, to make sure everyone’s thinking about safety, everyday.
Chadoak: project file Webb Dock Expansion BHP Billiton Centre L’oreal Warehouse Marriott Water Shopping Centre Nth Melbourne Recreational reserve Caulfield Hospital Frankston Hospital Western General Hospital Greens Road Rail Link Kilbreda College Brandon Park PS
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Communication: the conduit Amanda Ogilivie talks to several Master Plumbers about how they implement drug & alcohol and anti-bullying policies in their businesses. The plumbing industry operates in an inherently high risk environment, so it should come as no surprise that workplace health and safety are high priorities. Recently, the spotlight has fallen on two distinct areas of workplace health and safety policy: drugs & alcohol, and bullying. Safe Work Australia defines workplace bullying as “repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety.” However because human behaviour is complex, the practical application in the workplace can also be complex and the definition of exactly what is unreasonable behaviour can be open to interpretation. This emphasises the importance for any organisation to have good policies. Alcohol and drug use in the workplace have been shown to impact on the safety of affected workers and those around them. For companies in the construction industry and other high risk industries there are specific requirements to develop a drug & alcohol policy, including a provision for random testing, that is suited to the individual practices of the company. It’s essential for company representatives to access the most accurate and up-to-date information on these policy requirements and members of the plumbing industry are fortunate to have access to trusted sources including the Master Plumbers Association, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It’s evident that open communication channels, committed personnel and clearly defined policy are essential for creating a company culture where bullying, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol are recognised as unacceptable threats to safety and productivity. We talked to representatives from to major Victorian plumbing contractors to find out how they go about creating, implementing and enforcing their safety policies.
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CDC Plumbing & Drainage
Mick Grisinski is the OHS&E Manager at CDC Plumbing & Drainage. CDC is a large commercial plumbing company based in Victoria and also involved in major projects in South Australia and Queensland. “Between SA and Vic we fluctuate between 200 to 250 plumbers and staff, all with a good understanding of the CDC Safety Management System (SMS) and the safety culture that fuels it. All CDC employees are inducted with the CDC induction booklet which underpins our job specific project safety plans and SMS. Specific policies, procedures & protocols supplement all of these,” says Mick. “Although we seek advice from our employer association, we also do our own research. To make sure we comply we might go direct to the legislation. We join steering committees and get involved with the direction policy is going. “Unavoidably the construction industry moves with such pace these days that it imposes mental and physical demands on workers. CDC’s ability to manage these effects in a professional manner is a result of the SMS, ‘a system born from the field…for the field’. Everyone in the company has played a part in its success over the last decade or more.”
testing and anti-bullying education in the workplace. CDC has an OHS&E manager and two OHS&E coordinators who have become Certificate 3 qualified D&A impairment officers. Collectively, they have developed a D&A testing company policy and a FAQ information flyer which went out as pay attachment to provide consultation opportunities with our designated work groups (DWG). Anti-bullying management is incorporated into CDC in many ways but predominantly via the CDC induction booklet. “This topic is fast becoming an industry awareness theme; it is a challenging element to manage because the colourful personalities of construction workers can come across as being too personal. However the motive may have an intention of being friendly or showing respect to your work mates. It’s a difficult one to manage, but good DWG culture stamps out offensive behaviour.
A fairly recent development is the CDC Health & Safety Committee, which meets every three months, using teleconference to include the SA representative. It’s been operating now for around two and a half years, and is beginning to make a real difference.
“I am proud to work with other CDC workers & staff, trade unions and employer associations all working towards a common goal, which is the ‘wellbeing of our most important asset’: our employees!” says Mick.
“It was something I’d wanted to do for a long time, so it’s gratifying to be able to see the change,” says Mick.
Mick’s top tips
“It comes down to the success of the communications conduit connecting the guys who work on the shop floor with the directors, via the Health and Safety Committee. There is constant education and exposure to affect these changes. The OH&S Coordinator, the Chairperson of the committee and I go to one job a month to do a toolbox talk.” Two elements of the SMS that have been recently collectively developed and implemented are drug & alcohol (D&A)
1 Create a company culture where safety matters 2 The Directors (or Board or Committee) acknowledge and validate the need for OH&S ultimately it has to come from the top. 3 Communication has to flow through the company conduit in both directions 4 Provide education and training 5 Put experienced people in essential roles
Cooke & Dowsett
Matthew Gipp is the WHSE Manager at Cooke & Dowsett, a major plumbing company that works on projects across the country. Matthew accesses information from industry bodies such as the unions, employer groups, ACCI, VECCI, and Master Plumbers. He also stays current through networking, and updates from the Safety Institute of Australia. He subscribes to the Worksafe bodies in each state and remains current with the Australian Standards for OH&S and Risk Management. Matthew says that one of the most effective ways of making sure the right WH&S information filters down through every level of the company is to make sure the right people are in the right roles. “People in this field need to have a genuine and passionate interest in health and safety to be effective,” he says. “It can’t be just a job to them. They have to have a commitment and be willing to go above and beyond.” He also emphasises that people in WH&S officer roles have to be suitably qualified and competent. They need to understand the legislation and more, they need to have an awareness of the impact that legislation has on the commercial aspects and the structure of the business.” Safety isn’t just about the guys at the ‘coalface,’ it’s company-wide. As Matthew says, “Any decisions I make, or that any of the people working under me make, will affect the company as a whole.”
Bullying and Drug & Alcohol policies The policies for Bullying and Drug & Alcohol are reviewed and revised annually. Any changes are communicated to remote staff via a ‘toolbox talk’ held on site. Here, either Matthew or the local representative will get everyone together and inform them about the latest update and the implications for them. Every job has a safety plan developed for it and the plan will include WHS policy and the Bullying and Drugs & Alcohol policy. Everyone working on the job is required to sign the document acknowledging they have read it and
agree to abide by the polices it contains. For instance, with regard to random drug and alcohol testing, this is a statement that they accept there will be random drug and alcohol testing and agree to comply. All new recruits are required to have a medical exam and a drug and alcohol screen is conducted at this time. As part of the process, results are sent under a confidential basis to Matthew. “I’m happy to say we have never had anyone fail a test.”
Challenges The most significant challenge for the company is that they work in remote locations using satellite offices. It’s essential that messaging is consistent and that expectations are the same. This is ensured by a three-step process: 1 The policy is put in place 2 All staff are made aware that they need to be informed and need to understand 3 It is made clear that if anything is not understood, people need to go to their manager to have their questions answered One of the other obstacles is cultural. All new employees receive a handbook and undergo an induction process, and during this they are made aware of expectations. The handbook sets out guidelines and information and includes contact numbers not just for Matthew and his regional counterparts, but also for outside independent and confidential sources of advice. New employees are made aware that it is their manager’s right to correct them when they make a mistake. Matthew says, “We reserve the right to tell them how to do their job. But there are clear boundaries that cannot be overstepped. Everyone is made aware of these boundaries and expectations.”
for communication are discussed. It’s a testament to the success of this strategy that there hasn’t been any pushback. Matthew, as the apprentice mentor in charge of recruitment and liaison, also gives credit to the schools for their role in increasing awareness. For people like Matthew, it’s obvious why WHS compliance is necessary. He says it isn’t just common sense, it makes business sense. “It’s not productive to allow these behaviours in the workplace. The company has a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe workplace. One of the best ways we’ve found to ensure this is to provide everyone with the information and use positive reinforcement to help encourage compliance.”
Matthew’s top tips 1 Always strive to improve; it’s in everyone’s interest 2 Have an open communication process and keep open minds 3 Place the right people in the right roles 4 Make sure policies and procedures meet legislative requirements and that these are understandable by the staff 5 Encourage people to ask for more information While the company has the overarching responsibility, Matthew believes it is essential to empower employees to take personal responsibility not just for their own safety, but also for the safety of their colleagues. “If you see something that isn’t right or you’re concerned, we want our safety culture to be one that empowers our workers to feel comfortable to speak up,” he says. “Act on it. Don’t ignore it, because you may just regret it in the end.”
As part of the induction process, there is a face to face meeting where these expectations, boundaries and channels
Amanda Ogilvie is the Communications Officer for the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s “Biz Better Together” productivity initiative: When employers and employees work together, business is better. Join the conversation @BizBT www.bizbettertogether.com
www.plumber.com.au | 37
Workplace hazards you can’t see. Could your workplace be sick? Angela Ayling from Master Plumbers Tasmania discusses the workplace hazards you sometimes can’t see.
Does your workforce seem tired, rundown or unproductive? Are you experiencing high staff turnover, increased absenteeism or human resource problems? If this sounds like your workplace, then chances are you are experiencing the consequences of psychosocial workplace hazards and they can cripple your employees and your business. Going to work should be an experience we all mostly enjoy. It is an important element of our mental and physical health, wellbeing and identity. Going to work helps us develop and learn new skills, form social relationships and gives us a feeling of self-worth and value. But when this doesn’t happen, then going to work can become dangerous to a worker’s mental health and debilitating to the workplace overall. So what are psychosocial hazards? Unlike an obvious safety hazard that you can clearly see, psychosocial hazards are not always so easy to identify or deal with. Psychosocial hazards can arise both within the workplace and at a personal level. They can include but are not limited to: • Poor organisational culture • Inappropriate person / job fit • Lack of support for problem solving • Workplace conflict • Lack of role clarity • Poor communication • Lack of opportunity for development and career stagnation or promotion beyond skill level • Poor interpersonal relationships at work • Lack of control over work and decision making • Social and/or physical isolation at work • Bullying, harassment and discrimination • Home / work balance and interface • Hazardous work environments and inadequate or inappropriate equipment to do work tasks • Design of work systems including a lack of variety, meaningless work or underuse of skills • Job insecurity • Work overload or underload • Pace of work – too slow or too fast • Work schedules including shift-work, on call, unpredictable working hours and / or long or unsocial hours • Toxic workplace personalities
What are the consequences of psychosocial hazards? Unlike a physical work related injury that goes through the workers’ compensation system and can be recorded in terms of cost and downtime, psychosocial hazards most often do not result in workers’ compensation claims. This is due to the limitations of the compensation systems within various jurisdictions, but also due to the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are a primary consequence of psychosocial workplace hazards, but problems can also include substance abuse, trouble at home and physical issues such as high blood pressure and increased rate of heart disease. The result of these hazards for a business include reduced productivity, poor work quality outputs, increased sick leave or absenteeism, high staff turnover, increased human resource problems, brand/reputation damage, and an increased risk of incidents, exposure to workers’ compensation claims, and to civil litigation.
So what’s the answer? Start at the top, new attitudes, behaviours and systems need to be introduced, encouraged and enforced by workplace management. Workplaces need to ensure that they have consultative mechanisms in place to deal with all hazards, including psychosocial ones. This might be as simple as a toolbox meeting once a week or as formal as the election of health and safety representatives or the establishment of a work health and safety committee. Workplaces should develop (in consultation with employees) a policy and procedure to manage psychosocial hazards as they do any other hazard. It’s the law. Lastly, management needs to listen to and welcome the ‘bad news’ on all work health and safety hazards because it’s only when you know about it that you can fix it and that’s good for your employees and great for your business.
www.plumber.com.au | 39
Keeping young workers safe. Rod Tresidder, Master Plumbers Occupational Health and Safety Officer, talks about the safety risks for young people at work and your responsibilities as an employer. In your March 2015 Australian Plumbing Industry magazine we talked about apprentice safety and your role and responsibilities as an employer. This was to help you reduce the risks faced by young plumbers and put processes in place to ensure they are fully equipped to deal with the health and safety hazards in your workplace. According to WorkSafe’s Young Workers Strategic Priority Paper released in May 2015 young workers who range from age 15 to 24 are at a higher risk of serious injury requiring hospitalisation and this group have not seen meaningful drops in injury rates over several years, despite the downward trend observed in the broader working population. The report also found that: • The percentage of claims that relate to young workers has remained relatively stable from month to month (2008/9 to 2013/14). • The most common month for injured young workers is February followed by December. • Young workers are more likely to experience a physical injury than 25+ workers. • Fractures and wounds account for 38 per cent of young workers injuries compared with 18 per cent for 25+ workers.
Construction workers at higher risk
Overall young workers are at a stage in their lives where they are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour than the general population, such as drink driving, or experimenting in their personal lives (e.g. with drugs, alcohol and unprotected sex). In light of this risk taking potential employers need to be more vigilant when managing younger workers.
Young people working in the construction sector (shown by the table below) are the most vulnerable group and require specific protection. Primary duty holders such as employers and persons in management and control of workplaces must incorporate a focus on young workers’ health and safety in meeting their general duty of care.
The higher rate of workplace injury amongst young workers is likely to arise from a combination of factors, including but not limited to:
Looking across gender and age groups, 15-19 year old males had the highest work-related injury or illness rate (64 per 1,000 employed). 20-24 year old males were not nearly as high at 46 per 1,000. Young females have much lower injury rates compared to their male counterparts (15-19 year old females, 38 per 1000, and 20-24 year old females, 37 per 1000).
• Inexperience in working environments and a general lack of awareness for health and safety risks. • Their stage of their emotional, physical and cognitive development. • The ability to focus on tasks is generally less vigilant than that of the generalised adult population.
In most instances, younger workers in the 15-19 year old bracket are still at school and working casual positions. This younger group also includes those beginning work in apprenticeships and undertaking work experience as a component of schooling. The older 20-24 year old age bracket is better represented by those beginning full time employment after completing schooling and finishing apprenticeships.
• The employment of young workers on a casual basis coinciding with lower levels of training, inadequate levels of information and supervision.
Each age bracket has different motivations and consequently requires different levers to influence behavioural change – something to keep in mind when developing your safety policies and procedures.
Taking responsibility
• Performing tasks that are high in manual labour and often physically demanding tasks. • Having high levels of fatigue as a result of juggling study and work at the same time.
The report also found that some employers felt it was their responsibility to ensure young workers are taught properly about safety and risks whilst others felt it was up to young workers themselves to recognise the hazards.
Industries by injury number and the differences between injuries for young workers compared to the rest of the working population A – Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing B – Mining C – Manufacturing D – Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services E – Construction F – Wholesale Trade G – Retail Trade H – Accommodadon and Food Services I – Transport, Postal and Warehousing J – Informadon Media and Telecommunications K – Financial and Insurance Services L – Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services M – Professional, Scientific and Technical Services N – Administrative and Support Services O – Public Administradon and Safety P – Educadon and Training Q – Health Care and Social Assistance R – Arts and Recreadon Services S – Other Services
Under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 every employer must ensure so far as reasonably practicable the health and safety of all their employees, irrespective of age. It is vital that young workers are provided with clear and sufficient instruction, training and supervision to enable them to work without putting themselves and those around them at risk.
Young workers Other workers
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Employers need to adopt formal procedures that result from systematic examination of tasks in order to identify all hazards present to young workers. This defines safe methods to ensure that hazards are eliminated and risks are minimised.
Reference: WorkSafe Young Workers Strategic Priority Paper May 2015, Mr Peter DiBiase Project Officer, Improvement Programs & Specialist Services
40 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
HOT WATER UNIT
Remember, young workers: have a right to return home safely from work everyday have a right to a safe and healthy workplace
must receive training and supervision to enable them to work safely have a right to ask questions, to be consulted, and to be represented at work
have a responsibility to work safely and to not do anything that will harm themselves or others
As an employer, you can help your young workers by: giving them the best start to their careers by teaching them health and safety lessons for life encourage a workplace where young workers feel confident to ask questions.
WorkSafe has produced a range of guidance material for both young workers and those who manage them, including:
Young worker safety tips for educators
Training checklist for young workers Safety tips for new and young workers
Guide for managing young workers
To access these resources and find out more on this topic visit worksafe.vic.gov.au
Master Plumbers can assist with all your workplace health and safety needs. Our Safety Plan and Work Health and Safety Workshop can help you create a safe workplace. To find out more contact Rod Tresidder on 03 9321 0745 or email rod.tresidder@plumber.com.au
Outdoor Installation with Post Kit as an Elevating Platform
Tips for parents or guardians
Indoor Safe Tray Installation with Optional Elevating Post Kit
Training checklist for work experience and structured workplace learning
Indoor Safe Tray Installation
take the precautionary approach by reviewing and revising your risk management plans if you have young workers because a “one size fits all” approach may not protect them
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www.plumber.com.au | 41
7 ways to improve your wellness as a small business owner. One of the main attractions of being a small business owner is the possibility of being the hero in a story you’re entirely responsible for writing. There is, however, a dark side to running your own show that often gets ignored – physical and mental health can take a beating when the buck stops exclusively with you, discusses Tracey Daniel. A recent study by Simply Business (United Kingdom) showed that a staggering 25 per cent of small business owners had fallen ill due to stress and overwork. The situation isn’t any better in Australia either. Ongoing research by Dr Angela Martin of the University of Tasmania indicates that small business owners are at a substantially greater risk of mental health issues due to
Tracey Daniel is the Co-Founder of the Real Business Group, an organisation which has over 300 proven business strategies to assist entrepreneurs and business owners to reach the next level in their business. For more information visit realbusinessgroup.com.au
a range of factors including long hours and financial stress. For tradespeople and plumbers in particular, these risks are all too real. Even a relatively minor physical injury is enough to put a one-person operation in serious financial difficulty. You simply can’t afford to roll the dice with your overall wellbeing.
Here are seven specific ways you can make sure you’re putting yourself in a position to give it your best on a daily basis. 1 Establish a baseline
4 Treat alcohol with respect
6 Go green
There’s hardly a person alive who doesn’t have a nagging sense that they could be taking better care of themselves somehow. However, general good intentions mean nothing without a base to build from. Begin by taking a non-judgemental, clear-headed look at where you are physically and mentally.
Running a small business is an often nerve-wracking affair that requires intense focus across an often bewildering array of areas. You’re responsible for everything from finances to dealing with clients and switching off at the end of the day can be a real issue.
When you’re looking to optimise your overall physical and mental wellness, all the exercise in the world won’t compensate for a poor diet. Put simply, you can’t outrun your fork.
Book a basic physical check-up with your doctor to get an overall picture of where your body is at. Also, consider taking a functional movement screen with a trained physiotherapist to make sure your basic mechanics are in working order. A surprising amount of long-term injuries are caused by easily remedied broken movement patterns. If you’ve been under the cosh mentally, begin by taking a self-assessment test such as the one outlined in Dr David Burns’ book Feeling Good. This will give you an objective benchmark for your current mood that you can refer back to over time to track progress.
2 Draw a hard line between work and home When you’re in charge of your own schedule, it can be incredibly difficult to separate your work and home spheres. As your own boss, there’ll inevitably be an occasional overlap, but if you fail to draw clear lines between the two you put your overall wellbeing at risk. Working effectively requires adequate downtime and the mental space to take care of many of the points we’ll shortly be dealing with. If you’re effectively always at work, it’s nearly impossible to put in the basic scaffolding to support your business and personal goals over time. Set strict beginning and end times for work (even if they initially involve long hours) and stick to them.
3 Get your sleep under control Sleep requirements vary considerably from person to person but doctors are increasingly recognising that reduced, broken, or interrupted sleep is one of the biggest impairments to overall mental and physical performance. As any parents of young children can confirm, the factors surrounding a good night’s rest won’t always be under your control, but you should strive to make sleep an actual priority rather than simply a state you fall into at the end of the day. Simple steps such as not using electronic devices an hour before sleeping and ensuring your bedroom is as blacked out as possible can make an enormous difference to your sleep quality and general health.
Taken in moderation, alcohol is a pleasant socially relaxing lubricant, but it’s an extremely poor solution for forgetting daily business stresses over the long haul. We’re by no means advocating a teetotal approach, but alcohol can very easily become a problematic crutch for general stress and many a small business owner has fallen prey to its abuse over time – treat it with respect.
5 Walk before you run The jury on the benefits of physical exercise in general is very much in at this stage. Rather than considering exercise a chore, you should be looking at it as a tool you can strategically use to improve every other aspect of your life. There’s no need to be a slave to the gym or devote half you’re waking hours to working out. However, short sharp bursts of resistance training have been proven to boost overall health just as much as grindingly tedious lengthy cardio workouts – 10 to 15 minutes of daily targeted work to begin with can do wonders for your overall physical and mental health. A word of warning though, sports-related injuries (particularly among men) are a largely avoidable modern plague often brought on by over-training, over-exuberance, over-optimism or all three. If you’ve been out of action for a while and are looking to get back in shape, start where you actually are and build up slowly, rather than trying to cram a year’s worth of exercise into a week. To put it in other words, walk before you run. Speaking of walking, a brisk long-distance walk is one of the most underrated forms of exercise out there and is definitely something you should be adding into your daily routine as often as possible.
We’re not talking about slavishly following the latest fad diet here or starving yourself of life’s pleasures. The basic recipe for healthy eating is pretty simple: lots of greens, minimum sugar, lots of water, easy on the white carbs – if you’re eating meat, stick to high-quality sources with a preference for lean cuts and don’t go overboard. Stick to this routine for at least two-thirds of your meals and then treat yourself to whatever you fancy the rest of the time with a clear conscience.
7 Prepare to be flexible Whether you’re a desk jockey or out in the field, ensuring you have at least basic flexibility is one of the keys to avoiding long-term repetitive injuries and ensuring overall quality of life – particularly once you’re past the big four-oh. This doesn’t mean you have to don the lycra and hit the local yoga classes, but it does mean you should be paying ongoing attention to your range of motion and performing short, simple exercises to keep limber. As little as ten to 15 minutes a few times a week can be enough to stay flexible and ward off problems down the road. Range of motion is one of those problems that seems minor until it suddenly very much isn’t. As an example, up to 80 per cent of Australians experience regular back pain and 10 per cent have significant disability as a result. In the context of a small business, particularly in an area such as plumbing, if you’re on a job, that’s the type of ailment that can turn your workplace into a crucible of pain – much of it largely avoidable. Consult resources such as Eric Goodman’s Foundation Training or your local physiotherapist for simple ways of staying supple and dodging problems down the line. Each of our seven steps above should be tackled gradually as you seek to boost your overall wellness. Take them at your own pace, commit to small, achievable goals over time, and you’ll soon benefit from the results in both your business and personal life.
www.plumber.com.au | 43
Float your worries away.
Plumber Matt Reynolds reports on a new method of relaxation that can help you reduce stress while defying gravity. Can you believe it’s already March? As summer draws to a close our focus now turns to targets, goals and completion dates and the pressures of the daily grind can begin to mount if left unchecked. Much is written about the importance of stress relief to maintain a higher level of productivity, superior mental health and general wellbeing. Though we all handle stress differently and in different ways, it’s universally accepted that too much stress leads to all kinds of mental and physical complications. Knowing your limits and the best ways to manage stress is a key component of success and happiness. Relieving stress can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths or as extravagant as packing up the ute for that annual trip down the coast with a few good mates. For those of us looking for an activity that lies somewhere between those two extremes, the options are endless thanks to the rise in popularity of 24 hour gyms, yoga and Pilates studios, meditation retreats and other unique alternatives.
On behalf of the plumbing community, I recently visited a studio to try a new method of relaxation and rejuvenation now available in Australia. It’s called floatation therapy, and while I walked in sceptical, I left really impressed. On arrival at the floatation studio, I was escorted to my private room and shown my “Pod”. Picture an oversized bathtub with a curved lid which pivots open, similar to the way to an old VW Beatle car hood is raised to access the forward mounted boot. A shower is required (facilities provided in the room) and you insert ear plugs before taking the plunge into the pod which filled with a salty solution. You then pull the lid closed from the inside and are in complete darkness. And then you just… float! It’s easier than I first anticipated thanks to the 600kgs of Epsom salts that are added to the fresh water in the pod, ensuring instant buoyancy. As stress, frustration and injuries are caused at a primary level by sensory overload, floating works on a theory of reversing that same process. In the tank, your senses (sight, touch, taste, hearing and smell) are basically deprived of all stimulation. You can’t see because its dark and you can’t really feel anything because the salt solution keeps you afloat. Both the solution and the air inside the tank are regulated to skin temperature which reduces the normal contrasted feeling between the two and allows the feeling of weightlessness. There is no taste, no smell and after the initial relaxation music quietens you can’t hear anything either.
I felt instantly disconnected from everything outside the pod and although that’s the objective of this method, I found it a little confronting to begin with. It’s always been difficult for me to sit still and I favour activity to relax over anything that requires a stationary position, so those initial feelings where no surprise. It took a fair chunk of the time to stop thinking about email, work and phone calls and properly switch off. I was told prior to the session that floating can remind you of both past and present injuries and I did get some tightening in my right calf and lower back as the magnesium loaded Epsom salts worked their way into my system before drifting into a relaxed state. I emerged from the tank feeling fresh and alert. The filtration system then kicked in and the cleaning process began in time for the next floater’s arrival. While the experience is different for everybody and often a different experience each time, restricting the input of your senses has several reported benefits, including reduced injury recovery times and intensified rejuvenation. Other benefits include improved sleep quality and better mental clarity. Jumping into a salty pod may not be your first choice to unwind, but it’s worth considering. I’m definitely a fan and will float again and continue to use various methods of deprivation to help regulate and maintain the level of productivity I require. Personal success and happiness in all forms may be much more about releasing the pressures we have already accumulated than constantly chasing greener grass.
From the trenches [Matt Reynolds] 44 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
Outsource your stress. Eve John shows how outsourcing can help you boost your efficiency and grow your business.
Modern life is filled with hassles, deadlines, frustrations and demands. Stress is so commonplace that if often feels natural and “just the way it is” – a part of our life that cannot be avoided. Do any of these feelings sound familiar to you? • So much going on in your mind it’s impossible to focus on just one thing • Being short tempered, easily tired and feeling like you’re just treading water • Feeling unable to take any time off at all, that you have to be “on” all the time • Fearing you can’t go on and that you are so stressed there is no longer any enjoyment in life • Constantly worrying about everything that running a business demands? One of the main causes of overwhelming stress for business owners is completing tasks that they don’t enjoy doing, or that they feel they are not qualified to do. There is no glory in thinking that you have to do everything yourself, especially when you’d really prefer to hand them over to someone else. When you realise that outsourcing your requirements can be beneficial to you and your business, the relief and sense of freedom is enormous! Last year at a meeting with a new client, we discussed his day and how he was struggling to manage it all. I suggested that he outsource his bookkeeping to a professional service, because:
1 they were properly qualified, and therefore could do the work much more efficiently and in a shorter timeframe;
2 they picked up errors that he had been making (i.e. under-invoicing for three months)
3 it would allow him to focus on the income producing aspects of his business, such as following up quotes.
His cost for getting the bookkeeping done was under $200, and the amount of new business he was able to bring in? Over $10,000 worth!
You might like to consider outsourcing some or all of the following:
Outsourcing can help you win back valuable time to work on your business.
• stock management
Here are my top three reasons for outsourcing:
• materials and product ordering
1 You can boost your own efficiency. Outsourcing can help you focus on the jobs that do matter. For example, bookkeeping isn’t my strength. By hiring someone else do it for me I have the time to focus on creating content, working with clients and pitching new business. And I know that my accounts will be done correctly.
• accounting and other financial matters • marketing • social media management • diary management
So, what are you going to outsource this year? It’s an easy way to boost your efficiency, grow your business and build your network… And get back some worthwhile enjoyment in life!
2 You can grow your business. When you free up your time you can actually focus on building your business. You can create the time you need to follow up leads, launch products or services and basically, take your business to the next level. all in the time you have.
3 You can build your network. Outsourcing is a great way to grow your network! When you hire someone to do your web design or accounting for you, they are bound to think of you or refer you when they need someone with your expertise. Outsourcing is a great way to support another business while freeing up your time and growing your professional network as well.
Eve John is a multi-awarded business owner, bestselling author and plumbers wife. She creates highly effective and profitable marketing and sales systems for trade businesses that turn more of your quotes into paying customers. Text you name and address to 041 22 55 810 for your free copy of Eve’s new book the 7 Mistakes Tradies Make When Giving Out Quotes And How To Avoid Them So You Can Make More Money or visit fullybookedtradies.com.au www.plumber.com.au | 45
Back in business “Lift with your legs not with your back. Bend at the knees, not at the waist!� How many times have you heard this? Now, how many times have you heard this from a person who has never had to lift a bundle of three metre pipes, a washing machine or water tank?
While using your leg muscles is the preferable method, this doesn’t always translate in the world of over-sized pipes and appliances. It also works on the premise that the lifter has the leg strength to perform the lift — a lot of people do not. With around 80 per cent of people working in trade industries expected to experience back pain and muscular injuries during their career, learning to lift, lower and move objects safely should be a top priority.
Activity is your friend Most people still believe that to reduce the risk of lower-back injury you have to eliminate all activities involving lifting, lowering and moving objects, however this is not actually the case. To stay healthy, muscles and other tissues need to be challenged. The trick is in making sure the challenge is sufficient — not too little, not too much. The plumber installing ABS vent and drain pipes may need to reduce how much they work with their back while a foreman who sits at a desk all day without moving much might be better off with a mix of work activities that includes using his back.
Work up your strength and endurance To avoid injuring your muscles, tendons and ligaments – especially in your back – you need to give them a chance to adapt to loads of increasing weight. You want to expose them to loads that challenge but don’t damage them. You also want to give them time to recover between periods of strain. Gradually building up the weight your muscles can carry and the length of time they are used improves your body tissues’ tolerance to injury. Muscle endurance, which helps tissues work longer without tiring and losing their ability to work effectively, has more protective value than muscular strength. Research shows that exercise programs combining cardiovascular exercise with lower-back exercise are more effective than programs emphasizing lower-back exercise alone. Cardio exercises like walking briskly, surfing or playing football help build muscle endurance.
The causes of back injury As most plumbers know, overexertion injuries result from overloading or over-stretching muscles, tendons and ligaments. Overloading exceeds your strength and overstretching exceeds your range of motion. Overuse injuries result from using muscles, tendons or ligaments so much they become damaged. For example, the task of installing waterlines using copper and PEX
How to lift While employers should eliminate as much manual lifting and lowering as is practical and possible, there will still be times when you need to put your back into it. So what is the perfect technique for lifting? Well, there isn’t one. But the four principles below are the latest advice from specialists.
1 Keep the natural curve in your lower back When standing straight, the lower back naturally curves to create a slight hollow. Always try to maintain this curve when lifting, lowering or moving objects. The spine and back are most stable in this position.
2 Contract your abdominal muscles Contract the abdominal muscles during lifting, lowering and moving activities. This improves spine stability. Sometimes describes as “bracing”, contracting the abdominal muscles even slightly (as little as four to five percent) improves spine stability and reduces the likelihood of injury.
3 Avoid twisting Twisting the back can make it less stable, increasing the likelihood of injury. Bracing helps reduce any tendency to twist.
4 Hold it close Keep the load as close to the belly button and body as possible. Doing so reduces the strain on muscles of the back and trunk. If necessary, use protective clothing such as leather aprons so that sharp, dirty, hot or cold objects can be held as close to the body as possible.
Around 80 per cent of tradies are expected to experience back pain and muscular injuries during their career
tubing systems may not be particularly hazardous. But if you repeat the task endlessly for eight hours each day, using ABS cutters, crimping tools, and knives in an awkward body position and without allowing the body enough time to recover, you’re probably going to end up with a back or muscular injury.
Clever tips for plumbers • Keep all cutting tools sharp to reduce strain on your wrists and arms. If you’re using crimping tools, make sure that they are properly calibrated. • Use the right-sized drill or boring bit and make sure that the cutting edge is sharp to reduce strain on your arms and the tool. • Wear kneepads for work on the floor. Avoid prolonged awkward postures. Move between kneeling, squatting and standing. • If working below knee level, use a stool such as a milk crate or a mobile stool with castors to reduce stress on your knees and to help keep your back straight. • Set your work up at waist level using benches or tables. • For a PEX tube system, using mechanical crimping tools can help reduce strain and injury. • When lifting from the ground, limit the load to 23 kg and don’t be a goose – always ask for help with heavy or awkwardly-shaped material. While it’s always advisable to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing pain, statistics show that most people with back pain simply get better, regardless of whether they receive treatment or the treatment methods used. Most people who leave work return within six weeks, and only a small percentage never return to their jobs. More evidence suggests that people with back pain who continue routine activities as normally as possible do better than those who try either bed rest or immediate exercise. However, as always, prevention is better than cure – and it’s usually down to more than just lifting with your legs.
Source: CSAO Musculoskeletal hazards and controls 2009.
www.plumber.com.au | 47
Andrology Australia gives you the down low on how exercise can help you down below‌
Let’s get physical. The benefits of physical activity for preventing serious problems such as heart disease and diabetes are well known, but men may be surprised to learn that physical activity is associated with a range of male reproductive disorders and the evidence is growing.
Men suffer from high rates of cardiovascular disease – heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australian men, responsible for about one-fifth of all male deaths. Preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and addressing common risk factors (smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight) is therefore particularly important for men. Research clearly shows that higher levels of physical activity throughout life: • reduce the risk of early death, particularly death due to cardiovascular disease • reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes • lower body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Problems with your pipework There is increasing evidence for links between cardiovascular health and male reproductive health, which is another good reason for men to think about being more physically active. The normal working of the male reproductive system plays a key role in many areas of wellbeing throughout a man’s life, not just when he is entering fatherhood. Living with a reproductive health problem can affect men psychologically as well as physically. Relationships can suffer, quality of life can be reduced and social interactions affected.
It is becoming clear that erectile dysfunction (ED) is not only associated with cardiovascular disease (as they often occur together) but ED can be an early warning sign of approaching cardiovascular disease. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease have some common underlying causes and share risk factors, including a low level of physical activity.1 In fact, many studies have shown that men who have high levels of physical activity have lower rates of erectile dysfunction.2 This is partly because physically active men tend to have lower body weight, but physical activity is also associated with lower rates of ED regardless of body weight. Maintaining moderate levels of physical activity may help to prevent both erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
Prostate disease A link between physical activity and prostate cancer in men has been suggested. However, despite a number of studies looking at physical activity and protection from prostate cancer, the evidence is not consistent. There is a suggestion that very high levels of physical activity may protect against aggressive forms of prostate cancer but research findings so far do not support an overall protective effect of physical activity.3 Including physical activity in the treatment of prostate cancer to improve quality of life may be useful. Physical activity can help to reduce the risk of secondary conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, particularly for men receiving androgen deprivation therapy. It might also reduce side-effects of treatment as well as depression and anxiety in prostate cancer survivors, as has been shown in other cancers.4 In contrast to prostate cancer studies, there is consistent evidence for a link between increasing levels of physical activity and lower rates of benign prostate enlargement (BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia) or bothersome urinary symptoms (LUTS, lower urinary tract symptoms). These findings suggest that physical activity might help in preventing these prostate problems.5
Obesity, diabetes, infertility and testosterone The rising levels of obesity in the community, linked closely to lower levels of physical activity, are particularly important for male reproductive health. Obese men are more likely to have low testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction, and as a group are less fertile than normal weight men.6 Obesity is also a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (sometimes called adult-onset diabetes), a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal. Men with type 2 diabetes have rates of erectile dysfunction up to twice as high as men without diabetes and are at risk of low testosterone levels.7 Men with diabetes who are not able to keep their blood glucose levels well controlled through medication, insulin or other means, and men who have both diabetes and obesity, are at most risk of male reproductive problems.
Time to get moving There is a growing interest in the role of physical activity in improved quality of life, physical functioning and social engagement. Participation in sporting clubs and neighbourhood activities can keep men (and their families) connected with the community and increase what is known as ‘social capital’ providing benefits for the community as well as the individual. The good news is that even moderate levels of activity such as walking, as well as high levels of exercise, appear to lower the risk of a range of health problems.
Join the conversation Men’s Health Week (13-19 June 2016) is a time to promote good health and wellbeing. Men can often find personal issues difficult to talk about, especially when it comes to reproductive health concerns such as erectile problems or trouble with their waterworks. It’s important to know that if something is not quite right, or not working the way it should, you need to talk to a doctor.
Andrology Australia Andrology Australia (andrologyaustralia.org) is the centre for male reproductive health, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and administered by Monash University. Andrology Australia produces a range of free resources for men and their partners on topics related to male reproductive health, including: prostate disease and prostate cancer, testicular cancer, male infertility, androgen (testosterone) use and misuse, and sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction.
1 Rosen R, Wing R, Schneider S, Gendrano N. Epidemiology of erectile dysfunction: the role of medical comorbidities and lifestyle factors. Urol Clin North A. 2005;32:403-17. 2 Cheng JYW, Ng EML, Ko JSN, Chen RYL. Physical activity and erectile dysfunction: meta-analysis of population-based studies. Int J Impot Res2007;19:245-52. 3 Young-McCaughan S. Potential for prostate cancer prevention through physical activity. World J Urol 2011;30:167-79. 4 Craike MJ, Livingston PM, Botti M. How much do we know about the determinants of physical activity among prostate cancer survivors? Directions for future research to inform interventions. Aust N Z J Public Health 2009;33:193-4. 5 Martin S, Lange K, Haren MT, Taylor AW, Wittert G. Risk factors for progression or improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms in a prospective cohort of men. J Urol 2014;191:130-7. 6 Sim I-W, McLachlan R. Obesity: a growing issue for male fertility. Medicine Today 2014; 15:49-53. 7 Grossmann M. Low testosterone in men with type 2 diabetes: significance and treatment. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011; 96:2341-53.
Why is physical activity important to men’s health?
Erectile dysfunction
References
Research is starting to show preventive effects of lifestyle factors, including increased activity and weight loss, for male reproductive health conditions.
Encourage the conversation during Men’s Health Week 13-19 June 2016. Visit andrologyaustralia.org/ imhw-2016 or call 1300 303 878 for more information and to order free men’s health resources to promote to your friends and colleagues
www.plumber.com.au | 49
Public liability overview. Arranging insurance for your business can often be considered a chore, a task that you put aside for another day. However, many don’t realise that having the right insurance is one of the most important considerations when running a small enterprise. You’ve worked hard to build a customer base and establish yourself as a respectable plumber. Should someone make a claim against you that sees you pay out five, or six figure sums, could your business sustain such a loss without adequate insurance? An annual, or monthly premium payment can not only cover you for financial loss, but it also takes away that worry of being uninsured. Public liability insurance is designed to cover personal injury or property damage caused by an occurrence in connection with your business, including the cost of any damages awarded and costs to defend the claim. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are complexities in who and what your public liability insurance might extend to. Depending on the structure of your business, and the type of work you engage in, there are add-ons that you should consider that might best suit your individual requirements. For more details about this cover, it’s always best to consult with your broker first and read the insurance policy wording.
Sub-contractors
Victorian plumbers
It is common for many plumbing contractors to engage the services of subcontractors when the work is short-term and expert trade’s skills are needed for a certain period, or when additional workers are required to complete a particular job.
March proves to be a busy time for plumbers based and/or operating in Victoria as you prepare to get your paperwork in order to renew your licence. Make sure your insurance is current with public liability and defect warranty to meet licensing requirements, and submitted with your renewal.
As sub-contractors are not employees of your business, should they cause personal injury or property damage through their negligence resulting in a third party making a public liability claim, your business may be legally liable to pay such claims as the sub-contractor was completing work on your behalf. It is extremely important for you to ensure that: • All sub-contractors have a current public liability policy, and they provide you with a copy of their policy in the format of a Certificate of Currency. • Your current public liability policy includes appropriate provision for vicarious liability and/or subcontractors. Noticing recent increases in sub-contractor claims, it’s important that you notify your broker if you hire sub-contractors so they can advise of a suitable insurance solution for your needs.
When renewing with Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers, we take the liberty of submitting your insurance documentation to Plumbing Industry Commission on your behalf. To avoid any delays in receiving your plumbing licence renewal, it’s important to organise your insurance paperwork as early as possible. That means: • Reviewing your documents so you understand what you are covered for. • Contacting your broker if there have been any changes to your working circumstances so new details can be updated and accurately reflected on your insurance documents. • Importantly, paying your insurance renewal on time to avoid any delays in receiving your proof of insurance, or Certificate of Currency.
About Marsh Advantage Insurance: Marsh Advantage Insurance is a leading provider of insurance broking services for businesses across Australia. Our company is built on a culture dedicated to understanding the risk and insurance needs of local and national businesses that operate in our cities, regions and communities. We are driven by a commitment to deliver industry leading service and value for our clients. Marsh Advantage Insurance sits alongside Marsh as part of Marsh & McLennan Companies, a global team of professional services firms offering clients advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy and human capital. This article contains general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions exclusions and limitations of insurance cover and before decided whether a policy suits your needs please refer to the specific Product Disclosure Statement which is available from Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd. Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303 AFSL 238369) arrange the insurance and is not the insurer. The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by Marsh Advantage Insurance, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry.
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IS IT TIME TO RENEW YOUR PLUMBING LICENCE? Contact Marsh Advantage Insurance for a competitive quote and join the 4000 plumbers across Victoria already with us. We can arrange public liability insurance starting from $535*, and email your certificate of currency directly to the VBA. To get a quote, call 1300 300 511 or visit trades.marshadvantage.com.au/plumbers *Premium includes statutory charges and broker fee and is based on two licensed plumbers on domestic plumbing work with turnover less than $100,000 per year with nil previous claims. Acceptance of cover is subject to underwriter guidelines. Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust) (MPIB) is a trading name of Marsh Advantage Insurance. The MPIB brand name are owned by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) and used under license by Marsh Advantage Insurance. Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL No. 238 369) arranges this insurance and is not the insurer. MPMSAA receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by us, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry. Public liability insurance is underwritten by Vero Insurance Limited (ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230 859). This page contains general information and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) which is available from Marsh Advantage Insurance.
Cracking
the code. Sean Grimes, Master Plumbers Research Officer discusses the role of a code of ethics within an organisation.
A strong and comprehensive code of ethics is an essential element for the success of any business. Although many companies in the construction industry have a code of ethics, there is often confusion as to the purpose and value of having these codes. Indeed, some managers and employees may not be familiar with the specific content and requirements of their organisation’s code of ethics, and some may be unaware that a code even exists. So what is a code of ethics and what are the benefits? Do businesses and their employees have an obligation to follow such codes? Or are they simply a collection of aspirational statements that cannot be used to enforce the conduct of organisations and employees, nor the ethical treatment of their customers.
What is a code of ethics? A code of ethics describes the expected values and ethical behaviour for members of a professional group, including employees of a company – it is a reflection of an organisation’s values. A code consists of statements that set the standard for the professional conduct of a business and its employees, covering such issues as honesty, integrity and cooperation. It not only guides an individual’s actions, but also the treatment of other employees and fellow members, as well as the public (consumers). It should be noted that a code of ethics is separate from a code of practice, which sets out enforceable industry standards to complement legislative requirements.
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The benefits of having a code The benefits of a code of ethics depends on employee commitment to applying the code throughout their work. Most importantly, for a code of ethics to be effective, it needs to be supported by policies, training, and disciplinary processes. Some organisations may have a code of ethics, but only see it as an administrative requirement with little practical use. In such situations, having a code is of little value, and is unlikely to be respected or used by employees. Alternatively, an organisation can embrace their code of ethics, making it a dynamic and effective guideline for professional behaviour and development. In such cases, there will be many benefits, including:
1 Risk mitigation • A code of ethics can guide employees where the ethical course of action is not immediately obvious. It demonstrates the difference between right and wrong, and requires the application of that knowledge to all decision-making. This is particularly important for smaller organisations where employees often have less supervision and more personal responsibility. • Ensure the organisation maintains knowledge of, and compliance with, relevant regulations. • Offer protection against legal action by identifying and preventing unethical and illegal staff decisions.
2 Promotion of desired culture and values • A code of ethics helps an organisation to reinforce its culture and values, and professional behaviour. • Can be used to acquaint new employees with the required ethical behaviour and can assist the recruitment process by ensuring prospective employees can meet the values of the code. • Can help create an organisation of integrity and excellence by promoting professionalism.
3 Management of staff • A code of ethics promotes constructive cooperation by encouraging frequent, open and honest communication among employees. • Create enhanced morale, pride, loyalty and a work culture that recognises a job well done. • Promote a safe and healthy work environment. • Ensure that adequate training is provided and encouraged.
4 Increased business • A publicly visible code of ethics builds consumer confidence and trust. Studies have shown that professional conduct is valued, with consumer preference given to those organisations that behave in an ethical and trustworthy manner. • Increases competitive advantage through improved services and customer satisfaction.
Is a code of ethics enforceable? Members and employees of an organisation are usually required to demonstrate adherence to the code of ethics as a requirement of membership or employment. Indeed, some organisations require staff to sign a statement acknowledging they have read and understood the code of ethics. This means that, with regard to staff management, a code of ethics is effectively an enforceable policy within the company. It can be seen as a binding contract for employees with sanctions for any violations, including termination in serious cases (subject to meeting Fair Work legislation). However, when applied to issues outside of staff and membership management, a code of ethics is generally considered to be voluntary rather than legally binding. Despite this, it must be noted that if an organisation has a code of ethics, and a breach of that code causes a direct loss to a customer, it’s possible that such a breach could add weight to any claim for compensation if arbitration is sought.
Having the reputation that is associated with being a Master Plumber member is dependent on our Code of Ethics and the protection that this offers the consumer. Our expertise, our professionalism and our reputation is why our members attract business and are successful. Ken Gardner, CEO Master Plumbers
But regardless of whether a code of ethics is deemed to be voluntary or not, organisations should always aspire to meet their code. After all, it is pointless to develop and implement a code of ethics if it is not followed, not least because all the benefits of having it in the first place will be lost.
Master Plumbers Code of Ethics review 2016 A code of ethics is more effective when it results from the input of all members. It is important that a code of ethics be periodically reviewed – the greater the extent to which a code of ethics is kept up to date, the greater the benefit for organisations that use the code. The Master Plumbers Code of Ethics is used to encourage the highest standards of business conduct from its member organisations, to ensure its members work together to improve the plumbing and mechanical services industry, and to develop personal and business attributes that support good trading relations.
The Master Plumbers Code of Ethics will be reviewed this year. The review will involve an extensive consultation process with members to ensure the codes are kept current and relevant, and remain an effective business tool that members can endorse and promote. If you would like more information on the review, or have any suggestions for improving the Master Plumbers Code of Ethics, please contact Sean Grimes on (03) 9321 0795 or via email at sean.grimes@plumber.com.au
3 ways Cbus Super is building super futures for plumbers
1. 2. 3.
1300 361 784
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Investing into new local construction projects boosting the pipeline of work for the plumbing industry Having customer service and support available over the phone Monday to Friday on 1300 361 784 Easy administration for employers, with our easy to use SuperStream compliant system to pay your employees’ super
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This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Contact 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262. VIC Master Plumbers - 185 x123_v1.indd 1
www.plumber.com.au | 53 25/01/2016 12:24 PM
Deductions Phil Eberhard, Master Plumbers Senior Workplace Relations Advisor, discuss the often grey-area of wage deductions and your responsibilities as an employer.
Members often contact Master Plumbers and ask whether they can deduct monies from an employee’s wages. As is often the case in industrial relations there is no simple yes or no answer. In some instances a deduction from an employee’s wages would be permitted under the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act), whilst in other situations the deduction would not be permitted.
Section 324 of the FW Act provides: 1 An employer may deduct an amount from an amount payable to an employee… if: a) the deduction is authorised in writing by the employee and is principally for the employee’s benefit; or b) the deduction is authorised by the employee in accordance with an enterprise agreement; or c) the deduction is authorised by or under a modern award or an FWC order; or d) the deduction is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, or an order of a court.
Note 1: A deduction in accordance with a salary sacrifice or other arrangement, under which an employee chooses to:
a) forgo an amount payable to the employee in relation to the performance of work; but
b) receive some other form of benefit or remuneration;
will be permitted if it is made in accordance with this section and the other provisions of this Division.
Note 2: Certain terms of modern awards, enterprise agreements and contracts of employment relating to deductions have no effect…. A deduction made in accordance with such a term will not be authorised….
2 An authorisation… : a) must specify the amount of the deduction; and b) may be withdrawn in writing by the employee at any time. 3 Any variation in the amount of the deduction must be authorised in writing by the employee.”
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mastering workplace relations
Section 326 of the FW Act provides: 1 A term of a modern award, an enterprise agreement or a contract of employment has no effect to the extent that the term:a) permits, or has the effect of permitting, an employer to deduct an amount from an amount that is payable to an employee in relation to the performance of work; or
The employer argued that they were entitled to deduct the amount from monies owed to the employee on two grounds; the first being the contract of employment and the second being “that the cost of repairs ought properly be sheeted home to the” employee. The contract of employment entered into by the employer and the employee contained the following terms:
b) requires, or has the effect of requiring, an employee to make a payment to an employer or another person;
“The Company will not be responsible for the repair of machinery, equipment and vehicles
if either of the following apply:-
c) the deduction or payment is:i directly or indirectly for the benefit of the employer, or a party related to the employer; and ii unreasonable in the circumstances.”
Andreas Bader v Cyclone City Cleaners Pty Ltd In Andreas Bader v Cyclone City Cleaners Pty Ltd ([2010] NTMC 044), the Court confirmed that an employer does not have a unilateral right to deduct an amount allegedly owed by the employee to the employer. Andreas Bader (employee) worked for Cyclone City Cleaners Pty Ltd (employer) for a period of approximately five months. The employee resigned his employment with the employer. The employer unilaterally withheld the final week of wages owing to the employee because, it was alleged, that the employee had “caused damage to a company vehicle and was liable for the cost of repairs”. The employer claimed that the employee wilfully damaged a work vehicle he was driving which resulted in the vehicle needing to have the motor replaced. The costs for the motor replacement amounted to $4,959.26.
that have been damaged either directly or indirectly by Cyclone City Cleaner’s employees being negligent or careless when using said equipment, machinery or vehicles”.
“The responsible employee will be required to contribute part or all of the cost of repairs to the damaged item. Depending on the amount required to repair the damage, payment may be required as a once off payment or as a scheduled deduction from employees’ wages until the full cost of repairs has been repaid to the Company”. With respect to the first argument/ counter claim, the Court found that the employer had “no lawful capacity to unilaterally withhold award wages owing to the plaintiff against any debt allegedly owed to it by the” employee. With respect to the second argument/ counter claim, the Court found that the employer, once again, did not have the authority to deduct monies from the final wages of the employee, as the employees actions. with respect to the car, were not “serious and wilful, or gross, misconduct in the course of his employment”.
Australian Education Union v State of Victoria In Australian Education Union v State of Victoria (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) ([2015] FCA 1196), the Court found that the State of Victoria had unlawfully deducted money from some 46,000 teachers / principals wages for laptop computers that they needed for work. The Court found that the State of Victoria contravened the FW Act by requiring teachers / principals to pay for access to the Education Department’s laptops directly out of their wages. The Court found that the deductions could not be characterised as “salary packaging arrangements” because they were not provided as “remuneration for their services”.
Lessons to be learned The two decisions confirm the fact that the employer does not have a unilateral right (or a right for that matter) to deduct monies from an employee’s wages. This is still the case even when the deduction is authorised by a provision in a contract of employment; unless the deduction satisfies the FW Act. However, if the award or enterprise agreement contains a provision that allows an employer to withhold monies (for example, when an employee fails to give the required period of notice) from an employees pay, then that provision (one would argue) would satisfy Section 326 of the FW Act and be a lawful deduction.
As is the case with any workplace/industrial relations situation, it is always best to get advice or assistance prior to taking any action. Master Plumbers’ members can access a huge range of workplace relations information, advice and resources online at plumber.com.au Members who need advice or guidance can also contact Phil Eberhard, Master Plumbers Senior Workplace Relations Advisor, on 03 9321 0720 or phil.eberhard@plumber.com.au www.plumber.com.au | 55
Aussie copper. MM Kembla has been behind Australian copper plumbing for a century, and the future is still looking bright says John Fennell, CEO International Copper Association Australia. MM Kembla recently launched a “Quality Reliability Service” company stamp to celebrate its 100 year anniversary, a logo its well and truly earned after a century of working with the plumbing industry here and overseas. Few would have guessed when the original ‘Metal Manufactures Limited’ company was set up at Port Kembla near Wollongong in NSW back in 1916 the long and varied journey that lay ahead. Wars, industrialization, electrification, new forms of transport, and the start of urbanization all made copper a crucial asset, but while Australia had a growing copper mining sector, it lacked a local manufacturing base to produce finished products like tubes and pipes. Metal Manufactures Limited’ – now known in the tube and fittings market simply as its division MM Kembla – was a joint initiative of the government and the private sector to not only solve that problem, but to build the skills and technical expertise Australia was going to need if it was to become a world economy.
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The rest, as they say, is history. The company boomed right from the start and kept expanding in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s to produce copper and brass locomotive tubes, copper superheater flue tubes, copper and brass tubes for steam heating or hot and cold water plumbing, as well as oil and gas reticulation.
Tapping knowledge & quality MM Kembla has increasingly focused on expert knowledge by recruiting metallurgists and other technical staff, and boosting research and development with its own laboratory and analytical facilities on site for investigation, testing and analysis of copper tube. Today, MM Kembla continues to have a dedicated department for quality and process improvement and its technical support services available to all customers and installers alike. A key to the company’s success has also been its ability to remain relevant to the plumbing and building sectors in the face of massive changes like rapidly rising copper prices, far cheaper imports from Asia, and the spread of lower cost plastics like PEX or cross-linked polyethylene tubing.
Recognizing the need for plumbers to have access to a complete “behind the wall” system, it has been steadily growing a whole suite of copper plumbing products. Key to the push for simpler, smarter and faster installation has been Kembla’s launch of the flame-free copper PressFit system KemPress that’s found ready acceptance amongst plumbers. The uniform common size for all copper tube and fittings suppliers is another major advantage. Kembla has also never lost sight of the need for quality and performance. For a start copper tubes and fittings are suitable for all potable water applications unlike plastics or other systems which may be compromised by shorter working lives especially when exposed to hot water temperatures greater than 70°C, fire, direct sunlight or ultraviolet light. It’s a strategy that’s paying off. Over the past year the Australian building market has seen a growth in the use of copper plumbing in the booming multi-residential building, infrastructure and development sectors due to performance issues with alternate products. Visit the Kembla website (kembla.com.au) for a unique take on Australian plumbing.
Balancing act. You can have a life as well as a business! Sebastian Caruso from SP Solutions talks about how with the right tools and guidance, you can have both. With 2016 well under way, many of you will be keen to ensure you have a better year than last year and would have already set yourself some goals. If we fast forward to 31 December 2016, there will two types of people – those that achieved their goals, and those that didn’t.
Which camp would you rather be in? I am going to assume you want to be one of those people who achieve their goals in 2016. If so, your first step is easy to identify – take ACTION! You might be a smaller plumbing business struggling to make ends meet even though you’re flat out working long hours. Or you could be the growing, emerging plumbing business dealing with employee affairs and cashflow issues.
The boys in the field won’t make it happen, nor will your accountant make it happen – it all starts with you. The cold hard fact is that no matter how great a plumber you are, without the tools and understanding of how to grow a thriving plumbing business, you will remain on the rollercoaster ride of business and more importantly, life. So as you gear up for the winter, understand that the only way forward is change and action. It can be really hard, but there is no other way. But, I am really confident that the rewards make it all worth it.
To achieve a different result, you need to take action and do things differently. Make a change! No one is saying that it will be easy, actually to be frank, it will probably be incredibly difficult. One saying that I believe in is ‘The pain of discipline weighs ounces, the pain of regret weighs tonnes’. Think about that for a second. It’s easier than you think to take control and manage your money. It’s easier than you think to take your business to the next level. Most importantly, its easier than you think to have a growing, emerging plumbing business and still maintain an awesome lifestyle. However, the hard work and action is up to you.
its easier than you think to have a growing, emerging plumbing business and still maintain an awesome lifestyle
Sebastian is the resident Tradie Business Consultant & Accountant at SP Solutions. He is a regular presenter at Master Plumbers Business Breakfasts and trade events. He thrives on advising and educating business owners on the growth of their plumbing business and ultimately their personal wealth. Having grown up around Trade Based Businesses, Sebastian has a special interest in helping Plumbers achieve their profit and growth potential. He understands your everyday problems and challenges as a plumber, and unlike many accountants, tries to keep it as simple as possible! To find out more visit spsol.com.au www.plumber.com.au | 57
Looking for a water jetter? Speak to the experts!
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1800 816 830 www.sewerquip.com.au
58 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
product news Solahart announces collaboration with Tesla Energy Australian solar expert Solahart has joined forces with US energy storage pioneer Tesla Energy, and from early 2016 will be offering Australian households a one stop shop for all their renewable energy needs. The collaboration will see Solahart, already one of Australia’s leading renewable energy solution
Cut and Clean Concrete Cutting Cut and Clean Concrete Cutting is a specialist provider of concrete and asphalt cutting services. We have been working in the civil industry for over 25 years and provide a 24/7 service. Cut and Clean predominantly works in the civil industry covering all aspects of underground pipe laying including but not limited to communications, water, gas and power.
innovators, become a Tesla Energy Authorised Reseller. The revolutionary Tesla Powerwall will be added to Solahart’s already extensive renewable energy range, with installations expected to commence in February 2016.
Cut and Clean Concrete Cutting introduced a world first integrated vacuum recycling system. This patented system proved to be so successful that today our fleet of seven trucks are all fitted with integrated vacuum recycling units.
The Solahart offer will allow Tesla Powerwall batteries to be retrofitted to existing photovoltaic systems, or sold as part of an integrated solution when paired with a new PV system.
Our vehicles arrive on site ready to commence work; water, integrated vacuum system and saws are carried on all units.
“We’re not new to renewable energy. Indeed, Solahart has an unsurpassed reputation for solar excellence spanning more than 60 years, and we are committed to providing the best products and advice to local homeowners,” says Stephen Cranch, Solahart’s GM Sales and Marketing Renewables. Solahart has been operating in the solar sector since 1953. It has manufactured over one-million solar hot water systems, which have been installed in 80 countries on every continent. In 2010 it made the move into PV, with Solahart systems now installed on thousands of Australian roofs. “We have witnessed myriad changes in the solar industry in Australia and we anticipate significant changes in the country’s energy market and how consumers perceive and take up renewable energy,” says Cranch. “We believe the introduction of the Tesla Powerwall battery in Australia will be a game changer, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this exciting new phase.
Services include: • Concrete/ Asphalt Sawing to depths up to 525mm. • Slurry Vacuuming and Recycling • Hand sawing to depths up to 150mm. • Core holes up to any size • Silence blades (up to 375mm deep) • Hydraulic Sawing For further information contact 03 94581434, info@cutandclean.com.au, or visit cutandclean.com.au
Unitray – Hot water unit installation made easy Unitray, a new Hot Water Unit safe tray system providing an assembly an time of one minute whilst exceeding the requirements of AS3500 – National Plumbing Code. The new Unitray system for hot water units incorporates the “Tee, Tundish and Tundish Cap” which allows for easy connection of pressure relief drains into the integrated ports above the tundish. The tray is manufactured from HDPE has a 50mm screwed thread outlet, for the connection of the tee (supplied) All components are manufactured from HDPE which allows for either screwed, HDPE fusion welded or fernco type connection.
Features include: • Integrated elevating (pizza) base eliminating the need for a BAYTAK base • 6 optional elevating posts for where an elevating stand is required offering a far cheaper over the counter purchase • Multiple locating slots in the tray to position posts to make connection to a pre-existing waste below the tray possible • Circular design making a more versatile fit compared to existing square trays • Available to suit hot water units from 25 to 315 litre capacity • Manufactured from non-conductive, UV resistant and rust proof material Available from all major plumbing wholesalers within Australia – just ask for Unitray or visit unitray.com.au
To find out more visit solarhart.com.au
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product news The Jetter’s Edge The Jetter’s Edge has been trading over 17 years supplying the plumbing trade with top quality jetting equipment that gets the job done. The company has been in the jetting business since the industry started in Australia in the nineties. Local manufacturer Australian Pump pioneered the first portable 4,000 psi drain cleaning jetter in consultation with Bill Miller, the founder and owner of the Jetters Edge. He has been heavily involved with the product’s evolution into a range that covers trolley and trailer mounted jetters up to 5,000 psi. The Aussie Cobra range made jetting affordable for all plumbers for first time. For the price of a cup of coffee a day plumbers can throw away the electric eel and lease a jetter. Chokes can be cleared in minutes, exploratory excavations eliminated and a plumber can service more customers per day, significantly improving profitability. The Aussie Cobra range of machines unblock drains fast regardless of whether the blockage is caused by congealed waste or tree roots. At the heart of the system an Italian ‘Big Berty’ Bertolini, heavy duty triplex pump. The pumps, backed by a manufacturer’s three year warranty, feature huge flows to 21.5 litres per minute. These flows, when combined with pressures up to 5000 psi, flush out obstacles fast. Bill Miller, Jetters Edge, has been the father of the trolley mounted jetter business in Australia. His plumbing experience has contributed to the evolution of Aussie Cobra jetters into the range available today.
Power is provided by Honda industrial twin cylinder engines with electric start, low oil alert and low oil cut out system built in as standard. All Honda GX series engines are backed with the worldwide Honda three year warranty and supported by an extensive Honda dealer network. The jetters are enclosed in a new design heavy duty steel, galvanised, slim line full frame. It includes an integrated stainless steel brake tank, a support shelf for the 18 litre fuel tank and is still compact enough to fit through conventional domestic doorways.
60 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
Viega’s Sanpress Inox: The non-rusting piping system Viega’s Sanpress Inox stainless steel system has been long regarded throughout Europe as the perfect drinking water system. And in Australia, with a trend towards stainless steel in multi-storey buildings as the main riser for the higher pressure rating of the pipe, the Sanpress Inox system provides an effective and efficient solution. “Sanpress Inox provides the complete system for the highest degree of safety in drinking water installation and it can be used with all kinds of drinking water, without restriction,” says Rod Luker, Viega’s National Sales Manager Australia. The high-grade stainless steel Viega Sanpress Inox system encompasses a comprehensive range of high alloyed, non-rusting stainless press connectors, pipe and system fittings for plumbing and building services. The focus is on safety, hygiene, ease of use, precision and durability. The press connectors are available in sizes between 15 and 108mm. Sanpress Inox uses reliable Viega press technology, thus ensuring the maximum comfort during assembly, even in hard to reach places. The superiority of the press connection is in its lightning quick and easy assembly. Its versatility means the system can be used for residential, industrial and gas installations. A key component of Viega’s Sanpress Inox system is the innovative Smart Connect – Feature, a small channel on the bead of the press connector which enables testing for un-pressed fittings of a complete installation, centrally and conveniently using a manometer. Dry leakage and load testing using compressed air is also possible. This provides hygienic advantages, as it prevents water being present in the system between the completion of the installation and its commissioning. For more about Sanpress Inox visit viega.com.au
Portable effluent pump Australian Pump has announced the availability of a new cost effective single phase submersible pump designed for septic tank applications. Called the UT series, the pump is manufactured by Tsurumi Pump, the world’s largest submersible pump manufacturer. Designed specifically for effluent and sewage applications, the pump is fitted with a unique vortex style impeller that passes compressible solids of up to 35mm in diameter. Australian Pump claims these cast iron pumps produce great flow versus head characteristics and are extremely efficient. Maximum flow available form the range is 440 lpm while maximum lift, or vertical head is 12.5 metres. The pumps are powered by single phase, capacitor start, electric motors in the range of 0.4kW to 0.75kW. All pumps are supplied with a heavy duty 10 metre submersible cable. “The UT series are loaded with features designed to give home owners and operators the best possible longevity and low maintenance costs,” said Aussie Pumps’ Craig Bridgement. “The best news for customers is our ability to match the quality and features of the pump with a low purchase cost. We’ve been able to slash prices by 35% based on our expanded volumes,” he said. Tsurumi incorporate a number of features that enhance the life expectancy of the pump and cut maintenance costs. These include a unique anti-wicking cable gland. Water is prevented from wicking down inside the cable. The motor is protected even if the cable is damaged or the end accidentally immersed.
CUT & CLEAN CONCRETE CUTTING • SLURRY RECYCLING
Cut and Clean Concrete Cutting is a specialist provider of concrete and asphalt cutting services. We have been working in the civil industry for over 25 years and provide a 24/7 service. - Concrete/ Asphalt Flat sawing to depths up to 525 mm. - Slurry Vacuuming and Recycling - Hand sawing to depths up to 150 mm. - Core holes up to any size - Silence blades (up to 375 mm deep) - Hydraulic Sawing
PHONE: (03) 9458 1434 MOBILE: 0412 311 963 WEBSITE: www.cutandclean.com.au EMAIL: info@cutandclean.com.au
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product news Choosing a ‘default’ super fund for your business All businesses are required to nominate a default super fund in order to make super contributions to employees who have not chosen to go with their own preferred super fund. When a new employee begins working for your business, you will need to provide them with a ‘choice form’ within 28 days from their start date. If your new employee doesn’t choose their own preferred super fund, you will need to pay their super contributions to your nominated ‘default’ fund.
How you could benefit from choosing Cbus as your ‘default’ super fund As an industry super fund with over 30 years of experience in the building and construction industries, with broad knowledge in the plumbing industry, we understand your business has unique super needs.
Cbus can help to make superannuation easy for your business. We’ll make it quick and simple for you to manage super contributions for your employees, through our SuperStreamcompliant payment system. We’ll also help you to understand and comply with legislative super changes, keeping you informed with regular updates.
Alternatively you can call our dedicated Customer service team on 1300 361 784, email cbusenq@cbusmail.com.au, or visit cbussuper.com.au for more information.
How to choose Cbus as your default super fund If you’d like to make us your default super fund, all you need to do is join Cbus as an Employer, register for QuickSuper – our Cbus Clearing House payment system, and print out a copy of the standard Choice form, with Cbus’ details prepopulated.
Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy. The Cbus Clearing House service is provided by Westpac Banking Corporation ACN 007 457 141 AFSL 233714 for Cbus employers. Before using the clearing house service you should read the Quicksuper Employer Terms and Conditions issued by Westpac Banking Corporation to decide whether the Clearing House Service is right for you. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262
Evo Build Products – Complete Lead Free Flashing Range Back in 2005 Evo Building Products launched Wakaflex in Australia. This was the first major technological advancement in flashing since the year 1400 when the term flashing was first coined in Middle English. Since then, Wakaflex has gone on to become the world’s best-selling lead free flashing with over 48,000km installed. That’s enough to go around the world 1.2 times. After creating a new flashing category, Evo Building Products didn’t waste any time and launched another advanced flashings in 2010 called Smartform. This highly flexible flashing option has a unique aluminium creped surface that can actually expand up to 60%, and also has a fully self-adhesive butyl backing. In 2015, Evo Building Products decided it was time to yet again advance the technology applied to lead free flashings by creating Dakaflash, which bridges the gap between Wakaflex and Smartform. Dakaflash is a six layered composite
62 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | March 2016
laminate material including creped aluminium, aluminium mesh, PET fleece and a butyl adhesive. The creped surface enables an unrivalled stretchability not matched by any metal flashing, while the 100% butyl adhesive ensures a watertight seal and guaranteed protection from lifting in high wind conditions. Embedded within the butyl is the same aluminium mesh that’s woven into the main body of Wakaflex. This provides Dakaflash with an extra reinforcement and rigidity to fight the weathering elements. The mesh also expands when dressed across any complicated roof profile to provide a lasting memory and a beautiful contoured shape that ensures that Dakaflash will never lift in any condition. Dakaflash joins the highly regarded line up of lead free flashings supplied by Evo Building Products and they all possess the same key features that make them the first choice for any new project. They are all non-toxic, installed in full 5m lengths, are at least 50% quicker to
install than lead and are all lighter and safer to move around the work site. The entire Evo Building Products lead free flashing range also comes with a 10 year warranty. Dakaflash is suitable for almost every traditional flashing application and excels when used with extreme profiles such as verandas carports and patios. Whether it’s for a new build or maintenance, Dakaflash will be perfect for the job. Find out more at evobuild.com.au
Connect Your Pipe The Smarter Way
Push-Fit Fittings and Tools for easy plumbing of water in Residential or Commercial applications.
8 No clamps 8 No adhesives 8 No soldering
• Fits 1/2” and 3/4” copper tube, SmarteX 16mm and 20mm PE-Xb pipe, in various combinations.
• Recommended water temperature -50°C to +70°C (maximum temperature 100°C).
Saves Time Quick to install, saving you time on installation.
Secure Fit Fittings firmly grip the tube creating a secure fit.
Easy to Use Very easy to install... just cut pipe and push to fit.
• Combination fittings convert copper tube to pex pipe
• Fittings to suit a variety of applications
SmarteX-C: Manufactured from DR Brass to AS3688. Watermark License WM71225 – to suit copper to manufactured to Australia Standard AS1432-2004 SmarteX-P: Manufactured from DR Brass to AS2537. Watermark License WM71224 – to suit SmarteX PE-Xb pipe Smartex PE-Xb Pipe: Watermark License number WM71223, certified to AS/NZS2492. PN20: (Nominal Working pressure of 2.00 MPa)
• Approved and safe for underground use.
Push-Fit Fittings For Copper and PE-Xb MUST BE INSTALLED BY A LICENCED PLUMBER
For product information www.smartex.com.au
product news Keep your cash flowing with simPRO Payments simPRO Payments enables you to collect payment quickly and securely by credit card, eliminating the need for merchant facilities.
* For the first office user licence – a saving of $69/month. Additional licences available at $69/month. ** For the first Connect mobile licence – a saving of $29/month. Additional licences available at $29/month. * Offer is valid for MPAQ, MPANSW, MPAT and MPMSAA members only. Includes one free simPRO Service office licence and one simPRO Connect field licence for the life of the Master Plumbers Membership.
Onsite With simPRO Payments and the simPRO Connect mobile app, your technicians can collect payment in the field as soon as a job is complete, by creating an invoice and processing payments on their mobile device.
Online The online payment option is just as simple. Send your customer on electronic invoice via email with a payment option included – payment can be underway in just one click.
Over the phone If a customer prefers an over the phone payment, all that’s required is entering the customer’s credit card information into the simPRO system, and payment can be processed immediately. If you’re already a simPRO client, setting up simPRO Payments is easy. See the Help Guide for further information: helpguide.simprogroup.com/ simpropayments. Or, if you’re not a simPRO client, you can get started today and take advantage of our exclusive offer for Master Plumbers members.
Special offer for Master Plumbers members All new and current Master Plumbers members receive their first simPRO Service licence* and first simPRO Connect licence** completely free of charge for the life of their Master Plumbers membership. Visit simprogroup.com/au/ membersmasterplumbers
Bosch hot water Medium density housing now accounts for more than half of all housing approvals in major capital cities of Australia and this trend shows no signs of letting up. With a growing population, smart design around medium density housing has become increasingly important. Bosch Hot Water and Heating have recently developed an internal continuous flow gas hot water system sized specifically for the requirements for the medium density building sector. The 4000S is available in capacities of 12lL/min, 16L/min, 20L/min, which are ideally suited to the requirements of medium density developments. Continuous flow technology ensures there is no limitation on shower duration, and the 6 star energy efficiency rating means that the 4000S is one of the most efficient hot water technologies for medium density. Bosch’s patented Optiflow combustion management technology ensures the 4000S operates with optimum efficiency over its lifetime by constantly monitoring and adjusting gas and air ratios in the combustion process.
RIDGID® Inner Tube Core Barrel Wrench Building upon a proud heritage of delivering innovative tools to the market, Ridge Tool Australia announces the Inner tube core barrel wrench as part of RIDGID’s commitment to continual development of technological precision products. Introducing the newest RIDGID® specialty wrench with a unique gripping surface that prevents damage to the surface of the core barrel shape. • Replaceable inserts significantly extend the life of the wrench • Specially engineered insert surface maximises grip strength while minimising tube abrasion • Three jaw design prevents tube distortion • Double torsion spring prevents disengagement and allows single handed ratchet action
Available sizes Cat No.
Description
Wrenches 46378
Wrench, N INR Tube Core Barrel
46363
Wrench, H INR Tube Core Barrel
The design flexibility of the 4000S derives from its nature as a room sealed appliance. The coaxial flue both simultaneously draws in and expels air to the outside of the building, meaning the 4000S can be installed in virtually any position in a dwelling.
46373
Wrench, B INR Tube Core Barrel
46368
Wrench, P INR Tube Core Barrel
In addition, its compact size and stylish design assist designers to minimise the physical and cosmetic impingement of the hot water system on limited space available in a medium density development.
Preplacement inserts 48323
Inserts, Size N INR Tube Core Barrel (set)
48358
Inserts, Size H INR Tube Core Barrel (set)
48713
Inserts, Size B INR Tube Core Barrel (set)
48718
Inserts, Size P INR Tube Core Barrel (set)
The Ridge Tool Company is a world leading manufacturer of professional quality pipe and tube working tools serving the plumbing, mechanical, construction, HVAC, location and facility maintenance industries, and now the electrical industry. The RIDGID® trademark is recognized by professional tradespersons and engineers for uncompromising product quality, performance, durability and service. For more visit ridgid.com.au
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155
155 365
120
365
50
Vario Pan Vario Connector Conn
120
50
Wa
633
90 MI
633
Vario Pan Vario Connector Conn 775
775 400
102
102
Wa
400
185
300
300
80
85
85 185 190 300
190
80 216
216
300
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170 MA 17
product news Smart Fire Protection from Bostik As a global brand, Bostik continues its dedication to creating innovative and intelligent solutions to the problems that face modern living. The organisation is driven by a core mission to manufacture products that make our world safer, more flexible, efficient and responsive to the challenges we face. Bostik’s new range of Fire Rated Expanda Foams adds to the company’s line-up of already reputable Fire Rated building products (Fireban One and Firecaulk). Available in a gun grade or manually dispensed aerosol, Bostik Fire Rated Expanda Foam’s boast excellent fire retardant and acoustic properties. Ideal for all manner of cavity filling and sealing applications, the new range carries with it Bostik’s reputation for high quality, premium adhesives and sealants.
Features and Benefits: • Professional grade • Fire retardant for up to 4 hours (tested to AS1530.4-2005) • Very high yield (up to 30L) • Low post expansion • Multi-purpose – seals, fills cavities, minimises sound and eliminates draughts. • Excellent adhesion to most surfaces • Can be applied at any angle • CFC free propellant (harmless to ozone layer) • Range includes Expanda Gun & Foam Cleaner for removing excess foam • Precision application and dosage with new Expanda Designer Gun For more information on Fire Rated Expanda Foam or other Bostik products, visit bostik.com.au
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Next generation water-heating technology is here With the new year comes Dux Hot Water’s release of a superior range of continuous flow water heaters. Engineered and made by Noritz, Japan’s leader in continuous flow water heater technology and the new owner of Dux. Dux’s latest range of condensing and non-condensing water heaters boasts a minimum 6 star energy rating and 12 year heat exchanger warranty. In addition to the traditional, non-condensing range in Natural Gas and LPG, Dux is introducing the Continuous Flow condensing water heater in both 21L and 26L capacities. These higher performing, next generation models offer lower running costs and higher efficiency in a compact size and are fast becoming the products of choice in Japan, Europe and USA. So, how do they work? Essentially, the condensing range uses a secondary heat exchanger to capture around 150 degrees in heat energy. This is put to use to heat the water a second time, while lowering the output exhaust temperature, resulting in lower running costs and gas bills for homeowners. With a 6.7 star energy rating, payback under 2 years and ongoing savings for at least the 12 year warranty period, it’s easy to see why the Dux range of Condensing Systems is the future of Continuous Flow Gas Water Heaters. For further details, please contact Dux on 1300 365 115 or visit dux.com.au
Delonghi ICONIC Hunt Heating are pleased to announce the arrival of the ICONIC Towel Rails manufactured by Delonghi Italy. ICONIC offers a sophisticated, high quality selection of straight towel rails. With a bold rail design, this stunning collection is ideal for any modern or traditional bathroom, complementing the surroundings and environment. Manufactured in Italy to EN442 standards the four different sizes in this range are all available in hydronic only, electric only and duel fuel configurations as well as 188 RAL colours on top of the best in class chrome plated mirror finish. All dual fuel and electric only versions are supplied with a thermostatically controlled electric element certified to Australian standards complete with plug. Each product is provided with a 10 year Delonghi manufacturer’s warranty and 5 year electric element warranty. Following six basic installation steps the electric Iconic range is easy to install and suitable for DIY. The range is supplied with unique solid brass fittings providing a superb inline fixing system, finished in the highly durable electroplated chrome. In June 2016, Iconic will also be available in horizontal versions with the option of time and temperature programmable electric heating elements to suit any and all customer requirements. With more than 30 years’ experience and €2 million invested per annum inside product development, it is clear why Delonghi remain a market leader in designer bathroom accessories. Delonghi ICONIC is exclusively distributed by Australia’s leading hydronic distributor, Hunt Heating. To find out more visit huntheat.com.au
IMMERGAS RANGE. CLIMATE CONTROL SOLUTIONS FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS. QUALITY IN SERVICE | MADE IN ITALY | 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE | OVER 5 MILLION BOILERS INSTALLED
On February 5, 1964, Immergas was born from the desire to create reliable, innovative products, designed to last and improve people’s lives. 50 years on and Immergas, the leading Italian and Australian hydronic system solution provider, continues to insist on developing new designs, increasing industy training and education, quality assurance and attention to the environment and consumption through new technologies. SHOWROOM
11 Fiveways Boulevard Keysborough VIC 3173 PHONE 1300 00 1800 FAX (+613) 9798 5133 enquiries@huntheat.com.au
www.huntheat.com.au