FORM 4 PLUMBING CLARIFICATIONS

The Form 4 process has been in place in Queensland for a number of years now with the latest schedule of notifiable works updated in schedule 1 of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019. This has helped streamline the plumbing certification process for notifiable plumbing works. However, there are still common misconceptions in the industry regarding certain categories of Notifiable Works.

Plumbing and drainage works for all new buildings is still Permit Work that requires a Form 1 to be submitted to the local authority.

Examples of common notifiable work are:

• additions, extensions, or renovations to kitchens and bathrooms

• installing or replacing hot water heaters including electric, gas, solar, or heat pumps

• installing new or relocating fixtures such as toilets, showers, basins, and kitchen sinks.

There is no limit on the number of new fixtures that can be installed in existing buildings under Notifiable Works; however, there are limitations associated with the size of the building (a maximum rise of two storeys above ground) and whether the works involve in-ground drainage, trade waste, or an on-site sewer treatment plant on class 2-9 buildings. A Form 4 cannot be used in buildings more than two storeys high, even if the work is only adding one extra fixture. Notifiable Work (excluding drainage and trade waste) is only applicable in small commercial buildings where pipework can be accessed for inspection at any time as part of the Local Government auditing process.

Fire hydrant and fire hose reel alterations can be done under Notifiable Works if a building development approval has been issued for these works.

For example, a Form 4 can be used when adding a new fire hydrant or hose reel as part of a tenancy fit out that has building approval. However, any other alterations or removal of a fire service where no building certifier is involved would require a Form 1 Permit Work.

Other work that is automatically excluded from Notifiable Work includes: a. installing an appliance or fixture in a building that is connected to: i. a combined sanitary drain; or ii. a dual reticulated water supply provided by a water service provider; or b. work for, or connected to, trade waste; or c. work that uses a performance solution.

Further helpful resources can be found at www.qbcc.qld.gov.au.

MPAQ members can call the MPAQ technical team on 07 3273 0800.

Written

by

David Mitmannsgruber – Senior Associate at Interior Engineering, committee member of the AHSCA QLD chapter and director of the AHSCA Research Foundation