Industry News

NEW SCAFFOLDING STEP HEIGHT

A revised Scaffolding code of practice came into effect on 1 July 2021, but the new required step height from the scaffold stair module to the working platform was delayed.

Section 2.7.1.1 of the code now applies to any stand-alone scaffolding erected since 1 July 2022. The step height from the scaffold stair module to the working platform should be no more than 300mm if there is a change in direction between landings.

This change was made because the final step height from the scaffold stair to the working platform was typically around 500mm. Scaffold stair modules are traditionally 1.5 metres in height on scaffolds that have two metre lift heights, leaving a 500mm final step onto the work platform.

When workers step that high onto a work platform, especially if they have to turn and bend and are carrying equipment, there is risk of a slip, trip or fall.

Using two-metre-high scaffold stairs, or reconfiguring the scaffold, reduces the height of the step from the scaffold stair on to the working platform.

Slips, trips, falls, and musculoskeletal injuries remain ongoing concerns in the construction industry. This change to the code of practice was recommended by an industry steering group to reduce the risks in these areas.

For more information visit www.worksafequeensland.com.au

Article Source: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANERS ON ASBESTOS ROOFS

In March 2022, an unlicenced painter in Sherwood used high-pressure water spray equipment to clean a corrugated asbestos cement sheet roof for painting. As a result, asbestos-contaminated dust or debris (ACD) was spread across the site and neighbouring properties, including internal parts of the house next door through open windows.

In May 2022, an unlicensed painter in Tarragindi used a high-pressure cleaner on a corrugated asbestos cement sheet roof before painting. As a result, ACD was spread across the site, footpath and neighbouring properties. The spread of ACD could have been greater if the painter had not been asked to stop by a contractor working at a neighbouring property as he recognised the roof potentially contained asbestos.

In June 2022, an unlicensed painter in Coorparoo used high-pressure equipment on another corrugated asbestos cement sheet roof in preparation for painting. This again resulted in ACD spread across several locations on the property, a neighbouring yard, motor vehicles, the footpath and kerb and channel.

For further safety tips and how to manage future situations, view WorkSafe Queensland’s website at www.worksafeqld.gov.au.

Article Source: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

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NEW CODES AND STANDARDS – NCC

The new National Construction Code (NCC) is due to be released on 1 October 2022 and will be adopted on 1 May 2023. The NCC encapsulates the Building Code of Australia (BCA) (volumes one and two) and the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) (volume three).

The new PCA 2022 delivers several changes from the 2019 version including new provisions for on-site wastewater management, and a new verification method for sanitary plumbing and drainage pipe sizing. Also, a new verification method for cross-connection control also allows the user to identify a hazard risk by using a simple to follow matrix. Tested extensively across Australia, this verification method assists in improving the consistency of installations across all jurisdictions and remove the frustration often seen in the past.

With the adoption of the new PCA 2022, new versions of standards will also come into effect as “referenced documents”, some of these include: • AS/NZS3500:2021 Series • AS 2419: 2021 – Fire hydrant installations — System design, installation and commissioning • AS 3740: 2021 – Waterproofing of domestic wet areas • AS/NZS 4234: 2021 – Heated water systems — Calculation of energy consumption • AS 5216:2021 – Design of post-installed and cast-in fastenings in concrete • AIRAH-DA07:2021 – Criteria for moisture control design analysis in buildings • FPAA101D:2021 – Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Design and Installation — Drinking Water Supply • NSF/ ANSI/ CAN 372: 2020 – Drinking Water System Components – Lead Content

Additionally, the new AS/NZS2845.3:2020 – Backflow prevention devices – Field testing and maintenance of testable devices also comes into effect with the new PCA (as a secondary referenced document under AS/NZS3500.1:2021).

The new AS/NZS2845.3:2021 introduces new testing procedures that will come into effect with the new PCA, this means you will no longer be able to test to the 2010 version of the standard.

The Plumbing Code of Australia can be accessed at www.abcb.gov.au.

MPAQ members have free access to eight, double check industry relevant Australian Standards. These can viewed, downloaded, and printed at www.mpaq.com.au.

Article written by Ernie Kretschmer – Deputy Executive Director, MPAQ

KNOW THE ZONES—FIRE ANT BIOSECURITY ZONE CHANGES ARE COMING.

On 1 September 2022, 60 new suburbs in South East Queensland will be added to the existing fire ant biosecurity zones, while five suburbs will shift to a different zone.

The zone changes are in seven local government areas—Brisbane City, Lockyer Valley, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Ipswich and Logan.

Anyone working with or moving organic materials needs to be familiar with these zones, which help prevent the spread of fire ants.

See full article at www.fireants.org.au

Article supplied by National Fire Ant Eradication Program

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POSITIVE COMPLIANCE ACTION FOR ONLINE PLATFORMS

With online shopping continuing to grow, the WELS Compliance team have been focused on scanning for products that are being offered for sale online that don’t meet WELS requirements and should not be on the Australian market.

Over the past year, the WELS team have also been working closely with the platform providers for eBay, Alibaba, AliExpress, Amazon, and Wish to find and remove non-compliant products.

These companies have been collaborating with WELS to develop compliance policies to support their users and sellers agreements and to help with educating their sellers about meeting the requirements for Australia. Under special arrangements, the WELS team have authority to remove noncompliant product listings or to restrict a seller account if sellers continue to not comply. In 2021-22 alone, the WELS team found 991 sellers who had noncompliant listings and removed 2,787 products across the platforms and restricted the accounts of 40 sellers.

For more information visit waterrating.gov.au/news.

Article source: https://www.waterrating.gov.au/news/inkwels-issue-1-2022

NATION’S FIRST HYDROGEN WORKFORCE PLAN

The Queensland Government has delivered a nationwide first with the launch of a dedicated workforce development plan for the hydrogen industry.

Queensland’s Minister for Training and Skills Development the Hon. Di Farmer MP launched the Hydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap 2022-2032 in a speech to the Australian Clean Energy Summit in Sydney to build a pipeline of skilled, hydrogen-ready workers.

“This Roadmap is the first dedicated workforce development plan for the industry and sets a path to a strong and adaptable workforce for a safe and thriving Queensland hydrogen industry,” Minister Farmer said.

For more information on the Hydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/hydrogenroadmap

BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS FOR APPRENTICES

The ‘Breaking down the barriers for apprentices’ report was launched on 30 June by Minister for Training and Skills Development the Hon. Di Farmer MP.

The report is a review of the support that is provided to Queensland apprentices and trainees, with a focus on female apprentices in male dominated occupations. Providing twelve recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the Government, the report is the next step in an area where MPAQ has been a leader.

Seven of the recommendations relate to improvements for female apprentices with the key ones for the plumbing community being: • Urgent implementation of a Train to Retain Strategy 2.0. • Enhancing communication with apprentices and training through the provision of a digital card. • Providing advice to small businesses about the benefits of diversifying their workforce. • Construction Skills Queensland to develop a Queensland Women in Construction Strategy. • Review of administrative arrangements (including employer resource assessments) to ensure they are not an enabler of real or perceived conflict in the workplace.

MPAQ welcomes these recommendations. For some time, MPAQ have been calling for the provision of identification and enhanced communication for apprentices. MPAQ hopes there are ways that a digital card can be also used to increase licensing compliance as we have seen in other states. For example, if a person claims to be an apprentice their digital card can easily be checked. As opposed to the current burdensome process.

Plumbing has been a leader in the promotion of women in the trades through our ambassador programs, award nights, and our key role within women in construction. It is terrific to see this approach being adopted by the highest levels.

Plumbing is a great career no matter your gender and MPAQ will continue to work to make it even better for all.

To discuss further, contact MPAQ on 07 3273 0800.

Article written by Glen Chatterton (Manager, Industry Engagement and Strategic Projects - Services Trades College)

STATE BUDGET 2022/23

The 2022-23 Queensland State Budget was handed down on Tuesday 22 June by Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment the Hon. Cameron Dick MP. The budget includes a large infrastructure spend, particularly in the area of health. It also includes commitments to the construction of new schools as well as expansion and redevelopment work across various government assets.

The Budget contains an increase in payroll tax deductions, the continuation of apprentice and trainee wage rebates, and a focus on workforce participation programs. Finally, it has a key focus on Hydrogen both as pumped storage and, importantly, the development of this gas as a key industry within Queensland.

Please find below the key details that impact our sector:

• Budget surplus of $1.914B for the current financial year. • Deficit forecast of $1.03B for 2022-23. • Unemployment forecast of 4% for 2022-23. • Increased payroll tax deductions to businesses with annual wages between $1.3M and $10.4M by changing the phase out rate to 14.3c per dollar. For example, a business with $6.5M in taxable wages will receive an additional deduction of $26,000 per annum. • 50% payroll tax rebate for apprentice and trainee wages extended by 12 months to 30 June 2023. • $59.1B in capital program over four years ($15.5B to be spent this year), supporting around 48,000 construction jobs in 2022-23. Including:

• New hospitals in Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Coomera. • Hospital expansions in Cairns, Townsville, Robina, Mackay, Redcliffe, Ipswich, Hervey Bay, Princess Alexandra, QEII, Prince Charles and Logan. The construction of a Queensland Cancer Centre at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. • New ambulance stations in Caloundra South, Lawnton, Morayfield, Ormeau and Ripley. • Redeveloped ambulance stations in Southport, Pimpama and Toowoomba. • Five new primary schools to be built in: Caboolture West, Caloundra South, Ripley Valley, Greater Flagstone and Bars Scrub. • $19.9B for education and training (including TAFE). • $48B towards pumped hydro energy storage projects. • $3.34B Queensland Jobs Fund, which includes programs to support sectors such as hydrogen. • $100M Skilling Queenslanders for Work program to increase workforce participation.

To view the full 2022/23 State Budget visit budget.qld.gov.au.

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