plumbing AUSTRALIAN
S U M M E R
Your industry magazine
Boost women in plumbing Beware the dormant building Your say on insurance
2 0 2 1
plumbingplus.com.au
, Now thats a Trade focussed. Total coverage. With our national footprint and 320+ member network, Plumbing Plus has the trade covered right across Australia. Our members are all proudly independent, but have one thing in common – an absolute belief in the power of top-shelf service. Our members go over, above AND beyond to make sure you get what you need, when you need it. No ifs, no buts and no excuses. We believe that’s a better way to trade.
We’re open to going the extra mile. Plumbing Plus members go all out to support the customers that support them. We know that our business relies on it. And that’s why we go the extra mile – often quite literally. We’ll keep the doors open after closing if that means keeping you as a customer. And that’s made us a lot of friends over the years. Speaking of which, Plumbing Plus has been around for more than 40 years – firstly as the M7 Group, and now, following the merger with Plumbtec, an all-new look for Plumbing Plus. It’s a history we’re very proud of. But we also know that it’s all about the future, and that we’re only as good as our last delivery!
Competitive prices? More like mates’ rates! Plumbing Plus’ $2 billion buying power means our members, and customers like you, get exceptional pricing on a huge range of famous brand products and exclusive ranges. But for us, it’s more than just great prices – it’s the advice that goes along with it. Advice you can trust. Advice that’s independent. Advice that comes from experts.
National footprint. Local & loyal. Every Plumbing Plus member is independent. And while they all enjoy the collaborative buying power of the group and the camaraderie that goes with being a part of something bigger, they know where their success has come from. And that’s why Plumbing Plus members are fiercely loyal to their local customers, many of whom they consider mates. Don’t just take our word for it, put us to the test.
If you want to experience The Better Way to Trade™ you can find your local Plumbing Plus member at plumbingplus.com.au
plumbingplus.com.au
Contents
20
22
Features
Regulars
12 The dormant building
24 Marsh Insurance 30 Member news 38 Product news
Recommissioning of plumbing systems in vacant buildings
26 Australian Plumbing Industry magazine 15/306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056 australianplumbingindustry.com.au
14 Stop the damage
Subscription changes
Testing of mixers can eradicate the potential for damage
To change your details or to unsubscribe, call 1800 133 871 or email info@plumber.com.au
20 Family ties Learn the secret to the Urquhart family’s 86 years of success
Unique experiences from Antarctica
Contacts Publisher
22 Stay in the black Tips and self-help tools about gambling habits
Print post number: PP100019076
See page 16
The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) E australianplumbing@plumber.com.au
Advertising
26 Your membership A year where our industry and Association met and set the standard
Marc Wilson T 0419 107 143 E advertising@plumber.com.au
Suppliers The new Women in Plumbing initiative will support female students, apprentices, and plumbers at every step of their journey. Full story, page 8. From left to right: Jessah Iliopoulos, Michaela Healey and Colleen Gill. Cover photo: Meredith O’Shea.
Disclaimer API is published for the plumbing industry and Master Plumbers Members by the Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) ABN: 56 296 473 997. Responsibility for comment in respect of elections in Master Plumbers is taken by Peter Daly of 15/306 Albert Street, Brunswick, VIC, 3056. Advertising: No responsibility is accepted by the publisher for accuracy of information contained in advertisements in API. Publication of any advertisements does not constitute endorsement by the publisher of any product, nor warrant its suitability. Advertisements are published as submitted by advertisers. Copyright: No part of this magazine may be produced without the publisher’s written permission Contributors: The views of external contributors and advertisers are not necessarily the views of Master Plumbers. Master Plumbers supports green printing initiatives. This magazine has been printed on FSC® certified paper using vegetable based inks by Southern Colour under ISO 14001 environmental certification.
4 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
saltcreative.com.au southerncolour.com.au ddmail.com.au
NEW ABEY SPACE SAVER UNDER VANITY WASTE
SAVE SPACE IN YOUR BATHROOM Self-Closing Space Saver Waste Valve
WV-1-A Horizontal Waterless Trap
NO MORE OF THIS
Unlike traditional traps that uses a water trap within a bulky ‘U’ bend pipe, Abey’s Space Save has an internal membrane which opens under water pressure to allow discharge to flow freely and then closes to form a seal to prevent foul odour or sewer gas entering the building.
THE TRADESMAN’S CHOICE
ABEY FANTASTIC PLASTIC PLUMBING PRODUCTS
abeytrade.com.au
TCC 20500
Abey’s new Space Saver with Self Closing Waste Valve has been designed for bathroom basins to give you back your valuable vanity space. Bulky ugly waste traps are a thing of the past. Low profile in design the Space Saver Waste valve brings the pipe plumbing straight to the back of your vanity giving you more storage space below the basin cabinet.
30
YEARS
Go with the brand Australian Plumbers trust. t Built to last t No power required t No battery replacement required www.bosch-climate.com.au
t No flow restrictor required t Pilot and Hydro models available
We wish members and their families a safe and enjoyable break
Welcome
from the President and CEO
Reflecting on events in the past year, it is amazing how time has simultaneously passed so quickly and so slowly. In many ways, it has been back to the future, with this same column in 2020 reporting on the COVID pandemic impact on our industry. Who would have thought that 12-months later we could essentially write the same words? Of course, you would need to substitute 2021’s earthquake and floods for the 2020 bushfires. It has certainly been a tumultuous time. The big difference though is
We take this opportunity to
and widespread standdowns in
the outlook. This time last year
acknowledge and pay tribute to
the plumbing industry due to
vaccinations were still unproven
our members and our industry
maintenance plumbing companies
and not in use, we were locked
leaders for their contribution to
not being able to obtain public
down with a handful of new cases
this response.
liability insurance.
It’s now onto new challenges for
Master Plumbers advocacy on
our industry and the resumption of
insurance and a range of other
some of the old battles too.
issues important to members will
creating trepidation and uncertainty for business. We now stand tried and tested by the pandemic but (in Victoria and NSW at least) largely open and free of restrictions as we learn to live with daily case numbers fluctuating in a society in which more than nine in 10 people are fully vaccinated. In the past two years, despite the
Master Plumbers’ 2021 Insurance Survey confirmed what we knew
be a priority in 2022 as we head into Federal and State elections.
anecdotally about the issues with
After another turbulent and
cost and availability of mandatory
uncertain year, we hope all members
plumbing insurance.
can have a well-deserved rest and
The data clearly demonstrates the
celebration during the annual shutdown.
pain faced by many, the building and
urgent need for the Victorian
construction industry did not fail.
Government to instigate a complete
On behalf of the Master Plumbers
review and modernisation of the
Board and National Council, we
Ministerial Order, which is now
wish members and their families a
decades old.
safe and enjoyable break and we
It proved its flexibility and resilience with a spirit of cooperation that produced world-leading guidelines
look forward to a more stable 2022!
and practices to keep workers and
In a déjà vu moment as we write
the community safe as critical
this column, a Life Member sent us
Scott Dowsett
infrastructure was delivered and
a chain of correspondence from
President, Master Plumbers
vital services were provided to the
19 years ago warning the (then)
Peter Daly
community.
Planning Minister of imminent
CEO, Master Plumbers www.plumber.com.au | 7
Women in plumbing
8 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
Women in Plumbing will support female students, apprentices, and plumbers at every step of their journey
Only about 1 per cent of employees in the plumbing industry are women
Anne Boyle wishes the new Women in Plumbing initiative was around when she was an apprentice plumber in her native UK. Only announced last month, Kathryn Kernohan investigates the need for this important plumbing program. “It would have been so good just to be able to see that I wasn’t alone being a woman in the plumbing industry,” Anne Boyle tells API magazine. “Something like this just normalises it. It helps girls and women to realise that there are many career pathways in the construction industry, and it gives them the support they need to succeed.” Earlier this year Anne joined Master Plumbers as a Field Officer primarily involved in the new Women in Plumbing program, which was recently announced as one of 10 new initiatives funded by the Victorian Government to remove barriers faced by women wanting to start a rewarding career in traditionally male-dominated trades like plumbing, electrical and aviation.
“My job is to target careers advisors, teachers, schools and LLENs (Local Learning and Employment Networks) so that they have the right information to provide to female students who may be considering a career in a trade but don’t know where to begin.” Anne’s own journey starting with a plumbing apprenticeship at age 16, travelling throughout Europe and a decade-long detour working in hospitality management. After relocating to Australia, she decided to return to her first passion
and is thrilled that she can help support the career pathways of the next generation of female plumbers. “I feel like this is my calling as I can relate to what these women are going through – from leaving school to start a trade, to doing an apprenticeship, to being the only woman among 200 men working on a site. Being able to use my experience and my knowledge is so rewarding.” Mechanical plumber Stephanie Burke says having access to a network of female plumbers to provide support and advice will be invaluable.
While there have been efforts to increase the number of female plumbers, only about 1 per cent of employees in the plumbing industry are women, according to the National Skills Commission’s Job Outlook website. Women in Plumbing is a Master Plumbers and Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV) initiative that will support female students, apprentices, and plumbers at every step of their journey, including providing paid preapprenticeships, direct entry to Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (Master Plumbers’ Group Training Organisation) and an array of networking, mentoring, training, and social opportunities. Anne Boyle (left), Stephanie Burke (above) www.plumber.com.au | 9
We want every woman to know that it’s never too late to get involved
“My best friend is a plumber and we’ve been friends since we were 12. We’ve always had each other but to have a group of female friends, all thriving in the same industry, would be awesome. “That support network is really important. I’ve had tough times during my apprenticeship, such as sexism and bullying. When I was in the middle of it, I needed someone I could talk to, who I knew would listen to me. Making those types of networks available would make things much easier.” Stephanie says that educating school leavers about the types of jobs available in the plumbing industry – a key goal of the Women in Plumbing initiative – will also break down barriers. “A lot of people don’t realise how many different sectors there are in the industry, they just think plumbing means you work with toilets and sewerage every day. Making that information available will help give other women the knowledge they need to consider a career in this industry.” Second-year apprentice Amy Hutchinson agrees.
Fast Fact
Women in Plumbing will support everybody from school leavers through to women who are established in other careers and looking for a change
“To me, it is incredibly important for people to realise that they can literally do anything and gender bias in a career needs to be completely eradicated. It’s one thing to talk about helping women but it’s another to actually do it and that’s what is happening here,” she says. Amy comes from a family of male plumbers and says it took her a while to realise she wanted to follow in their footsteps. “It wasn’t until just after COVID hit when I decided it was time to put the boots on and give it a go. I was lucky enough to get a job with Tullamarine Plumbing and Drainage and I feel that I’m finally somewhere I can see myself for a very long time.”
“We know that women can be great plumbers and already have the runs on the board here at PAV to prove it. Now it is time to amplify our impact and enable more women to succeed in this rewarding career.” Anne says Women in Plumbing will support everybody from school leavers through to women who are established in other careers and looking for a change. “We want every woman to know that it’s never too late to get involved. We are also excited about being able to connect with our growing network face-to-face now that lockdowns have eased.”
Her passion for supporting women in the industry extends to having created Stokes Lane Workwear, which will launch in coming months, and feature a range of items designed to fit women’s body shapes. Natalie Reynolds, Master Plumbers’ General Manager Business Development & Operations, says Women in Plumbing builds on the work Master Plumbers is doing every day.
For more information on the program contact Anne Boyle on 0487 433 828, email womeninplumbing@plumber.com.au or visit womeninplumbing.com.au
Women in construction 2.5%
10 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
of all construction trades workers in Victoria are women, and this falls to less than 1% in the plumbing industry
Easy Insurance for Hard Working Tradies Competitive premiums No height restrictions Errors and Omissions (Products) cover Meets Victorian Building Authority insurance requirements Get a quote online quickly Get your Certificate of Currency straight after you have successfully arranged insurance
Visit www.marshplumbers.com.au and arrange your Plumbers Public Liability Insurance online.
Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238 369)(Marsh) arrange this insurance and are not an insurer. When arranging Public Liability Insurance, Marsh act under binding authority on behalf of Pacific Underwriting Corporation Pty Ltd (ABN 77 091 225 535, AFSL 237 270), who act as agent of the insurer, Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL 239 687). This brochure contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs and may not suit your personal circumstances. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers and before making any decision about whether to acquire the product, refer to the specific policy wordings available from Marsh. The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia receives a financial benefit when an insurance policy is arranged by Marsh LCPA 20/479 S21-1010
Beware the
dormant building Plumbing systems rely on regular use to work effectively and in some cases safely. There are many examples: • One singular flush of your toilet may not effectively remove all the waste from your sanitarydrainage system. • Grease that might be part of a kitchen sink wash-up can stick to the insides of waste pipes that have had limited or no use for an extended period. • Water supply systems, in particular hot water supply systems, rely on a regular flow through the pipes to reduce the possibility of the water cooling to a temperature that might encourage the growth of Legionella bacteria. 12 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
Here’s how to recommission plumbing systems in a building that has been vacant for a prolonged period: Ventilation Owner, occupiers and building managers should seek independent advice regarding ventilation requirements and minimum recommended regular air changes specific to their building design and use. This advice should be sought from a qualified Mechanical Services Engineer. Water supply Flush all cold-water pipework first and then the hot water pipework. Individually flush, with clean water, all appliances connected to the water service – coffee machines, ice machines, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. If possible,
As your clients return to residential and commercial buildings after a long COVID-19 hiatus or just a long winter, ensure they understand the risks. Master Plumbers Chief Technical Advisor Gary Bath explains.
remove aerators, shower hoses and point-of-use water filters. Flush each cold-water outlet for one minute (start with any outside taps and/or water points that are closest to where the water supply enters the building). In the case of multiple, closely located taps, like in toilet blocks, flush the first tap for one minute and all others for 30 seconds. If your building’s water supply is stored in a tank, (excluding a domestic rainwater tank) consult your plumber as it may require chemical dosing of that supply. Any testable backflow device should be tested annually by a licensed plumber. Precautions should be considered to avoid generating aerosols when flushing water services and appropriate personal protective
equipment used. Replace aerators, and point-of-use water filters that were removed after flushing, Hot-water supply Flush each hot water outlet for a minimum of 30 seconds. Any thermostatic mixing valve should be tested annually by a licenced plumber to ensure safe operation. Precautions should also be considered to avoid generating aerosols when flushing heated water services. Personal protective equipment must be used. Taps in locations such as kitchen sinks and laundry troughs may not be tempered, and care should be taken to avoid scalding when flushing these taps.
basins, floor-wastes etc. This will ensure that all fixture traps have a water seal which may have evaporated over the period of non-use. The water seal will prevent smell from the sewer entering the building. Any lingering smell after this action should be reported to your licenced plumber. Gas appliances You may be required to re-start gas appliances such as storage hotwater services and heating systems. All gas appliances should be serviced by an individual qualified to carry out the work (every two-years minimum). Heating and cooling systems should be operated prior to occupation.
Sanitary-drainage system
Refrigerated air-conditioning systems
Flush each toilet and run water through all sinks, troughs, showers,
Small ducted or console systems should be regularly serviced and
cleaned by a qualified person. For larger systems, consult your licensed refrigeration mechanic or mechanical services plumber. Please note, some larger systems will need to have cooling towers checked for cleanliness and chemically dosed as necessary. Check any evaporative cooling systems with your licenced plumber and have these cleaned and serviced before the summer period. Every building is different and additional work may be necessary to ensure buildings are safely recommissioned before occupancy. Building managers should contact their maintenance providers to ensure buildings are safely recommissioned before occupancy where necessary. www.plumber.com.au | 13
Stop the damage Testing a hot and cold-water service post installation has become increasingly problematic due to the increased use of mixers, Master Plumbers’ technical Advisor, Aaron Bridger, explains. In the past it was easy to leave out a set of washers in a breech to ensure that the shower outlets and hot-water lines were pressure tested. This testing also provided an opportunity to flush lines of any foreign material. Equally, this testing is important for mixers (as well as limiting valves, etc). It can eradicate the potential for damage. As outlined in AS/NZS 3500.1, a hydrostatic test is required to be performed. The testing clause states, water services shall not show any leakage when subjected to a hydrostatic pressure of 1500 kPa for a period of more than 30 minutes. Our issue arises with the 1500 kPa figure. Most mixer cartridges cannot be subjected to pressures greater than 500-600 kPa. There are some that allow up to 1000 kPa but very few allow the full 1500 kPa required to satisfy the standard. When the cartridges are over pressurised, it often leads to damage of the cartridge, which requires cartridge replacement. Furthermore, there are some piping systems that are available that have their own testing procedures. Failure to achieve the required pressure (or in some cases too much pressure) may result in no coverage of product warranty.
14 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
So, to protect mixer cartridges from either over pressure or damage from flushing through foreign matter, Danial from Keralton Plumbing thought there had to be a solution. He created a prototype of what is now known as the Test Piston. There have been many modifications to the design to get it to the point that the team at Keralton Plumbing are happy to bring it to the market. The Test Piston is straight forward and easy to use. As shown in the images, it is installed by removing the current mixer cartridge. The rubber ring is placed on the bottom of the plastic piston and installed into the cartridge housing. The test piston in then secured into the housing with the existing locking nut. With the piston in place, you are now ready to test. You can now safely and confidently test to 1500 kPa, ensuring you comply to the required standard and maintain your warranties and insurance. The Test Pistons are sold exclusively by Keralton Plumbing. They are available in both 34mm and 38mm and come in packs of 10. For more information, email admin@keraltonplumbing.com.au
2021
TICKETS ON SALE NOW THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022
P L U M B I N G F I R E AWA R D S . C O M . A U
PFIA 2021-NEW DATE.indd 1
www.plumber.com.au | 15 22/11/2021 1:09:01 PM
Plumbing and beyond Few people in the plumbing industry have chalked up as many unique experiences as Shane Bilson, he spoke to Kathryn Kernohan from one of Australia’s permanent research stations in Antarctica.
16 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
Shane Bilson’s plumbing career has taken him from Ballarat to Antarctica, via Uluru and Ethiopia. “I started my apprenticeship in Ballarat in 1977 where I had a variety of work from public housing maintenance through to installing heating, a mix of commercial and industrial work,” he says. “When I finished my apprenticeship, I worked in Queensland and the Northern Territory in a variety of plumbing jobs, (including) spending 12 months working as a construction plumber at Uluru when they started building the Yulara Tourist Village. I saved enough money to head overseas for two years, which stretched into six years, (where) the biggest eye opener was supplying water to a refugee camp in Ethiopia in the famine of 1984.” Having already racked up countless frequent flyer miles throughout his
I really wanted to go to Antarctica because I’d been to every other continent and wanted to tick them all off and it did sound like such an amazing place, and was very difficult to get to career, Shane had a chance encounter with someone who had worked as a chef as part of the Australian Antarctic Program and decided to throw his hat in the ring.
environment and life form, with the program supported by skilled station leaders, tradespeople, scientists, doctors, and chefs. Shane took part in two months of training in Hobart prior to his first Antarctic expedition in early 2017.
“I was 55 and thought I’d be too old but put in an application anyway. It went well and I managed to get in. I really wanted to go to Antarctica because I’d been to every other continent and wanted to tick them all off and it did sound like such an amazing place that was very difficult to get to.”
“I was like a kid going on a big adventure. Getting kitted out with all the gear, meeting all the people I’d be working with and learning about what to expect when I got there. The other plumber was also a newbie, so excitement was pretty palpable and it wasn’t until we actually stepped ashore at Mawson that we believed it was really happening,” he says.
Australia operates three permanent research stations in Antarctica – at Mawson, Davis and Casey – as well as one on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. From these stations, worldclass scientists work to understand, conserve and protect Antarctica’s
“We met the departing plumbers and they showed us around – panic set in but it wasn’t long before it all started making sense. There’s heaps of support from the plumbers back at the AAD (Australian Antarctic Division) if you need it.” www.plumber.com.au | 17
Shane spoke to Australian Plumbing from Casey station, where he is on his third expedition. He is one of four plumbers at the station, where “technically two of us do maintenance and the other two do projects, but we cross over a bit.”
“We have a bar with a darts board and a pool table, as well as a nice cinema. There’s a couple of gyms, a library, reasonable internet and lots of interesting people with great stories and a wide range of life skills,” says Shane.
A typical workday runs from 7.30am to 4.30pm which provides challenges of its own – “in summer its 24 hours of daylight but in the depths of winter it doesn’t get light until after smoko and it’s dark just after lunch.”
“We have a big commercial kitchen that we also look after plumbingwise, and a chef who cooks great meals. We have a variety of theme nights such as quiz nights and mini golf, and the biggest day of the year is Midwinters Day where we go for a dip in a hole cut in the sea ice and then dress up for a formal dinner.”
Plumbing work in Antarctica spans day-to-day jobs to monthly, quarterly, six monthly and annual tasks. “As the maintenance plumbers, we have to collect water each morning from a frozen lake and transfer it into warmed holding tanks. We burn waste that can’t be shipped back to Australia such as food scraps and we maintain the waste treatment plant. There are quite a few things that are Antarctica-unique such as using a melt bell to collect water. “We deal with breakdowns as they arise, do small project jobs and fix things as we go, and work with all the other trades where needed. We also do a lot of training – you need to do survival training as well as field training which involves several nights out on the ice.” Each station operates like a small town, with its own activities and entertainment. 18 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
“There are also opportunities to go out to several huts scattered in various locations within a couple of hours of the station. They are in pretty amazing settings and in summer have access to penguins and seals which is pretty cool.” For the second time, Shane has put his hand up to serve as a Lay Surgical Assistant on the station. The program equips a small number of Antarctica-bound tradespeople and technicians with the skills they need to support the station doctor in case of a medical emergency. “I was trained as the assistant anesthetist, a good role for plumbers as you are dealing with gases, gauges and tubes. Pre-COVID we did two weeks of training in the operating theatres at Royal Hobart
Hospital (which) puts you in a good position so if something bad happened on the station, the shock of operating on someone would be out of the way and you could focus on the skills you learnt.” “Fortunately, I haven’t had to put anyone to sleep yet but I have helped with a couple of minor tasks such as putting a plaster cast on a wrist and being a dental nurse for a tricky filling. Holding that suction tube in the right spot and not sucking up your mate’s inner cheek is quite a skill.” Shane doesn’t hesitate to recommend the Antarctic experience to other plumbers. “I love the variety of work and the challenges of doing that work when there are no shops down the road. I love how closely you work with the other trades, I love watching the seasons change. Even the sounds of the blizzards hammering the buildings are awesome. “There’s probably not a day goes by that I don’t have a moment where I stop and just look around and think how privileged I am to be in such an amazing place that most people will never get the chance to see.” For more information about the Australian Antarctic Program, visit www.antarctica.gov.au
Cut installation time in half with the Evolution MKIII Pump from Kingspan The Evolution MKIII pump comes already installed on a Kingspan water tank to save YOU time. The unit fits neatly on top and inside of the tank, resulting in a more efficient use of space and a better overall appearance.
Add an Evolution MKIII to your Kingspan steel water tank today. EXCLUSIVE 4 YEAR WARRANTY Comes with up to 4 years warranty: 2 years standard + 2 years bonus when registering at kingspan.com.au/tankwarranty
1300 736 562
sales.au@kingspan.com
kingspan.com.au/water
Residential | Rural | Commercial
Automatic Heating Delivering above ground hot water solutions for over 95 years. Our range includes: Revere CO2 Heat Pumps Hot Water Heaters Duraflex Expansion tanks Saer Pumps Prefabricated Custom Build Hot Water Solutions
1800 337 959 sales@automaticheating.com.au automaticheating.com.au
Scan the QR code for further information
www.plumber.com.au | 19
70 years ago, an expanding plumbing business in the northeast Melbourne suburb of Heidelberg became a member of the Associated Master Plumbers of Victoria, which this year celebrates 130 years. Learn the secret to their success.
Don Urquhart, Luke, Rob Jnr, business partner Marshall Skinner, Rob Snr and Paul
20 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
In its 86-year history, RC Urquhart has employed four generations of the Urquhart family. Now on the 70-year anniversary of becoming a Master Plumbers member, the family have taken time to reflect on the businesses’ successes. Director Paul Urquhart, grandson of RC Urquhart founder Robert Urquhart says: “Helping my dad to prepare some information about the highlights and business changes along the way, it’s been really nice to reminisce about the different people we’ve had working with us along the way and feel proud about all we have achieved.” While the business has undergone many changes over its decades of operation, some things remain the same, such as RC Urquhart’s strong relationships with local clients. In the late 1930s, RC Urquhart manufactured a hot water system for nearby business PW Chains. Paul’s grandfather was to manufacture its own cylinder and install it around the exhaust pipe of a power generator, thus providing hot water at no cost for the factory. The relationship lasted for more than 80 years even after the client moved to neighbouring suburb Bundoora. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, RC Urquhart went into partnership with major retail chains including Coles, Woolworths and KMart, often working in refurbished sites. Above and below ground fire service work became a big focus in the 1980s, and a long-standing relationship with Network Fire Systems continues to this day. “The fire service work is probably still my favourite thing we do, probably because my dad had me doing it during my apprenticeship. I love training guys to work in that area and although I’ve been with the business for 36 years, I still get a bounce in my step when we land a decent fire-service job,” says Paul. Plumbing was always in Paul’s blood. His uncle, Robert Urquhart Jr, began work with the business as an
The fire service work is probably still my favourite thing we do. I love training guys to work in that area and although I’ve been with the business for 36 years, I still get a bounce in my step when we land a decent fire-service job.
“We have taken on young and mature-aged apprentices, and I think the key is to train them into your system so they can adapt right away. I think at the moment the group is probably the strongest we’ve had since the 1980s.”
apprentice at age 14. Paul’s father Donald started work in the late 1950s and took over the running of the business after Robert Snr passed away in 1966.
Paul is still on the tools “every now and then” but most of his time is devoted to the day-to-day running of the business alongside fellow Director Marshall Skinner.
Paul followed in his family’s footsteps by beginning his apprenticeship in 1985, at around the same time the business relocated to a yard and office on a newly purchased block of land on Northern Road, Heidelberg.
With RC Urquhart’s 90th anniversary not too far away, Paul reveals his hopes for a centenary celebration in the future.
“I actually spent two weeks doing work experience as a chippie but they turned me off by just getting me to sweep the floor,” he says with a laugh.
Relationships with long-standing clients continue but RC Urquhart also provides a broad range of domestic and commercial services across plumbing, gas fitting and roofing as well as fire hydrant and hose reel works.
“I’d love the business to get to 100 years. If it’s still running in the same name and still with the Urquharts involved, that would be a great achievement.”
“So, the next week I went back to plumbing and I never looked back. Some of my earliest memories as a kid was helping my dad on the weekends and going out on jobs with him.” Paul wasn’t the last Urquhart to join the business either – his cousin Luke started his apprenticeship in 2002, and the fourth-generation Robert Urquhart joined three years later. There are relatives in the office too, with company accountant Ian Urquhart having been with the business since the early 1960s and Paul’s siblings Donna and Cameron having spent a decade working in administration. In recent years RC Urquhart has downsized. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, there were about 20 plumbers employed but these days that number is closer to 15, including apprentices.
Master Plumbers celebrates 130 years In 1891, 57 plumbing contractors paid a £5 entrance fee and £1 subscription to create the new entity the Associated Master Plumbers of Victoria, now known as the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia. The member association has grown from strength to strength in that time, providing plumbing businesses like RC Urquhart with trusted information, advice and expertise. www.plumber.com.au | 21
Know how to stay
in the black
Having a flutter on the races or a bet on the footy is a pastime enjoyed by millions of Australians – and surveys show that tradies are among the groups of workers who love a punt as much as anyone.
22 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
Like a punt? You are not alone. But how much do you know about how to stay ahead of the game – like how much and how often you should gamble and the impact gambling can have on your finances, relationships and overall well-being? Incolink is the financial, health and wellbeing safety net for the construction industry, and provides a range of wellbeing and support services to Master Plumbers members.
Early warning signs that gambling can be becoming a problem include thinking about it constantly, betting larger and larger amounts and feeling guilty about your losses Experts also advise to keep drinking and gambling separate, and about equipping people with not to gamble when the tools they need to gamble responsibly, understand the risks upset or depressed. involved and when and how to seek help if they need it. As outlined by the website, some of the early warning signs that gambling can be becoming a problem include thinking about it constantly, betting larger and larger amounts and feeling guilty about your losses.
Their new online resource Doug the Mug is a one stop shop for tips and self-help tools about how to keep your gambling habits healthy – and what to do when things might be getting out of control.
Speaking of losses, they are always far more common than wins. According to Gamblers Help, the odds of winning the top prize on the pokies is one in almost 10 million and the odds of winning top prize in Tattslotto is one in 8.1 million.
“Many people gamble socially with friends for entertainment, and that’s ok when it’s done responsibly, within their means and it’s under control” says Master Plumbers CEO Peter Daly.
Always remember that the odds are stacked against you, and that gambling should be thought of as an entertainment expense, no different to buying tickets to a movie or a festival.
But unfortunately, what can be a hobby for some can become extremely harmful for others. These harms can range from financial, to emotional stress, relationship problems and even work performance.
Experts also advise to keep drinking and gambling separate, and not to gamble when upset or depressed. Bad moods and alcohol can impair decision making, and coupled with gambling can be a dangerous combination.
These resources are not about saying ‘don’t gamble’ – they’re
Only gambling with money you can afford to lose, and setting betting
Fast Facts
more
Per capita, Australians lose money gambling than any other country
The rate of sports betting among 18-24 year olds is
double that of the
overall adult population2
limits, are other ways to ensure you don’t get in too deep. If you think your gambling has become a problem, there are many resources available from the ability to block access to online gambling apps to Incolink’s free confidential support available 24/7. Some of the ways you can establish healthy guidelines around gambling include engaging in no more than two different types of gambling and gambling no more than four times a month. Setting and sticking to rules and boundaries can help to ensure that your gambling stays a healthy hobby and doesn’t stop you achieving the things you want to.
For more information, visit dougthemug.com.au For free, confidential, 24/7 support, call Incolink on 1300 000 129, Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblershelp.com.au
$
$25
More than billion was lost by Australian gamblers in 2018-193
$271 million was
spent by gambling companies in 2020 on advertising nationally1
1 O’Brien, K & Iqbal, M 2019, Extent of, and children and young people’s exposure to, gambling advertising in sport and non-sport TV, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Melbourne. 2 Rockloff, M, Browne, M, Hing, N, Thorne, H, Russell, A, Greer, N, Tran, K, Brook, K & Sproston, K 2020, Victorian population gambling and health study 2018–2019, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Melbourne. 3 Queensland Government Statistician’s Office, Queensland Treasury, Australian Gambling Statistics, Explanatory notes, 36th edition, 2021.
www.plumber.com.au | 23
Marsh Advantage Insurance Promotion
Know how to manage claims Keeping the workflow constant is a challenge. Don’t let managing claims take focus away from growing your business. Many businesses have faced interruption this year due to the COVID19 pandemic. Some have suffered financial loss. During these difficult times, managing claims can take you away from your focus – whether that be returning to work, accident risk, cyber threats, workers’ health and safety, and public-liability concerns. What cover options are available for plumbers? As new risks and situations arise it becomes more valuable to consider insurance solutions that are valuable for plumbers including: • • • •
Public Liability Personal Accident Tools and Equipment Commercial Motor Vehicle
Marsh can arrange insurance policies that help cover plumbers and their business in a variety of situations. The insurance needs of a plumbing business may depend on the type of
work, the business structure and specific activities completed. Our Trades team work with clients from a variety of trade background to gain a strong understanding of the risk exposures faced by the industry. With this in mind is it time to review your insurance policies? The answer to this question is largely dependent on the changes to your business since your policy was placed. If your business has undergone a recent change, whether it is structurally, staffing or the complexity of work, it should trigger an insurance review. As a rule of thumb, we recommend reviewing your policy every year to ensure your business is covered appropriately for its risk exposures. Before comparing a new insurance solution, it’s important to gain a strong understanding of your business risks. These risks can vary from ones that may cause major disruptions to those that will only
have a minor impact on business operations. As well as reviewing your business risks, it’s equally important to know the insurance requirements set by the state or territory in which you operate. In Victoria for example, plumbers must have compliant public liability insurance to receive or renew their licence. While liability insurance may not be compulsory in other states, if you were to cause accidental damage to a person or their property as a self-employed plumber, you could be liable to pay a substantial amount in compensation. Tip: Not all public liability insurance policies will cover tradies for work completed on buildings over two-storeys high. Be sure to include this in your risk assessment if you or a licensed trades’ employee and/or your business performs this type of work.
Talk to the team at Marsh to see how we can help with your plumbing business insurance enquiries on 1300 300 511 or trades@marshadvantage.com
Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238 369) (Marsh) arrange this insurance and are not an insurer. This brochure contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs and may not suit your personal circumstances. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers and before making any decision about whether to acquire the product, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from Marsh on request. The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia receives a financial benefit when an insurance policy is arranged by Marsh for one of its members. LCPA No. 21/428. 24 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
1
2
3
4
5
6
Door to conceal pump
www.plumber.com.au | 25
Understand your In a year that demanded resilience, Master Plumbers (Victoria) worked harder and smarter, and the results published in the 2021 Annual Report are testament to that. Below is an excerpt of the document. Unprecedented. Challenging. Uncertain. The past year has been many things. But above all, it has been a test of resilience. A year where our industry and our Association not only met the standard but set the standard. What you did not see in the daily case numbers or shutdown announcements was the result of an industry-wide offensive to keep construction safe and open. Never has the collective role of our Association, our businesses and our people been more critical in keeping the lights on, our sites safe and the economy moving forward. Through advocacy, development of leading COVID safe protocols and strict adherence on work sites, plumbing and construction remained largely open for business. Master Plumbers is proud of the role we have played for, and on behalf of, our members 26 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
and we move forward together as an industry running stronger, smarter, and future ready.
Growth and membership Master Plumbers recorded unprecedented growth in membership last year, reaching 1,000 members by 30 June 2021, collectively representing over 6,500 plumbing professionals across Victoria. New benefits New member portal: Making it easier for members to self-serve, access their benefits, engage with the Association and each other. New CPD library: A one-stop-shop for members to search for courses, login directly to their portal to record CPD activity and manage their accounts. Web-chat function: A new ‘chat bot’
on our website to enable members to engage with our experts via SMS. Digital marketing support: A series of webinars, resources, and advisory services to help members boost their online presence and stand out to customers and search engines alike. Next-gen leadership: A new campaign to encourage members to play a more active role in the Association. Mental health and wellbeing: A dedicated series of webinars, podcasts, and resources to support mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic. COVID Care packages: Including free, unlimited access to the Caroma online training platform, $50,000 in gift cards and EAP counselling packages. COVID-19 Portal and business toolkit: The latest COVID news
membership and advice, tailored to the plumbing industry, a business toolkit with templates, SWMS, and webinars to help members stay COVID-safe and compliant. Safety system bundles: A complete framework of policies and procedures to help members keep sites compliant and their people safe.
Representing member interests In partnership with key stakeholders, Master Plumbers formed a formidable alliance to represent members interests across a range of challenges facing our industry. In 2021, we represented our members on more than 100 steering committees and provided formal submissions to over 70 enquiries. The COVID-19 pandemic Master Plumbers continued its active leadership role in representing the industry to government and the government to industry and was successful in
a combined effort to ensure that financial assistance packages provided by government included sole traders and small businesses. Regulatory oversight of gas servicing Master Plumbers advocacy was key to bringing the adoption of the Gas Servicing Standard (AS4575) in Victoria to its status of a Regulatory Impact phase and we continue to support a well-regulated gas sector for all Victorian consumers. Looking to a green future with hydrogen We have been active participants in several projects looking at both developing training and standards of work that would be required to facilitate the process of blending hydrogen into our existing gas infrastructure and how a 100 per cent hydrogen gas driven sector would roll out. Complex plumbing Master Plumbers has long advocated the need for better regulation of the
Members downloaded
3,489
Australian plumbing standards online
Members purchased
1.4 million
litres in fuel through our corporate partnership with Ampol
Members saved more than
$500,000
in fleet purchases with Toyota
Master Plumbers’ experts conducted more than
4,000
1 to 1 conversations to members by phone and email for OHS, IR and technical advice
www.plumber.com.au | 27
complex plumbing sector and the good news is that we are finally seeing some progress in Victoria. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) set up a complex plumbing subcommittee of the Plumbing Advisory Council with representatives from industry, regulators, and government. Automatic Mutual Recognition of Occupational Licensing With the Victorian Parliament accepting the Federal Treasurer’s plans for AMR, Master Plumbers is working to protect consumers and industry standards.
Thank you to all of our 2021 members We appreciate your continued support pain about the cost and availability of insurance and has advocated the need for reforms including review of the existing Ministerial Order.
Securing the future of our workforce Master Plumbers fought hard to secure the future of our workforce, expand its service offering and instil a greater culture of compliance and safety throughout the business.
Master Plumbers has recognised that there are several factors required to maintain the self-certification regime and have strongly represented what we see as shortcomings and needed improvements to Victorian regulators.
Our field officers and other PAV staff focused on maintaining morale across the cohort, increased oneto-one and team calls and check ins, and made additional resources and training available to nurture and encourage our predominantly young and vulnerable workforce. As a result, we were able to quickly re-start, having the talent secured for engagement back into trade.
Insurance
Joint venture to rescue jobs
Master Plumbers heard members’
In parallel with the challenge in
Self-certification
28 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
Victoria, Master Plumbers worked in joint venture with Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) create Plumbing Apprentices Queensland (PAQ). PAQ continues to grow, servicing MPAQ members and the SE Queensland community with apprentices studying at the futuristic PICAC Beenleigh campus, jointly owned by Master Plumbers. Expansion of WHS business The Master Plumbers Work Health and Safety (WHS) offering continues its upward trajectory, with national interest in our market-leading products producing almost $100k in sales from our expansion into Queensland. Instilling a culture of compliance and safety Master Plumbers is extremely proud of its efforts to encourage and instil a greater culture around safe work practices, which has led to even fewer injuries reported by PAV Apprentices and a 40 per cent reduction in its workers compensation premium.
Members saved more than
$70,000
by completing plumbing training with Master Plumbers
Victorian Big Build program Master Plumbers PAV was proud to be announced as the preferred provider of plumbing apprentices for the $33 million Big Build Apprenticeships scheme that will provide 1,500 opportunities each year for four years to Victorian apprentices and trainees.
Training our industry A combination of online and face-to-face classes delivered apprenticeship and post trade training, as well as information and awareness sessions on behalf of industry stakeholders. The coming year will see the RTO deliver more training in the areas of Type A appliance servicing, Backflow, TMV and the Restricted Electrical License programs with the enhancement of training facilities across all campuses in Victoria. We also plan to take our popular training programs into Regional Victoria, making it more convenient for members to upskill than ever before.
Master Plumbers delivered more than
112,000
hours of training to plumbing apprentices, post trade and licensed level programs
A burgeoning digital ecosystem Master Plumbers’ continued investment in systems and infrastructure has enabled greater information sharing at a time when our members and the wider public have needed it most.
More than
2,000
gasfitters attended the 2021 Gas Heater Safety webinar series
Read the full report here: plumber.com.au/2021annualreport
The investment in our state-ofthe-art website, paired with our newly integrated CRM membership system and growing social media audience, had the Association well-positioned to respond to each of the twists and turns in a unique but eerily familiar year. Podium, an online text-based platform, and corporate partner of the Association, enabled a channel-agnostic, streamlined messaging service that combined text, social messaging, and online reviews in one easy to manage online dashboard. With thousands of messages exchanged, Master Plumbers looks forward to the role of new technologies in keeping members better connected than ever. www.plumber.com.au | 29
Member news Do you know the rules? From July 2021, WorkSafe Victoria has had the authority to issue infringement notice to individuals or companies where they have failed to keep a copy of a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for the duration of high-risk construction work. Master Plumbers OH&S Return to Work Officer Grace Squire outlines what a SWMS is, when it is needed and how to make sure yours is effective.
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is pretty much what the name suggests – it’s a document that outlines any high-risk construction work that is to be carried out and the control measures that are put in place to ensure those tasks can be performed safely. Anytime a business or an individual is to conduct work in any of the 19 high-risk work categories – such as when there is a risk of a person falling more than two meters, where there is a risk of engulfment or work on or adjacent active roads or railways – they will need to develop a SWMS before actually doing the work. Plumbers are likely to find themselves working in many of these high-risk categories including working at heights, in trenches, next to roadways or where there’s traffic, or working with plant machinery. 30 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
SWMS are site-specific and written in respect to the hazards and risks of a particular site. They are best developed in consultation with the people doing the work. There is no point having a SWMS put together by someone sitting in the office recommending guardrails around a particular job, and then having a contractor on the site who decides it’s more practical to just use a harness or no safety gear at all. That’s where the risk increases and accidents happen. That’s why it is important to that everyone on site is briefed before work begins, that they go through the relevant SWMS, accept and understand any control measures and sign onto the SWMS before starting any high-risk work. Multiple hazards, such as electrical and working at heights hazards, can be combined into one SWMS or individual SWMSs can be developed to address each hazard. The supervisor has a responsibility to ensure all work is carried out in accordance with the SWMS. The SWMS needs to be kept on site where they can be easily accessed by everyone – in the site office, in
the ute or on an electronic device are all fine. A good SWMS is one that’s written in language that the people doing the work understand. You don’t want a 50-page SWMS with legal jargon as people will ‘tick and flick’ and that’s not what we want. There needs to be clear, concise instructions too, you can’t say ‘ensure staff are adequately trained,’ you need to be specific and say, for example, ‘staff need to have completed working at heights training’ and register their certificate in the SWMS. When WorkSafe come out on site they want to see what systems are in place to perform high-risk work safely. They’ll look for SWMS that are site specific and cover off the hazards associated with that site. Master Plumbers provides a service to members and the broader plumbing industry to help them prepare for high-risk work. We have 36 different templates available to members, and we are there to provide advice and customisation. For advice and support about SWMS, visit plumber.com.au/ohs or call 1800 133 871.
NEW VIPER SERIES
VIPER X
VIPER X
23LPM @ 5000PSI
CLASS
B
PHANTOM
VIPER A
31LPM @ 4300PSI
20LPM @ 4000PSI
Includes 7 pce Rootax nozzle box
Includes 7 pce Rootax nozzle box
PRICE
PRICE
$10,990
+GST
$12,900
+GST
CLASS
A
Includes 3Flow nozzle box + Tornado nozzle
PRICE
Free freight to your nearest dealer. Call us on 1800 816 830 to find out more.
$8,920
+GST
enviroline.net.au (Dealers Australia Wide)
PUTTING OUR PARTNERS FIRST At IAPMO, our clients are the heart of our business. As Australia and New Zealand’s leading global certification body, we help manufacturers navigate the complexities of product certification with ease and efficiency. Our local team of technical experts are agile and responsive to our clients’ unique needs and objectives, embracing innovation in providing unrivaled customer service. Partner with IAPMO today by calling +61 3 8684 9580
ENGAGE AND LEARN ABOUT THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA’S GAS INDUSTRY
POSTPONED TO EARLY 2022 7-11 FULLARD ROAD NARRE WARREN, VICTORIA 3805 WWW.IAPMOOCEANA.ORG ©IAPMO2021
www.plumber.com.au | 31
Member news
Know how to be “smart”? After the Federal Government recently committed Australia to a goal of net zero emissions by 2050 – aligning us with more than 130 countries who have either set or are considering the same target – attention has turned to innovative ways that households and businesses alike can support the push to a more sustainable future. From Dromana on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Energy Smart Water is kicking goals with a range of energy-efficient technologies that give customers the freedom to decide where their excess energy is used while also reducing the cost of energy bills.
Although Australia has a strong uptake of solar solutions, past figures have shown a large portion of home-generated energy is either wasted or fed back to the grid for little return. That’s where Energy Smart Water comes in. Their locally manufactured ENERMAX SMARTcube watertank uses hygienic heat exchange technology and acts as a thermal battery, allowing excess energy from sources like photovoltaic rooftop systems to heat water and store until needed.
The linearly controlled AC.THOR Photovoltaic Power Manager takes things a step further by diverting excess energy towards underfloor heating, pools and spas or electric vehicle charging to ultimately support optimized Photovoltaic self-consumption. Products like these, and the ROSC20 which produces an off-grid hot water solution, are making a difference not only to the environment but to the hip pocket of customers. Energy Smart Water Director Norm Anderson, also Vice-President of Master Plumbers’ Board, says the flexibility afforded to customers is a key selling point of the products. “If you manage your energy properly, you don’t need battery storage. You put it to work in hot water.” For more information, visit www.esw.net.au
32 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
Cbus Promotion
Your Future, Your Super legislation What employers need to know about stapling On 17 June 2021, the Government passed the Your Future, Your Super (YFYS) legislation which introduced three major reforms: • Stapling • Performance test • Best Financial Interests Duty Stapling poses the greatest change for employers as it is a new law that will link a person to one super fund and the stapled fund will follow the person when they change jobs. This is due to come into effect from 1 November 2021.
What does this mean for employers?
Cbus is here to help
When you onboard a new employee, on or after 1 November 2021, and they don’t actively choose their own super fund, you’ll need to manually search for each new employee’s stapled super fund account via the ATO and manually update your payroll system with the employee’s stapled account details.
We understand that this is a big change in how new employees join a super fund and creates extra complexity for employers.
If an employee wants their super paid to a particular fund (including your default fund), you’ll need to provide a Choice of Fund form within 28 days for them to complete and submit it to your HR/ payroll team to action their request.
Cbus is committed to help you stay on top of these changes to ensure you meet your super obligations. For more information, FAQs and the latest updates, visit cbussuper.com.au/stapling
Cbus’ Trustee is United Super Pty Ltd. ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262 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 and related documents to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au for a copy. Also read the Target Market Determination at cbussuper.com.au/tmd
Did you know that from 1 November 2021, any new employees that you hire will be stapled to one super fund? If a new employee doesn’t actively choose a super fund, you’ll need to search for their stapled fund via the ATO. Need more information?
Visit cbussuper.com.au/stapling to find out what your super obligations are.
Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262. You should read the Employer Handbook, Cbus Industry Superannuation Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and other relevant documentation to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au
1300 361 784 EmployerRelationships@cbussuper.com.au cbussuper.com.au www.plumber.com.au | 33
Member news Our members
speak out There are few issues as critical to our industry as the ability for licensed plumbers to access affordable and appropriate insurance, Master Plumbers reports on the interim findings of their recent member survey. Master Plumbers has conducted extensive research into the area of plumbers’ and plumbing businesses insurance. This culminated in a powerful Discussion Paper, which pointed to a looming crisis whereby plumbing insurance is likely to become harder to obtain and more expensive for members at their next renewal. To better understand what is going on in the insurance market, what that means for members, and what needs to change, Master Plumbers launched a survey in August this year seeking the views of fully licensed plumbers in Victoria. Here are some of the interim results of the survey
The cost of insurance is significant and is putting significant pressure on businesses • 73% think plumbing insurance is NOT reasonably priced • 64% agree the cost of plumbing insurance puts significant pressure on the viability of their business The process of obtaining/renewing insurance is difficult • 67% say they find obtaining/ renewing plumbing insurance stressful
Businesses are grappling with rising premiums, in the past three years… • 44% said their premiums have increased by up to 10% • 30% reported an increase of between 10% and 20% • 22% of respondents have experienced increases of more than 20% There is strong consensus on what action is required. Top three items for action: • Make insurance more affordable
• 69% believe using a broker makes it easier
• Total review of all compulsory plumbing insurances (under the Ministerial Order)
• 40% say they have given serious thought to leaving the industry or restricting the services offered because of insurance concerns
• Fix the gap between current plumbers’ insurance cover (6 years) and liability under the Building Act (10 years)
The full report will be available in the next edition or at plumber.com.au 34 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
Member news Protect your heritage and your health As Master Plumbers’ heritage-collection curator and former board member Peter Jensen researched his piece for the summer edition, he also investigated his health. In this edition Peter uncovers some old tools of the trade and reveals a little personal history in the hope of alerting plumbers to what they might be collecting if they’re not careful. It is the summer edition. And this summer we have a lot to celebrate – in some states it is the end of lockdown, for most it is a buzzing industry. Many of us have holidays on the horizon and there is always so much more to do. It has been a chaotic time for many and in all that it is easy to forget about your health. But forgetting can be dangerous as Peter well knows.
“During lockdown number six, I was in recovery from Prostate Cancer surgery,” Peter reveals. “So, boys of age,” he warns “have your regular tests with your doctor, it works.” “And ring me if you want to talk about it.” While he was in recovery, Peter has been busy restoring and making operational some tools, a couple of which have been mounted as a working display. For this edition, Peter is concentrating on three tools from the collection. He explains the tools and their ways of working below:
An improved drill stand or clamp The stand or clamp is principally used for drill holes in pipe and other round items. The drill stand is clamped with a chain around the water main to hold a ratchet brace to drill and tap a thread in the main. Booth brothers, William and George from Coburg in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, took out a Patent (No 8819) on their design on the 12th of June 1891. Two of these tools were found in the collection.
Ratchet brace and die/thread tap The improved drill stand and ratchet brace were used in combination as a tapping device 36 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
to water mains. It did take some effort to break down and make the ratchet brace operational. A portable display was made up with a section of cement-lined, cast-iron, water main (donated by Shinners Plumbing) with the tools attached. Peter actually used the tool to drill and tap the main and inserted the brass ferrule valve in the photos. The operation was easy, turn the ratchet brace and keep applying pressure from the threaded bolt on top of the ratchet brace. The ratchet brace & die/thread tap were made by Thomas Chatwin Ltd of Birmingham England, a stock, die & tool maker established in 1849.
It has been a chaotic time for many and in all that it is easy to forget about your health
... but forgetting can be dangerous as Peter Jensen well knows
The section of water main in the mounted display (now cleaned up) came from the Warrnambool Water Board who had donated it many years ago to Swinburne Technical College.
The chain brace jig was made by Millers Falls in Massachusetts USA.
According to Peter the chain brace jig was strapped around the main, then with a bib & brace and a wood drill bit a hole was drilled in the main. The die tap was attached to tap the main.
If you have something of interest or want to talk to Peter about his experience with prostrate cancer, he can be contacted at jensenpeterk@gmail.com or 0451 744 336.
Chain Brace Jig Donated by Shinners plumbing, who acquired it from an old Dandenong plumber, this very unusual and rare tool was also used to tap water mains, but the difference was they were wooden mains known as wood stave water mains. The wooden sections were bound with clamps and iron-binding wire and sealed with a bituminous coating.
Fast Facts
Prostate cancer 19,000
The number of new cases of prostate cancer in Australia every year Apart from common skin cancers, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men
60-79
Most common age for diagnosis of prostate cancer is 60-79
60 & under
40-55
If your father or brother has had prostate cancer before the age of 60, your risk will be twice that of others While prostate cancer is less common if you are under 50, people aged 40-55 are at risk of developing prostate cancer later in life if their prostate specific antigen (PSA) test results are above the 95th percentile
For more information, call Cancer Council 13 11 20 www.plumber.com.au | 37
Special promotion
Product news Choose the right tank
Sustainable solutions
Aussie’s revolution
Polymaster make choosing the right rainwater tank easy. The NEW 3D/AR technology lets you view our tanks in real time, true to size. You can visualise and place a rainwater tank in high-definition 3D to identify the best location and size for your job site. Our 2020 litre tank and built-in pump packages (BSLT2020):
The Revere® CO₂ Heat Pump
Australian Pump (Aussie Pumps) revolutionised drain cleaning with compact machines. Recently, they ran a competition to win a package worth $12,000. Entries included Sam: “I’ve worked with the rest, dealt with the mess, I now use Aussie Jetter, I put my trust with the best”. And Mat: “Jetters are better as I believe they clear the drain quicker and easier, clean mess on site which is an advantage. Safety wise these are a lot easier on the body than the drain cleaner”. The winner, Achilles Konstantinidis (pictured) wrote: “Aussie Jetters are 100% better as they can clear, cut and wash away the tree roots, as opposed to an eel that leaves roots behind and can cause blockages further down the line. Aussie Jetters are more efficient, more reliable, and best of all... nothing beats supporting an Aussie company”.
systems by Automatic Heating combine proven technology and ground-breaking design to deliver sustainable, cost-effective heating solutions for commercial, industrial and agricultural applications. Using natural CO₂ as the refrigerant and achieving a high coefficient of
• Reduce installation and connection time.
performance (COP) of up to 4.2,
• Achieve a 6-star Energy Rating.
ecological and financial benefits.
• 25mm outlets and 90mm overflows are fitted at both ends and come standard.
Achieving hot-water output of up to
• Single and double story pump options available.
ideal for Australian conditions.
• Certified to AS/NZS4020.
ultra-quiet operation and space-
• Warranties up to 10 years on BSLT Slimline range.
saving designs are also features of
Revere® CO₂ heat pumps offer both
90°C at both high and low ambient temperatures makes these systems Additional energy-saving functions,
this exceptional product range.
• We deliver in 21 days of order in VIC, SA and Southern NSW.
For more information visit
Try our Tanks today!
or call 1800 337 959.
38 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2021
www.automaticheating.com.au
For more information visit aussiepumps.com.au
Questions on the job?
has you covered Industry experts on speed dial? That’s right! Just one of the many benefits of being a Master Plumbers Member.
Scan the code below with your phone camera to sign up today.
PAID
AUSTRALIA
PP100019076
POSTAGE
PRINT POST
Prefer digital? If you’d prefer a feature-packed digital version of Australian Plumbing Magazine delivered straight to your inbox, just let us know...
For subscription changes, call 1800 133 871 or email info@plumber.com.au
PO Box 214 Brunswick VIC 3056
If undeliverable, return to
go to plumber.com.au/godigital or email communications@plumber.com.au
Or scan this QR code with your phone camera and we’ll take you straight there!
